Discomfort During Pregnancy: Leg Cramps

Leg cramps during pregnancy can be caused by calcium deficiency and/or poor circulation. If you are not consuming enough calcium, the increased demands for calcium by the growing infant’s body may be leaching calcium from your bones and muscles. The pressure of the baby on blood vessels and nerves that lead to your legs may also be a factor in leg cramps.

Be sure to tell your healthcare professional if you are having frequent leg cramps. Your doctor may want to increase your calcium intake with a supplemental calcium tablet. Wearing support stockings, resting with your legs elevated and exercising moderately may also help decrease your leg cramps.