All Communities > February 2009 Babies > 2nd Pregnancy!! Cramping legs

2nd Pregnancy!! Cramping legs

Marguerite - posted on 01/28/2011 ( 5 moms have responded )

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Hi guys,
Does any one have any tips for cramping legs through the night. I've been woken to horrible cramps in both legs having to get my husband to quickly push my toes backwards to relieve pain. I lie on my left side at night generally with a pillow between my news. Sometimes I roll onto my back in my sleep. I don't remember having these cramps with my first pregnancy. Oh and spider vein city in my left leg.. Ouchie...Any tips people??

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5 Comments

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Sara - posted on 02/11/2013

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Milk! I had these bad during my first pregnancy and whenever I didn't drink a lot of milk, I would get so many! Goodluck. They are horrid :(

Kelina - posted on 02/02/2011

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MILK!!!!! legs cramps are caused by a lack of calcium not potassium. if you can't drink milk make sure you're taking a calcium supplement or getting your calcium other ways, like soy milk. you can also try standing up when they happen, which I know sounds completely counterproductive but works wonderfully. Good luck and congratulations!

Laura - posted on 02/02/2011

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Bananas before bed. They have pottassium which helps muscles not cramp. Also prop your legs up whenever you can.That's help the spider veins. Drink plenty of water too. Have your hubby give you a leg massage befoe bed to. It's help keep muscles soft and improve circulation.

Bridget - posted on 01/29/2011

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If you are not drinking enough water it can be from that too i would try to drink as much water as you can :)

Carly - posted on 01/28/2011

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The cramps can be usually from either low potassium/lactic acid buildup or baby is pressing on your sciatic nerve. Is it just 1 leg or both?

First try eating something potassium rich before bed, like a banana or orange juice. Don't exercise and avoid a lot of walking around before bed (can lead to lactic acid buildup in the muscles) Even drink a little OJ when you wake up with the cramp, it can help if it's from low potassium.

If it's sciatic then you are already doing the best thing by sleeping on your side with a pillow between your knees. Put a pillow behind your back to stop yourself from rolling over and sort of "tent" the blankets at your feet so the blankets don't pull your toes forward, causing a cramp. Trust me on that one, I have nerve damage from a ruptured disk and get terrible leg cramps from it.

Hope this helps! Charlie horses are the worst!!

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