Pregnant woman reduces calves at night. Reduces calves during pregnancy - what does it mean and how to help? Some concepts about such phenomena

Often, during the bearing of a baby, expectant mothers are faced with such a nuisance as painful cramps in the calves of the legs. The woman experiences short-term severe pain in the calf muscle, which hardens and feels like a stone. I can't move my leg or move. Cramps in the calves of the legs during pregnancy most often occur at night, but can also be observed during the day. Why does a painful spasm occur in the muscle and what to do when it reduces the calves of the legs during pregnancy?

A cramp is a sudden and involuntary muscle contraction that is accompanied by discomfort and pain. A seizure occurs suddenly and lasts for a minute. As a rule, cramps occur in the muscles of the lower leg, every second woman experiences them during pregnancy. Expectant mothers complain of calf cramps during pregnancy in both the first and third trimesters, most often they cramp their calves at night and do not allow them to relax and rest in peace.

Why reduces calves during pregnancy

The cause of any cramp is an excessive accumulation of lactic acid (lactates) in the muscle, which provokes an intense contraction of muscle tissue. The muscle contracts under the influence of nerve impulses with the participation of mineral salts. Pregnancy is the period when an imbalance of metabolism occurs in the body, associated with the restructuring and preparation for bearing the fetus. Therefore, cramps during pregnancy, especially in the calves, are not uncommon. It is the muscles of the lower leg, which account for the entire load, that are subject to contraction and painful attacks. In addition to the imbalance of minerals and biochemical substances in the body of the expectant mother, there are other reasons why the calves cramp during pregnancy.

Reduces calves during pregnancy: causes

During the period of bearing a baby, the body's need for vitamins, minerals, nutrients occurs twice, because a woman must provide everything necessary not only for herself, but also for the baby growing in the womb. With a lack of necessary elements in the mother's body, the developing fetus "takes" such important trace elements as magnesium, potassium, calcium. It is these minerals that are involved in the conduction of nerve impulses. There is an imbalance that provokes seizures.
Rapid weight gain during pregnancy, in which the fulcrum shifts, can cause painful leg cramps. The shins experience a huge load, accompanied by muscle strain, and cause cramps.
Varicose veins are a common cause of calf pain during pregnancy. Poor circulation in the muscles of the legs leads to painful spasms. In addition, the rapidly growing uterus affects the pelvic vein, thereby disrupting the outflow of venous blood. The blood stagnates and leads to swelling and cramps in the legs.
Reduces the calves of the legs during pregnancy against the background of the development of chronic diseases (flat feet, hormonal disorders of the endocrine system, thrombosis, neurological pathologies).
Decreased hemoglobin levels in the blood, low sugar levels, as a result of which the muscle tissue does not receive the necessary amount of nutrients and minerals, often causes painful cramps in pregnant women.
Spasm of the calf muscle can cause excessive consumption of caffeine if a woman abuses coffee, strong black tea.
Cramps in the calves of the legs can occur against the background of the use of a large amount of diuretic drugs that remove water from the body, and with it mineral salts and nutrients.
Wearing uncomfortable and narrow shoes during the day can cause strain in the calf muscles. In addition, pregnant women should not wear high-heeled shoes and tight clothes.

Causes of seizures by trimester

Leg cramps in the first trimester of pregnancy

The onset of pregnancy is usually accompanied by early toxicosis. This condition is characterized by symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, general malaise. Against the background of toxicosis, the body of the expectant mother is depleted and loses and does not receive a large amount of essential vitamins and minerals. Nutrient deficiencies lead to painful leg cramps throughout the first trimester, and the calf-pulling feeling of pregnancy. Severe toxicosis and night cramps are a reason to visit a gynecologist who will prescribe a vitamin and mineral complex that will help restore the balance of vitamins in a woman's body.

Leg cramps in the second trimester of pregnancy

The second trimester of pregnancy is a period of active growth of the uterus and fetus. At this stage, it is important to organize sufficient nutrition and provide the necessary vitamins and minerals to both the body of the mother and the baby. Seizures in the second trimester most often occur against the background of a mineral deficiency in the diet of the expectant mother. Another reason for painful attacks in the lower leg is the abuse of diuretics, which remove minerals and salts from the body.

Leg cramps in the third trimester of pregnancy

The last months of pregnancy are characterized by an intense increase in the tummy and, as a result, an increase in the load on the legs. It is becoming more and more difficult for a future mother to do her usual things, to move long distances. The extra pounds gained over the months of the "interesting situation" also make themselves felt at the end of the day. The legs swell, become heavy, and cramps in the calves often occur at night. And after an attack, pain in the muscles of the lower leg is felt even during the day. The main cause of leg cramps in the third trimester is the pressure of the uterus on the inferior vena cava, as well as varicose veins. Especially often reduces calves during pregnancy in women who are carrying a large baby or with multiple pregnancies. To avoid painful attacks, doctors recommend that pregnant women avoid lying on their back or right side.

Reduces calves during pregnancy: what to do

Often, a sudden attack of pain in the calf muscle takes a woman by surprise. What can be done to relieve pain and discomfort during a seizure?

The main rule is not to panic, but to remain calm, breathe deeply and evenly.
Pull your toes towards you, do this movement slowly. Relax your leg and repeat the movement again. These simple actions really help to quickly relieve spasm in the calf muscle.
If your toes are cramped, find support and press on your foot. Repeat this movement several times until the discomfort disappears.
Massage movements aimed at improving blood circulation help to relieve tension in the calf muscle and relieve discomfort. Rub your calf muscles well. A warm heating pad on the site of localization of pulling pain helps to eliminate cramps.
In some cases, a slight pinching of the calf or a small prick with a pin helps to remove the painful spasm.
When the sharp pain passes, you can walk a little so that the muscles return to their previous position. Then lie down with a pillow or cushion under your feet to reduce the outflow of blood.

Prevention of leg cramps during pregnancy

To avoid painful leg cramps during pregnancy, you should consult a doctor to find out the root cause of their occurrence. Knowing the cause of seizures, you can solve the problem and avoid unpleasant situations. It is also worth paying attention to the prevention of seizures during the period of bearing crumbs, which should be aimed at preventing vitamin deficiency and deficiency of trace elements necessary for the normal course of pregnancy, as well as increasing the physical activity of the expectant mother.

Pregnancy nutrition - prevention of seizures

To make up for the deficiency of minerals and vitamins, a pregnant woman should include the following foods in her diet:

Lean meats and fish, steamed. Meat and fish boiled and baked dishes rich in protein and healthy fats are useful.
Products from cereals rich in vitamins. Especially useful are buckwheat and oatmeal.
Dairy and sour-milk products (cheese, cottage cheese, yogurt, kefir) containing a large amount of calcium.
Vegetables, fruits rich in potassium, magnesium (apricots, bananas, legumes, figs and apples).
Nuts.

Pregnant women should listen to their body, which always tells what it needs. For example, if a future mother is “drawn” to chocolate, there is a lack of magnesium in her body. If you want flour products or bread, you should increase your nitrogen intake, the lack of which is replenished with protein. The lack of carbohydrates is indicated by the desire to eat sweets. The deficiency of vitamins and minerals in the body can be replenished by taking vitamin preparations prescribed by a doctor.

To prevent seizures, pregnant women should exclude from the diet tonic drinks containing caffeine (strong tea, coffee, energy drinks). Tonic drinks not only can lead to dehydration, but also stimulate muscle tone, causing the calf muscles to tense up.

Massage and gymnastics - prevention of cramps and varicose veins during pregnancy

Heaviness in the legs, swelling are frequent companions of pregnancy, especially in the last months of bearing a baby. To relieve tension and discomfort in the legs, in the evening, before going to bed, you need to take warm baths with sea salt. After taking a foot bath, a soothing light massage is useful, which will relax the muscles, improve blood circulation in the muscles and prepare for sleep. It is necessary to massage the legs starting from the foot, slowly moving towards the thigh, making stroking movements. Perform light stroking movements first, and then rub and knead the muscles. It is useful to perform a relaxing massage several times a day. Acupressure of the feet brings a good effect using needle rugs or balls that need to be rolled across the floor with the help of the foot.

After the massage, it is advisable to take a horizontal position, and put a roller or pillow under your feet. It is recommended to sleep on the left side. If a pregnant woman has seizures caused by varicose veins, you should pay attention to wearing special compression underwear, as well as using therapeutic ointments that will relieve muscle tension, improve blood flow and reduce the likelihood of leg cramps. Only a doctor can prescribe drugs. Among the effective ointments are:

Troxevasin.
Venitan.
Fastum gel.

Gymnastic exercises for leg cramps during pregnancy

Cramps during pregnancy are most often the result of circulatory disorders, so the regular performance of special gymnastic exercises can prevent attacks of spasms in the calf muscles.

The following exercises are helpful:

Slow raising on toes and lowering on the entire foot, repeat several times.
Rolling the foot from heel to toe.
Rotation of the legs and feet from a prone position. You can perform exercises such as "scissors", drawing invisible circles, numbers, letters. Rhythmically alternate swinging legs up and down.
Flexion and extension of the feet, toes, pulling the socks towards you, thereby stretching and toning the calf muscle.

Folk remedies for leg cramps during pregnancy

For the prevention of seizures in the lower extremities, folk recipes are used to replenish the missing trace elements in the diet of the expectant mother and improve nerve conduction. It is advisable to combine folk methods with vitamin and mineral complexes prescribed by a doctor.

Infusion of licorice root from cramps during pregnancy

Licorice is a unique medicinal plant that has a beneficial effect on the nutrition of the tissues of the muscles of the lower extremities. In addition, licorice root infusion has a tonic effect on nerve fibers, normalizes their conductivity. As a result, the number of seizures is reduced. To prepare a healing tincture, you need to pour 100 grams of the plant with 0.5 liters of boiling water and insist until the water cools. Take tincture three times a day, 1 tsp.

Decoction of hawthorn for leg cramps during pregnancy

Hawthorn has a remarkable effect of normalizing the work of muscle cells and restoring nerve fibers. To prepare a decoction, you need to take 3 tablespoons of the plant and its fruits, pour 0.5 liters of boiling water, bring to a boil. Boil for 5 minutes, and then leave to infuse for up to 3 hours. Take tincture 5 times a day for 2 tbsp. The duration of treatment with a decoction of hawthorn is 3 weeks.

Eggshell for leg cramps during pregnancy

As you know, eggshell is the richest source of calcium, which is involved in the structure of bone and muscle tissue. Taking eggshells in powder form is an excellent prevention of calcium deficiency in the body. To prepare the product, you need to crush the washed shell of a raw egg in a mortar and add 4-5 drops of fresh lemon juice to it. Take a vitamin remedy once a day.

Cramping during pregnancy is an unpleasant phenomenon that can be easily avoided. It is enough to listen to the signals of your body and follow the recommendations of the doctor. Regular massage, special gymnastics, leisurely walks will be beneficial and will be an excellent prevention of night cramps. Do not forget about proper and rational nutrition and, if necessary, take vitamin preparations selected by your doctor.

Bearing a child is accompanied by numerous changes in the female body. And most of them are not very pleasant. Therefore, the expectant mother should be armed with a maximum of useful information about the upcoming changes and be ready for them. One of them is involuntary contractions of the leg muscles, which are accompanied by pain.

Why does it reduce calves during pregnancy at night?

This condition is a tension of the calf muscle, stretching the foot. For a while, the leg is difficult to relax and return to its normal position. These muscle spasms are called spasms by doctors. Pregnant women are afraid of this condition, and they can be understood.

The reason for muscles during pregnancy is that mineral metabolism disorders occur in the body, for example, there is a deficiency of substances such as magnesium, potassium and calcium. Congestive processes in the vessels of the legs can provoke convulsions. Congestion during pregnancy is a common occurrence. During this period, the needs of the female body for minerals also increase, because they are now needed for two.

The parathyroid gland influences the exchange of calcium and the maintenance of its normal level in an ordinary person. During childbearing, its function decreases. Therefore, the level of calcium in the blood decreases. Accordingly, failures occur in the metabolism of magnesium and potassium, because these three substances are closely interconnected.

Recall that every woman has her own taste preferences. If she does not like and does not eat fermented milk products containing a lot of calcium, then the risk of night cramps during pregnancy increases.

Another reason for such an unpleasant phenomenon is the pressure of the uterus on the inferior vena cava, which is located to the right of the spine. This disrupts the outflow of venous blood from the extremities. More often, this phenomenon occurs at night, in a prone position, in the third trimester of bearing a baby, when the uterus has already reached a significant size.

Cramps of the calf muscles during this period are also catalyzed by varicose veins. On the other hand, just muscle spasm may be evidence of the onset of development. In this case, in addition to convulsions, a woman will constantly feel heaviness in her legs, fatigue.

When expectant mothers have swollen legs in late pregnancy, they are often prescribed diuretics. They are also able to aggravate leg muscle spasms, because mineral substances are also excreted with excess fluid.

As you can see, there can be many reasons for convulsions in pregnant women. The negative phenomenon should be reported to the obstetrician-gynecologist. He will find out the cause of the problem and select the optimal treatment.

How can you help yourself with cramps?

You can remove them quite quickly if you try, overcoming pain, pull your toes towards you. You can pinch a muscle; prick it in several places with a pin, hairpin; intensively rub the area under the knee with your hand. Heat also helps to relieve spasms. It can be a compress with warm water and just pouring hot water on your feet in the shower.

Prevention of seizures during pregnancy

Usually, when a sleeping expectant mother has such a condition for the first time at night, she is very frightened. In fact, it is stressful for her and for the baby. And during such an important period, stress is dangerous. Therefore, it is worthwhile to deal with the prevention of the occurrence of such conditions. Try not to be passive, move more, do it systematically, visit the pool, swim. Take a contrast shower on the shins, massage your legs in the evening before going to bed, attracting your husband to this.

An important condition for the prevention of seizures is a daily balanced diet with the inclusion of bananas, dried apricots, potatoes, legumes in the menu. Dairy products are rich sources of calcium. Spinach, carrots, greens contain a lot of magnesium. However, doctors emphasize that a woman's need for minerals in the last trimester increases so much that food does not solve the problem of their deficiency. Therefore, it is necessary to take vitamin and mineral preparations for lactating and pregnant women.

It is also important to sleep on the left side or put a small pillow under the right buttock, redistributing the weight of the uterus on the left side of the body. So in the last stages of bearing the baby, the pressure on the inferior vena cava decreases.

If a pregnant woman has varicose veins, then compression underwear can also become a means of preventing seizures.

Cramps are involuntary muscle contractions accompanied by pain. Often this condition is observed in pregnant women. And most often it worries women at night. Why does it reduce the calves of the legs at night in pregnant women? The development of this pathology can be preeclampsia (toxicosis), leading to dehydration of the body; deficiency of certain trace elements.

According to statistics, 5 out of 10 women complain that they cramp their calves at night during pregnancy. This pathology interferes with proper sleep, and sometimes serves as the cause of insomnia. In addition, cramps in the calf muscles cause severe pain and can bother several times a night.

Signs of seizures

In addition to unbearable pain, women suffering from periodic cramps at night experience the following symptoms:

spontaneous sipping of the foot;
paresthesia (tingling, numbness) of the gastrocnemius muscle;
muscle contractions of the calf.

On average, the convulsive contraction of the calf muscle lasts a few seconds, and the pain syndrome can persist for another 2-3 days.

Causes of seizures

Why does pregnant women bring legs together? The causes of seizures in women who are expecting a baby can be diseases such as varicose veins of the lower extremities, flat feet, and thyroid pathology. But much more often, the causes of seizures are the following factors:

Tension of the limbs. During pregnancy, there is an increase in body weight, and by the end of the term, the load on the legs becomes more and more.
Micronutrient deficiency. These substances are necessary for the fetus for its normal growth and development. The deficiency of these trace elements in a pregnant body often occurs due to insufficient intake of them with food. This, in addition to convulsions, is accompanied by other symptoms:

lack of magnesium - fluctuations in blood pressure (blood pressure), instability of the emotional background, sleep disturbances, uterine hypertonicity;
lack of potassium - depression, exsicosis, intestinal disorders;
lack of calcium - caries, fragility of hair and nails.

Hypohemoglobinemia. Low hemoglobin often leads to convulsive contractions of the legs during pregnancy.
Hypoglycemia. Lack of glucose in the bloodstream can occur as a result of malnutrition, diseases of the pancreas.
Gestosis of the first half of pregnancy. Toxicosis before the 20th week of pregnancy is manifested by nausea and vomiting. With vomit, the body loses a large amount of fluid, which causes dehydration, and as a result, convulsions.
Irrational nutrition. This item implies a monotonous diet, which leads to a lack of nutrients, as well as a large consumption of carbonated and caffeinated drinks - they lead to dehydration.
Taking diuretics. A large number of trace elements are excreted in the urine. This leads to a violation of mineral metabolism, which is another cause of seizures.
Wearing tight clothes and shoes. The development of seizures in this case contributes to the wearing of tight trousers, jeans; uncomfortable shoes.
Wrong posture for sleeping. In the later stages, the optimal sleeping position is the position on the left side. Lying on its back, the pregnant uterus contributes to clamping the inferior vena cava. Inadequate blood flow to the limbs during pregnancy leads to the fact that the calves of the legs are reduced at night.

Convulsions in early pregnancy most often occur due to preeclampsia or poor nutrition, and in the later stages, the main causes are compression of the inferior vena cava and micronutrient deficiencies.

First aid for the development of seizures

If convulsive contractions occur, their relief can be achieved in the following ways:

pull your big toe in your direction; you can help yourself with a hand, a towel;
rub and massage the muscle from the center to the periphery;
you can use a warm compress to relieve spasm (heating pad, hot water bottle, hot shower);
prick the caviar with a needle;
place your foot on a cold surface.

Treatment of calf muscle cramps

At the first sign of seizures, it is necessary to tell the local gynecologist about this. After a clinical examination and some laboratory tests, he finds out the exact cause and prescribes a rational treatment:

if the reason is poor nutrition, the woman's diet is adjusted;
rehydration therapy is prescribed to prevent preeclampsia;
in the presence of varicose veins, special gels and ointments (heparin ointment) are used.

Symptomatic therapy is the appointment of gels and creams:

"Fastum Gel" - due to the improvement of blood circulation, it has a warming effect;
"Troxevasin" - reduces the permeability of cell membranes, has a decongestant effect;
"Venitan" - improves microcirculation, has an analgesic effect.

Remember that many drugs are prohibited during pregnancy. Therefore, medication should be taken strictly according to the doctor's prescription.

Folk methods to eliminate seizures

The most effective and safe traditional medicine recipes:

Cold cabbage leaf - has a decongestant effect, activates metabolism in cells. The sheet must be applied to the caviar for a few minutes.
Soap containing glycerin. They need to rub the caviar.
Drink a few sips of cucumber pickle.

Gymnastics for cramps

Gymnastic exercises will help to relieve convulsive syndrome well:

Stand on your toes, then take the usual position. Repeat movements 10 times. It is recommended to perform several approaches in the morning and evening.
Do lunges forward 3 times alternately with the left and right foot.
Lean against the wall with your palms, then move back in small steps; while the body remains in place.

Prevention of seizures during pregnancy

To prevent convulsive syndrome, it is enough to observe the following rules:

Wear comfortable clothing and shoes that do not restrict movement. Heeled shoes, tight jeans are excluded.
Regular intake of vitamin complexes, which include magnesium, potassium, calcium.
Rational nutrition - the use of a variety of foods, which include basic vitamins and minerals (foods that have magnesium in their composition: buckwheat, barley, oatmeal; seaweed, legumes, nuts; foods containing potassium: nuts, dried apricots, potatoes, lentils ; monotonous nutrition is excluded).

Outdoor walks in sunny weather (enrichment of the body with vitamin D).
Ensuring good rest, distribution of physical activity during the day.
The choice of a sleeping position that prevents clamping of the inferior vena cava.
Regular limb massage, warm foot baths.
Prevention of hypothermia of the feet - putting on warm shoes, socks. Warm slippers are recommended at home.
Performing gymnastic exercises.

During pregnancy, often reduces the calves of the legs at night. At the first manifestations of seizures, a woman does not need to panic - it is recommended to rub, massage the limb. If the symptoms continue to bother, in order to avoid unwanted complications, you need to call an ambulance.

Pregnancy is a wonderful time for every woman. The birth of a new life brings a lot of new impressions to the life of the expectant mother. "Interesting position" allows you to take a more conscious look at your own body. Every day you have to listen, adapt to physical and psychological changes. And during this period they occur quite intensively. Support and understanding of the immediate environment at this stage is worth its weight in gold! Very often in pregnant women it reduces calves at night, which gives a lot of worries and discomfort. Let's consider this problem in more detail.

Painful sensations in the legs interfere with proper rest. It is known that insufficient sleep negatively affects the emotional state of a pregnant woman. Nocturnal eclampsia that lasts for a long time can have serious implications. The cause can be various diseases. Any illness of the expectant mother is fraught with serious consequences for the fetus. Therefore, at the first symptoms, it is necessary to take prompt measures to identify the cause. This will help prevent the development of harmless pathologies.

Characteristics of symptoms

Attacks of calf muscle cramps are easy to identify. There is a sharp spasm, the shins begin to reduce. As a result, it is impossible to make arbitrary movements. The person experiences pain in the legs, the muscles of which become hard. The calves are extremely tense, the feet, toes are deformed: they bend or twist.

It's important to know! Such a syndrome is often observed with increased physical exertion, neurotic diseases, diseases of the vascular system. In pregnant women, such symptoms are quite common due to the physiological characteristics of the condition.

Causes of convulsive syndrome in expectant mothers

Why does it reduce calves during pregnancy, many women "in position" would like to know. The main causes of discomfort in the legs are various factors. Among them, there are those that are easy to eliminate on their own. Others - require the attention of a doctor. So, possible provocateurs of seizures include:

Lack of essential trace elements in the body: K, Mg, Ca, Fe.
Toxicosis at an early stage of pregnancy. Leads to nutrient deficiencies.
Preeclampsia is a complication of pregnancy, manifested by edema, high blood pressure, eclampsia.
Phlebeurysm.
Flat feet.
Pathology of the thyroid gland.
Problems with the spine.
Uncomfortable shoes.
Extra weight gain.
Big belly.
Uncomfortable bed.

Since pregnant women regularly visit a gynecologist, the presence of alarming symptoms should not be a secret. Successful cooperation with doctors will help to identify a possible pathology and cure it.

Features of manifestations in different terms

The appearance of calf spasms is mainly characteristic of the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. The cause of the condition is often an enlargement of the uterus, which puts pressure on the vascular system of the small pelvis. For the same reason, blood circulation in the inferior vena cava, located on the right side of the spine, may be disturbed.

In the early stages, muscle cramps occur as a result of toxicosis. Due to the rejection of many products, a permanent lack of vitamins is manifested. As a result, a metabolic disorder is formed, which in turn affects the neuromuscular processes.

Help a woman with spasms

The seizure usually does not last long. Maximum - 2-3 minutes. But during this short interval, unpleasant sensations periodically unbalance not only the suffering woman, but also all family members. What to do when it reduces calves at night during pregnancy? There are many ways to relieve pain syndromes, depending on the underlying cause of eclampsia.

Rapid pain relief

When an ambulance is needed, experts advise the following actions:

Sip the foot by the toes up and towards you. This should be done slowly, overcoming discomfort. You can ask your husband for help. The spasm stops instantly. It's all about the work of the muscles of the reverse action (antagonists), which are "turned on" by the applied method.
Perform an impromptu calf massage: rub, pinch, even prick with a sharp object. Thus, blood circulation in the painful area is regulated.
Get up quickly and transfer the entire weight of the body to the affected leg. Then roll from heels to toes and back for a while.
Apply a cold cabbage leaf to the calf muscles. The compress will perfectly relieve swelling, anesthetize and cool the limbs.

These actions can briefly alleviate the condition of a pregnant woman. For a long-term stable effect, other therapeutic measures are needed.

medical appointments

Taking medication during pregnancy requires caution. But sometimes it's the only best option. It is worth remembering that medication can only be prescribed by the attending physician. With eclampsia, expectant mothers are recommended medications in certain cases:

Micronutrient deficiencies. In this case, the intake of vitamin preparations is prescribed.
Varicose veins: ointments, creams, safe during pregnancy.
With increased swelling, you will have to drink special diuretic drugs.
In case of diseases of the thyroid gland or problems with the spine, a comprehensive examination is necessary. Depending on the diagnosis, the doctor will determine the therapeutic treatment.

Attention! Independent use of medications, ointments is highly undesirable. To relieve symptoms, continuous treatment for at least a week is necessary.

Folk remedies

If it regularly reduces the calves of the legs during pregnancy at night, traditional medicine comes to the rescue. During the period of bearing a child, homemade recipes are often the best option. The result of such treatment gives positive results. According to expectant mothers, acupressure is especially effective. It is not difficult to master it yourself, or ask a sympathetic relative. Basic tricks:

Press with your thumb into the popliteal fossa, then to a point five centimeters above the heel. Press with force.
The next step is to simultaneously press parallel points on the shins. The distance between them is no more than 3-5 cm. The places of pressing are determined “by eye”, arbitrarily. It is enough to designate 3 pairs of such points.
Pressing on the points should be done from the bottom - up the calf, several times per reception, until muscle relaxation is achieved.

Advice! If there are a number of symptoms of leg diseases, experts advise Kuznetsov's Applicator. The massager has become a real salvation for many generations of people. With regular use, it normalizes lymphatic drainage flows in the legs, preventing varicose veins.

As a preventive measure against foot diseases, it is advised to roll a wooden rolling pin or a bottle on the floor with your foot. Large wax candle - cheap and angrily massage the calves of the legs. You need to roll it along the lower leg every evening. Thus, the muscles and vascular system are strengthened.

An ordinary mustard plaster placed on the back of the lower leg helps to relieve pain. A hot shower (40 degrees), watering a sore spot, has a similar effect.

Prevention of night cramps in the calves of the legs during pregnancy

You can avoid many troubles by eliminating the conditions for their occurrence. Our health is in our hands, so we act according to the plan and do not leave convulsions any chance. So, in order not to reduce the calves of the legs at night during pregnancy, it is important to carry out preventive measures:

Follow your diet. Fresh vegetables, dairy products, dried fruits and nuts are the best friends of expectant mothers.
Why it is worth giving up, so from tonic drinks (coffee, strong tea).
At the first sign of varicose veins, it is useful to wear special stockings or pantyhose.
In the later stages, doctors recommend that women wear a prenatal bandage.
A regular contrast shower is an excellent training for blood vessels and strengthening the immune system.
Moderate physical activity, especially in the morning, will help to avoid many problems.
Keep your feet elevated while you sleep. A pregnancy pillow is a great solution.

Emotional support from a spouse and other family members helps just as well as medication. Solidarity and help from loved ones will overcome all the difficulties of a difficult stage in a woman's life.

Conclusion

Waiting for the replenishment of the family is a joy. It is good when she is not overshadowed by the health problems of the expectant mother. Getting pregnant, bearing a child is not an easy process, requiring great physical and psychological effort. With the birth of a baby, a happy mother forgets all the difficulties that accompanied her at the time of pregnancy.

Night cramps are common. An integrated approach helps to quickly eliminate the source of discomfort. The main thing is not to neglect the advice of a specialist. Qualified assistance provided in time will determine the exact cause of a health disorder, and eliminate serious consequences.

Many women throughout pregnancy may experience such an unpleasant phenomenon as leg cramps. This happens most often at night. At the same time, the expectant mother experiences severe pain, and the muscles become stone. At such moments, the legs do not obey at all, it is impossible to move them. Of course, seizures can occur in anyone. However, during pregnancy, the risk of experiencing such a phenomenon is much higher.

If it reduces the calves during pregnancy very often, then the usual massage in such a situation cannot be dispensed with. These spasms occur only in certain situations. This allows the expectant mother to adjust her lifestyle accordingly. If convulsions haunt a woman throughout pregnancy, then you should consult a doctor for help.

Varicose veins

Very often reduces calves during pregnancy precisely because of the development of varicose veins. This disease develops as a result of a violation of the outflow of blood in the lower extremities. During pregnancy, the uterus begins to increase in size and compress one of the main veins. The result is leg spasm. If a woman previously suffered from varicose veins, then during pregnancy her situation only gets worse.

So that varicose veins do not cause cramps, the expectant mother can wear special clothes, in this case pantyhose. Also, with this ailment, you can use special lotions that will be safe for the fetus.

It is not recommended to try to cure varicose veins on your own, as this can lead to disastrous consequences. Before taking any remedy, you should consult with specialists. Treatment of cramps of the calf muscles with varicose veins should be carried out by a highly qualified doctor.

Lack of calcium, magnesium and potassium

Very often reduces calves during pregnancy due to a lack of certain trace elements. In most cases, cramps occur due to a lack of potassium, magnesium and calcium. To correct this situation, the expectant mother must adjust her diet. Proper and balanced nutrition, as well as taking vitamin complexes, can eliminate cramps during pregnancy.

In the diet of a woman should be present foods containing calcium. These include fermented milk products, sesame seeds, onions, green salad, all varieties of cheese, and more. If convulsions during pregnancy occur due to magnesium deficiency, then nuts, buckwheat, various greens and carrots should be present in the diet of the expectant mother. If the reason is a lack of potassium, then it is worth eating more bananas, dried apricots, potatoes and legumes.

At the same time, it is worth remembering that changes in the diet do not always save women from cramps in the legs. Often, experts prescribe vitamin-mineral complexes to expectant mothers. The intake of such drugs should be carried out only under the supervision of a doctor so that a pregnant woman does not harm her child.

Fixing bugs

In addition to correcting the diet, a woman must follow certain rules so that she is not disturbed by cramps during pregnancy at night. For example, you should stop drinking coffee and tea, as these drinks can stimulate muscles. Because of this, they are in suspense, even if the expectant mother is resting.

Avoid wearing tight clothing. Things should be comfortable and not cause discomfort and muscle spasms. High heels should be avoided during pregnancy. If there are signs of the development of varicose veins, then you can choose special stockings or pantyhose only after consulting with specialists.

Treatments for spasms

In fact, the treatment of calf muscle cramps includes not only taking vitamin complexes, but also various procedures that can eliminate spasms. If a woman spends most of the day on her feet, then special baths should be taken before going to bed. To do this, sea salt is taken and added to water at room temperature. Such baths help relieve muscle tension and fatigue.

If it often reduces calves during pregnancy, then you can resort to a procedure such as massage. After all, when it is performed, blood circulation is normalized. The massage is usually done with stroking light movements towards the hips from the feet.

How to get rid of spasm

If the calf cramps woke up the expectant mother, then you can relieve the pain by pulling your leg towards you by the sock. You can also lightly pinch the muscles. Heat often helps if you apply it to the back of the lower leg. For these purposes, you can use mustard plasters or warm water. Shower is ideal. It is both a massage and warmth.

If calf cramps occur during pregnancy, then, first of all, you need to pull the muscle where the spasm began. At the same time, the expectant mother should relax. Many people recommend doing massage for spasm.

However, here it is worth being careful, since if the procedure is carried out incorrectly, a new cramp may occur. To normalize blood circulation in the legs, you should walk for a while. If you want to avoid repeated spasms and ensure a normal outflow of blood, lie down and elevate your legs by placing a roller or pillow under them.

Many get rid of calf cramps by pricking the contracted muscles with a pin or needle.

How to avoid muscle spasms

So that calf cramps do not bother the expectant mother, you can perform simple exercises that allow you to normalize blood circulation in the muscles. To do this, you can alternately roll the foot from toe to heel, and then back. You can also rise on your toes, and then lower yourself onto your feet.

For the same purposes, many experts recommend doing foot massage using special rubber mats and balls. Such devices allow you to activate reflexogenic points, improving blood circulation. It is necessary to carry out such a massage for 10 minutes three times a day.

Conclusion

The above procedures help to get rid of spasms that occur due to a lack of vitamins or due to the unhealthy lifestyle of the expectant mother. If leg cramps are caused by one of the diseases, then for their treatment it is worth contacting specialists, since independent attempts to eliminate discomfort can lead to undesirable results.

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