Leg cramps tend to happen in the calf unexpectedly. The calf muscle contracts and hardens, causing an acute and intense pain that will wake you up if it happens in the middle of the night.  

The cause of leg cramps

There are many theories, although in reality none of them have been able to effectively explain the ultimate cause. One of them states that the changes in blood circulation that take place during pregnancy affect the nerves of the muscles. Other theories point towards a lack of calcium or magnesium, combined with an excess of phosphorus as being the cause of these painful muscle contractions.

Neither of these theories has been proven, so you should always check with your doctor before taking any calcium or magnesium supplements. A study carried out with pregnant women who took calcium and others that didn’t, did not find that one group had more cramps than the other.   

How to prevent cramps

As the cause is unknown, there is no ultimate preventive remedy, although you can avoid doing certain things that are believed to make them worse.

• Avoid standing for long periods of time. If you must do that due to your work, elevate one leg and then the other alternatively, on a step stool.

• Do not cross your legs for long periods of time, as this could irritate your calf muscles.  

• Make sure you are well-hydrated throughout the day.

• Walk or swim regularly in order to improve blood circulation to the muscles in your legs.  

What to do when you cramp

Cramps in your calves or in other parts of your body are usually sudden and quite painful. In order to alleviate the acute and sudden pain, there are things you can do to alleviate that tension.

As soon as you feel the tension, stand up immediately. Extend the painful leg forward and lift your toes off the ground. Do not flex the knee. Then, elevate the foot slowly, keeping your heel to the ground, so your toes point upward. Put all of your weight on that foot and do not flex your knee while you stretch out your calf, pointing your toes upward.  

If your toes or any part of your foot cramp, then sit down and elevate the leg that hurts, and let the ankle rest on the opposite thigh. Hold your ankle with one hand and draw circles in the air in both directions with your toes, while holding them in your hand, until you feel the tension and pain subside.  

Another way of relaxing the muscles in this situation is by applying heat to the area. You may use the shower, a hot water bottle or any other method.  

When to call the doctor

If the cramps are very frequent and especially if you feel there is a specific area in your leg that hurts more or less constantly, you should check with your doctor as soon as possible. Occasionally, blood clots may form in the legs and these must be treated immediately.

Besides, if your legs are very swollen and especially if the swelling happens more or less suddenly, you should contact your doctor or go to the hospital. Sudden swelling is a symptom of a serious condition during pregnancy.