Leg Cramps - Ow! « Back to Group Discussions

[SamSarah]

A couple of weeks ago I had my first one - much more dramatic than I would have thought.  The next day I started taking liquid form Calcium and Magnesium.  After that I was golden, until last night, when I had two - which had a haunting feeling that didn't seem to go away.  I can up my Cal Mag (I haven't been taking the full daily amount. 

Does anyone have any other magics they find helpful for these nasty things?

[spughy]

Just the magnesium... I had a lot when I was pregnant with DD, just taking a multi, but this time I'm supplementing specifically with magnesium (my diet is pretty high in calcium) and I haven't had a single one. (knock on wood)

One thing that helps is to try to avoid stretching out when you turn over in bed.  That's what always triggered them for me - going from relaxed sleeping muscles to a stretch.  But sometimes you do it in your sleep and that's a nasty way to wake up!

[scruffy too]

I haven't had leg cramps, but other parts of me are still cramping - especially turning over in bed.  I agree with Spughy - try and stay "loose" while turning over.  I turn with my hips and let the lower half of me follow like a rag doll.  Helps me a lot!

[SamSarah]

Thanks !

[chocolatechip]

I haven't gotten full-blown leg cramps yet, but I was noticing if I stretched that I would almost get cramps but would be able to relax the muscles quickly enough to not get them. Still, I asked my midwives about it, and in addition to the calcium-magnesium supplements, they said that epsom salt baths can help keep your muscles relaxed. One entire container of epsom salts per bath. I haven't tried it yet, because the cal-mag seems to be doing the trick, but maybe it's worth a try?

[SamSarah]

Thanks Chocolatechip.  It seems much more under control with the Calcium Mag.  I have been doing epson salt baths, which feel really good all over. One cramp I had made it hard to walk for almost 2 days - I think I strained a muscle!  But, all has been well lately.  The epson salt baths are great!

[chocolatechip]

Oh wow, that's a bad cramp!! Glad to hear things are much better. And also that the epsom salts do work along with the Cal-Mag. 

[Zayante]

I just had my first leg cramp last night! I agree that it seems to be triggered by stretching out my legs while in bed. Wanting to stretch my legs is hard to resist though!

[scruffy too]

I had my first one two nights ago.  It was in my right leg and took me by surprise!  Ouch is right!!  Just when it finally went away, I got one in my left leg - lol. 

[veganyogamomma]

I got my first charley horse this pregnancy! I woke up at 2am, flexed my foot, and there it was! About the size of a golf ball in my right calf. I had to pee so bad and I couldn't move- I was afraid I was going to pee the bed! Thankfully, I was able to get up in time.

I'm starting a magnesium supplement in the evening again. Hopefully that will help. Those taking mag- remember not to take it with your prenatal because it inhibits iron absorption!

[scruffy too]

Originally Posted by veganyogamomma 

I'm starting a magnesium supplement in the evening again. Hopefully that will help. Those taking mag- remember not to take it with your prenatal because it inhibits iron absorption!

 I didn't know this.  But I just remembered that I take my magnesium right before bed and my prenatal and other vitamins in the AM.  But good to know!

[SamSarah]

I'm starting a magnesium supplement in the evening again. Hopefully that will help. Those taking mag- remember not to take it with your prenatal because it inhibits iron absorption!

Great to know.  

I take both - but I will stop taking them at the same time.

My mom, a nurse, and my friend, a midwife, suggested taking the Cal - Mag right before bed with a little bit of protein for the belly.  

[spughy]

It's the calcium part of the cal-mag that interferes with iron absorption, just FYI.  I don't take the calcium bit, just straight magnesium.  Plus, I don't think I have much to worry about with iron as my iron levels have always been really good and I eat a lot of red meat.

[firespiritmelody]

If you feel the need to stretch your legs, try to remember to point your heal instead of your toe! And if you do cramp up, point your toes toward your knees so that your heal is flexed out (does that make any sense?) and it should help it go away faster.

[velveeta]

My magic is magnesium lotion by ancient minerals. Expensive and WORTH IT. I used to just use the bath crystals (similar to Epsom salts, which I also love), but lotion is much more concentrated. I can't skip a night or severe cramping returns. Cramps hurt so much in the past that legs were continuously sore!

You might also like to know that magnesium is harder to absorb and use during pregnancy, and so transdermally is hands down the best. For more info, check out Carolyn Dean's "The Miracle of Magnesium".