Many pregnant women will have leg cramps when they go to bed at night when they are pregnant. What is the reason for the leg cramps? If the leg cramps need to be alleviated, what measures should be taken to relieve them? Follow Xiaobian to have a look!
How to check the leg cramps of pregnant women
Pruritus of the lower leg of pregnant women: this kind of situation often occurs after the middle of pregnancy, especially in the chest, abdomen and lower limbs, which are more sensitive. In serious cases, there will be rashes -- red papules. Because of the severe itching, they are often scratched, bleeding and scabbed, which is called pruritus of pregnancy.
Leg edema of pregnant women: about 40% of women in the third trimester have leg edema. Using fingers to press the medial side of ankle or the anterior tibia of crus is convenient for local depression. Edema is due to the endocrine changes during pregnancy, resulting in the retention of water and salt in the body; in addition, the pregnant uterus compresses the pelvic and lower extremity veins. Blocking the blood flow and increasing the venous pressure, so the edema often occurs in the distal end of the lower extremity, especially in the foot and lower leg.
Pubic pain of pregnant women: during pregnancy, the pubic bone of pregnant women (located at the junction of thigh root and abdomen) is painful or sore. Pregnant women will have pain when they sit for a long time or turn over at night.
First aid for leg cramps of pregnant women
Most pregnant women will have leg cramps, which is normal. Pregnant mothers don't need to be too nervous.
If the calf cramps, immediately stretch the calf muscles: straighten your leg, starting with the heel, and then slowly hook your toes in the direction of the shin bone (the long bone on the inside of the calf). Although it may hurt in the beginning, it can relieve the spasm and the pain will gradually disappear.
You can try massaging the muscles, or using a hot compress in a hot water bottle, to relax the cramped muscles. Walking back and forth for a few minutes may also help relieve leg cramps.
Eat more calcium containing foods, such as milk, shrimp skin, bone soup, etc., and take calcium orally when necessary; usually pay attention to the sun, especially in winter; massage the calves before falling asleep to reduce fatigue; wear comfortable flat heels to avoid increasing the burden on the calves. Don't be nervous when you have cramps. Just push your heels down and straighten your legs as much as possible. The cramps will get better soon.