Preventing cramps in the last 3 months of pregnancy

The article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Ly Thi Thanh Nha - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec International General Hospital Da Nang.

Cramping is a common phenomenon in pregnant women, especially in the last 3 months of pregnancy. Cramps are not usually dangerous and usually go away on their own after the baby is born, but they cause pain and affect the mother's activities. The following article will provide useful tips to help reduce cramps during pregnancy.

Cramping is a sudden muscle spasm that causes pain for the mother, usually occurring in the feet, calves, thighs, abdominal muscles. Cramps usually begin to appear in the 3rd month of pregnancy and appear more as the fetus grows. This condition occurs at any time of the day, often more at night, affecting the sleep of pregnant mothers. However, most cramps in pregnant women are not dangerous and will go away on their own by the end of the pregnancy.
Causes of cramps during pregnancy include:
The growing fetus makes the mother's body weight also increase, putting great pressure on the calf muscles. The enlarged uterus puts pressure on blood vessels and nerves. During the second trimester, a common cause of cramps is round ligament pain. The round ligament is a muscle that supports the uterus, and as it stretches, you may feel a sharp, dull pain in your lower abdomen. Cramps can also be caused by a lack of water in the mother's body and electrolyte disturbances. In the last months of pregnancy, the fetus needs a lot of calcium to develop the bone system, if not provided enough, the mother's body will withdraw calcium to pass on to the baby, leading to calcium deficiency in the mother, this will contribute to maternal contractions.

Straighten your legs Bend your toes toward your shin until the pain goes away. Massage your calf muscles, using a warm towel to cover the cramping area.

The following tips will help pregnant women prevent cramps during pregnancy:
Avoid standing or sitting for too long in one position Massage, stretch the calf muscles several times a day, especially before going to bed Rotate ankles, wiggle toes whenever sitting: eating, watching TV

Do gentle exercise every day: walk, practice yoga, swim When sleeping, lie on your left side to facilitate blood circulation, and put your feet on a high pillow when sleeping Drink enough water Take a warm bath Avoid working many people think that cramps are caused by a lack of calcium, so take calcium supplements during pregnancy, although calcium plays a very important role, but there is no evidence for it. found that taking extra calcium will prevent cramps during pregnancy. If you want to supplement calcium, consult a specialist. Cramps during pregnancy are normal signs that most pregnant women experience, but if the cramps are accompanied by unusual symptoms such as pain, red swelling in the legs, touching the legs, you feel hot around, you should see a doctor promptly for a specific examination.