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Leg cramps / restless legs.....

BabyFersBabyFers
in 2nd Trimester
This is my first pregnancy and not sure  what to expect.   I am having really bad leg cramps at night, almost like restless legs and was wondering if anyone else experienced this and might have any tips or tricks to help.   I totally don't want to sound like I am complaining here, everything we go through is worth it in the end :)
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Re: Leg cramps / restless legs.....

  • anakinanakin

    I have RLS (in legs and arms as the result of a car accident) and I would not describe it as leg cramps.  It's more of a feeling that you absolutely must move.  When I don't move I can actually end up in severe pain.  The worst is when I get it in my neck and head, but that thankfully is a rare occurrence.

    If you are having leg cramps then up your potasium (sp) intake.  Just a few bananas.  And when a cramp hits point your toe up, not down.  It will relieve the cramp faster.  Also when you stretch try to remember to flex your toe up instead of down.  If you're prone to cramps the pointing while stretching can bring one on.

    If you have RLS good luck with that.  I've had it for nine years and very few things have every helped.  It gets really bad when I have trouble sleeping.  And of course I have pg related insomnia (great).

    The only things that have worked for me are getting up and walking around the house for about 10 minutes.  Then trying to sleep.  Also if I sit up and watch tv I don't get attacks.  So that is my most common reaction to it.  I usually sit up for 30 minutes and then lay down again.  Also sometimes I can avoid the large movements by wiggling something small.  Meaning if your legs are moving then try wiggling your toes or foot.

    Oh, and when I have been under the regular care of a chiropractor I don't have any symptoms.  But mine was caused by a neck injury.  So that might not work for everyone.

     

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  • LI444LI444 member
    I've had restless legs on a long car trip, and leg cramps in bed.  Nothing I've found has helped the restless legs, but eating a banana once a day has helped the cramps because of the potassium, and I checked the amount of calcium I was getting.  (I had accidentally been taking just one calcium pill a day instead of the two I needed).  It also helps when you're stretching out in bed to point your toes toward the ceiling first before you bring them against your foot, which has helped me a little.
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  • BabyFersBabyFers
    Thanks!  I will have to try the bananas and stretching!  Hopefully it works, got noooooo sleep last night!
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  • JacquecolemanJacquecoleman
    I was having the same problems with leg cramps, and my doctor recommended eating bananas and to drink a lot of water. Hope this helps...
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  • Amanda NordhoffAmanda Nordhoff
    i have the same problem is there anything else i can eat besides bananas? DH is highly allergic and so we don't keep them in the house. I know I am getting enough calcium and water so no worries there.?
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  • neonvicki81neonvicki81

    I am getting that too. I get up, get something to drink/eat and if needbe, take a shower, or massage my legs a little Unfortunately, it usually takes me about an hour to get back to sleep but it does help.

    I make sure I get exercise too. That' helps!

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  • BabyFersBabyFers
    sorry to hear that others are suffering too, but glad to hear that I am not the only one.  I am trying to make myself eat a banana today, not a big fan.  I got a total of 3 hours sleep last night and was in at work at 5:30 am.  I am miserable.  This has kept me up for days.  Thanks for all the advice, if I find any tricks I will pass along.
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