Pregnancy symptoms- Cramps

PREGNANCY SYMPTOM-Cramps in early pregnancy

• Mild cramps, achiness or a pulling sensation on one or both sides of the abdomen are usually caused by the stretching of ligaments that support the uterus. Most pregnant women experience these pains, which may be crampy or sharp and stabbing, they are often more noticeable when you are getting up from a chair, turning over in bed or when you cough. The pain may be brief or can last several hours. Getting off your feet and getting some rest in a comfortable position should bring some relief. Unless cramping is severe, constant or accompanied by any of the below; bleeding, fever, chills, increased vaginal discharge, faintness or other unusual symptoms there's no need to worry.
• If you experience bleeding with cramps or pain in the centre of your abdomen, or pain which is severe or constant, even if you are not experiencing any blood loss, you must seek medical advice immediately as this can be a sign of miscarriage.

PREGNANCY SYMPTOM-Cramps in Leg

• Cramps are a sudden pain in the thigh, calf, and/or foot, followed by a general ache which can last for some time. These painful spasms, which occur mostly at night, are very common among pregnant women in the second and third trimesters.

POSSIBLE CAUSES OF LEG CRAMPS

• Fatigue and fluid accumulation in the legs are thought to be a possible contributing factor.
• A lack of the mineral potassium, low calcium levels or maybe a salt deficiency.

TREATMENT OF LEG CRAMPS

• Wearing support tights and making sure you rest your legs regularly (elevate legs) may help and make sure you drink plenty of water a day (at least 8 glasses).
• Eat bananas which are high in potassium and milk, leafy green vegetables and oranges for calcium levels.
• If you get cramp in your calf straighten you leg and flex your ankle and toes slowly up towards your nose, this should help lessen the pain and can even prevent a cramp developing if done at the very first sign of cramp occurring.
• Massage the area very firmly.
• Put your foot on a cold floor.
• Regularly practise calf stretch to help prevent calf cramp: Stand facing a wall, about 60cm away from it. Lean forward and press your hands against the wall while keeping your heels on the floor. You should feel the stretch in your calves. Hold for 15 seconds, relax for five seconds, and repeat 3 or 4 times.

If you have a pain or dull ache in your calf which continues and was not caused by a cramp attack please contact your doctor as there is a slight possibility that a blood clot may have developed in a vein (Venous Thrombosis).

Pregnancy Symptoms Cramps