What causes calf pain during pregnancy?

Some expectant mothers often feel sore calves in the second trimester. Is this due to calcium deficiency? Many expectant mothers will ask: Is calf soreness in mid-pregnancy due to calcium deficiency? Next, the editor will tell you whether calf soreness in mid-pregnancy is caused by calcium deficiency. Let’s learn about it together.

Is calf soreness during mid-pregnancy a sign of calcium deficiency?

Is calf soreness during mid-pregnancy due to calcium deficiency? Many pregnant mothers think that leg cramps must be caused by calcium deficiency, so once leg cramps occur, they take a lot of calcium and zinc supplements, but no matter how much calcium supplementation is done, it does not help. In fact, leg cramps are not entirely caused by calcium deficiency. There are other reasons for leg cramps in mid-pregnancy. So what are the reasons for leg cramps in mid-pregnancy? Let's take a look at it below:

1. Eating too much meat. Pregnant women eat a lot of meat at one time, which may cause leg cramps. Since meat products contain protein, excessive intake will affect the metabolism of carbohydrate compounds, causing the deposition of acid and alkaline metabolic substances and leading to hypocalcemia. One of the main manifestations of hypocalcemia is leg cramps.

2. Overwork. As the weight gain during pregnancy continues to increase, the pressure on the pregnant mother's feet continues to increase, the support of the feet increases, and the thigh muscles are often in a state of fatigue. Walking too much or standing for too long during pregnancy will increase the activity of the leg muscles, increase the pressure on the thigh muscles, and cause an increase in acid and alkaline metabolites, which will cause muscle cramps.

3. Severe cold irritation. If the indoor temperature is low at night, the mattress covered during sleep is too thin or the arms and legs are exposed to the quilt, the leg muscles are easy to catch cold. Due to the cold stimulation, the thigh muscles will have spasms and cause leg cramps.

4. Sleeping quality posture. Lying flat or on your side for a long time will cause some calf muscles to be in a state of relative relaxation for a long time, which can easily cause leg cramps.

5. Sleeping too long. This will lead to a slowdown in blood circulation, causing the accumulation of metabolic waste products such as carbon dioxide, and may also cause leg cramps.

Nutritional reminder for the fourth month of pregnancy

During this stage, morning sickness and discomfort and other uncomfortable symptoms subside, the mind and body are stable, so the appetite will become stronger and stronger. The fetus has also entered a period of rapid growth. Pregnant mothers need adequate nutrition from this time. They should increase nutrition and diet, absorb protein, natural plant fats, calcium, vitamins and other nutrients, and should not be picky about food. This month, pregnant mothers should pay attention to supplementing the following trace elements.

1. Egg white. The daily intake is 75-95 grams, mainly from meat, shrimp, beans and bean products, milk and dairy products, and eggs. Tips: Increase the intake of protein-rich livestock foods such as fish, meat, and eggs, especially for mothers who have severe pregnancy symptoms and cannot eat normally.

2. Kinetic energy. 200 calories per day are needed, mainly from raw oils, dairy products, meat products, grains, and nuts. The diet of pregnant mothers should be a balance of large and small foods, and a combination of meat and vegetables. Don't eat too much and have an imbalance in nutrition.

3. Vitamin E. It is strongly recommended to take 14 mg/day, mainly from edible oils, cereal sprouts, green plants, milk, eggs and other foods. It should be noted that vitamin E is easily dissolves in fat, is stable to heat and acid, is sensitive to alkali, and can be slowly destroyed by oxidation.

4. Iodine. 120-150 mg/day is required, mainly from seafood, root vegetables and iodized salt. When pregnant mothers cook, they can add salt after the dishes are cooked to reduce losses; soak kelp shreds before cutting to reduce iodine outflow.

5. Calcium. 1000 mg/day is required, mainly from milk and dairy products, beans and bean products, dark green vegetables and fruits, and bone broth. Oxalic acid, phytic acid, methylcellulose and vitamin D in the diet will affect the digestion and absorption of calcium, so they should be taken separately as much as possible.