What causes calf cramps in pregnant women?

Cramps are a common problem in life. They are one of the accompanying symptoms that cause muscle pain. Moreover, the onset of cramps is not affected by age and physical condition, and anyone may suffer from it. If a pregnant woman experiences cramps, it will have a great adverse effect on the development of the fetus. There are many reasons for cramps in pregnant women. Let’s take a look at what causes calf cramps in pregnant women.

Pregnancy cramps are a morbid phenomenon in the syndrome of pregnancy discomfort. They usually occur at night and are usually painful contractions of the gastrocnemius (commonly known as calf) and foot muscles. Or when you get up in the morning, you may stretch and get cramps in the soles of your feet, calves, abdomen, or waist muscles.

Culprit 1: Leg cramps caused by hypocalcemia

The calcium needed for fetal bone growth is entirely dependent on the mother's supply. Therefore, expectant mothers must ensure about 1200 mg to 1500 mg of calcium intake per day. If the mother's calcium intake is insufficient, low blood calcium will inevitably occur. Calcium is an important factor in regulating muscle contraction, cell division, and glandular secretion. Low calcium will increase neuromuscular excitability, leading to muscle contraction and subsequent cramps. Since blood calcium levels are often lower at night than during the day, cramps often occur at night.

Culprit 2: Leg cramps caused by overwork

As the weight during pregnancy continues to increase, the burden on the expectant mother's legs continues to increase, and the leg muscles are often in a state of fatigue; walking too much or standing too long during pregnancy will increase the burden on the leg muscles, leading to the accumulation of local acidic metabolic products, which will cause muscle cramps.

Culprit 3: Leg cramps caused by sleeping posture

Bad sleeping posture, lying on your back for a long time with the quilt pressing on the soles of your feet, or lying on your stomach for a long time with the soles of your feet against the bed, forcing certain calf muscles to be in an absolutely relaxed state for a long time, causing "passive contracture" of the muscles.

In addition, sleeping too long will slow down blood circulation, cause the accumulation of metabolic waste such as carbon dioxide, and may also induce muscle spasms.

Culprit 4: Leg cramps caused by diet

Although calcium deficiency is the most common cause of cramps during pregnancy, cramps are not entirely caused by calcium deficiency. Expectant mothers will suffer from cramps after consuming too much meat at one time. This is because meat is rich in protein. Excessive intake will affect the metabolism of carbohydrates, leading to the accumulation of acidic metabolic products and causing electrolyte disorders. One of the manifestations of electrolyte imbalance is cramps.