What is the reason for cramps during sleep during pregnancy? How to relieve cramps during sleep during pregnancy

We all know that after a woman becomes pregnant, her body often experiences various discomfort symptoms. Many pregnant mothers experience leg cramps when they sleep at night, which is a relatively common phenomenon. So what causes leg cramps during pregnancy? Let's take a closer look!

What causes cramps during sleep during pregnancy?

1. Not enough calcium

After pregnancy, the nutrients in the mother's body will be absorbed by the fetus, especially the calcium in the mother's body. Maybe it is not obvious in the early pregnancy, but after the second trimester, various symptoms of back pain and calf cramps will appear. This is a manifestation of calcium deficiency.

Therefore, pregnant mothers can take calcium tablets from the moment they become pregnant and continue to take them during the breastfeeding period.

But be careful, when taking calcium tablets, you must insist on taking them every day, don't take them today and forget about them tomorrow. I had cramps when I was pregnant with my second baby, and most of the time it was because of this reason.

2. The pregnant mother is in poor health and lacks nutrition

When a pregnant mother is pregnant with her first child, her physical fitness is in the best condition in all aspects, so as long as she supplements some nutrition after pregnancy, there will basically be no major problems throughout the pregnancy.

After having a second child, the mother's physical fitness will be relatively poor. If the mother is weak and in poor health, there will be many problems when she is pregnant. For example, pregnant mothers are more likely to suffer from back pain, calf cramps, etc. than those with good health.

Therefore, if you are pregnant with your second child, or if the pregnant mother has poor health, she needs to pay attention to her diet after pregnancy, eat more nutritious food, and replenish energy.

3. After waking up, pregnant mothers use their calves to push

When pregnant mothers wake up, they have the habit of stretching, especially after a night's sleep. Their calves will suddenly straighten as they stretch. At this time, the calves are not supplied with enough blood and the blood cannot flow back, which will easily lead to cramps.

Therefore, pregnant mothers must pay more attention when getting up. Do not get up suddenly. You can relax in bed and then get up slowly.

4. Pregnant mothers sitting or standing for a long time, or sleeping in a bad posture can also cause calf cramps

When pregnant mothers work, sit or stand for a long time, the calf muscles will be very tired and cramps will occur easily. In addition, if pregnant mothers sleep in the wrong posture, such as sleeping with legs pressed down for a long time, sleeping in the same posture for a long time, etc., it will be easy to get calf cramps.

What to do if you have leg cramps while sleeping during pregnancy

Leg cramps during sleep after pregnancy, only those who have experienced it know how painful and uncomfortable it is. I tossed and turned at night and couldn't fall asleep, it was really too tormenting.

First of all, it is recommended to go to the hospital for a check-up to find out if it is caused by calcium deficiency. Some mothers have been supplementing calcium, but the lack of vitamin D may make it difficult for the calcium you supplement to be absorbed by the body. Therefore, it is best to supplement calcium + vitamin D together!

Secondly, if you have leg cramps while sleeping at night, you can straighten your calves. After about five or six minutes, the pain in your legs will be relieved. Then massage the cramped area for about 10 minutes, and the cramp will disappear. If it still doesn't ease, you can ask your family to help massage, which can help relax the leg muscles and relieve the pain.

Finally, pregnant mothers should pay attention to avoid strenuous exercise. The muscles of the body are in a tense state and lack of rest can also cause leg cramps. Especially in the late pregnancy, try to reduce the time of vigorous exercise, which can also make your body more comfortable.

How to prevent calf cramps during pregnancy

1. Calcium supplementation. You should take calcium tablets during pregnancy. You can take them from the beginning of pregnancy. Remember to take them every day.

2. You can eat more foods that are high in calcium and vitamin D. For example, dairy products, soy products, green vegetables, etc.

3. Go out and get some sun. Of course, this doesn’t mean you should be exposed to the sun. As long as the sun is not too strong, it is a good choice to get some sun occasionally.

4. Adjust your sleeping position when sleeping. You can put a pillow under your calves to allow blood to flow back.