What causes cramps in pregnancy and how to treat

Having cramps in pregnancy is normal, and can occur in almost half of pregnant women. This problem is characterized by a sudden contraction, with intense pain, being more common in the legs, arms or belly, however, can arise in any body muscle.

Cramps are more common in the last trimester of gestation, and can have several causes, and the most common are associated with metabolic changes in pregnancy, sedentary or excessive exercise, deregulation in the content of electrolytes in the blood, such as magnesium, calcium and sodium or vitamin deficiency, such as D and E.

To relieve this problem, it is recommended to perform stretching techniques, massages and application of warm water compresses, as well as to practice physical exercises moderately and regularly, such as for 30 minutes to 1 hour for 3 to 5 days a week. It is also important to maintain a balanced diet, rich in water, fruits, vegetables and seeds.

What to do to relieve

The main way to relieve the cramps that arise during pregnancy is to lengthen the affected muscle as soon as it occurs, pulling the muscle in the opposite direction to contraction.

So when the cramp happens in the calf, you can sit with your legs stretched out and try to pull the foot toward the groin. Even when the cramp happens in the belly, which is very common, since the weight of the uterus can compress the nerves and muscles of the region, a stretch can be made by lying on two cushions, located on the back, and stretching the arms.

Soon after the cramp it is important to stretch, massage the muscle and put a compress of warm water in the sore area. See other tips for relieving cramps on how to treat pregnancy cramps.

In some cases, it may be necessary to treat cramps with medicines, such as magnesium, which should only be used with doctor's prescription.

How to avoid cramp

Some tips to follow to prevent pregnancy cramps are:

• Do daily stretches as it helps give flexibility and correct posture changes;
• Practice light to moderate physical activities such as walking for about 30 minutes a day for 3-5 days a week as they improve strength, elasticity and circulation in muscles
• Avoid excessive exercise, because intense and exhausting activities can also trigger fatigue and sudden contractions of muscles;
• Drink about 1.5 to 2 liters per day, keeping the body hydrated;
• Make a diet rich in calcium, potassium and magnesium, present in foods such as avocado, orange juice, banana, milk, broccoli, pumpkin seeds, almond, hazelnut or Brazil nut, for example.

Although these foods are rich in minerals that help prevent cramps, it may be necessary to take supplements rich in these minerals, which should only be taken by the pregnant when indicated by the doctor.

Check out some more tips in the following video:

Is having cramps in pregnancy dangerous?

Although it is very uncomfortable, most of the time, having cramps is not dangerous and it is recommended to follow the tips that we speak to relieve and prevent these episodes.

However, if it occurs frequently, it is advised to report to the obstetrician during the prenatal period, so that he can investigate the possible causes, through dosages of electrolytes and vitamins in the blood, and, if necessary, prescribe some medication for correction, such as magnesium or vitamin supplements.