Is it normal for legs to ache during pregnancy

Registry Builder New. Medically Reviewed by Oluwatosin Goje, M. Medical Review Policy All What to Expect content that addresses health or safety is medically reviewed by a team of vetted health professionals. You're most likely to get leg cramps during pregnancy when you're lying down — but these painful spasms can stand between you and a good night's sleep.

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Cleveland Clinic. How to handle sciatica during your pregnancy. Cedars Sinai. Hemorrhoids and varicose veins in pregnancy. March of Dimes. Blood clots and pregnancy. Mayo Clinic. What causes leg cramps during pregnancy, and can they be prevented?

Leg cramps during pregnancy. What is venous thromboembolism? Luo L et al. Interventions for leg cramps during pregnancy. Cochrane Library. Join now to personalize. Photo credit: Nathan Haniger for BabyCenter. Why am I having leg cramps during pregnancy?

Is there a difference between leg cramps and leg pain? How can I relieve leg cramps during pregnancy? How can I prevent leg cramps while pregnant? Will leg cramps or leg pain cause any problems for my baby? When should I call my doctor about leg cramping or pain during pregnancy? These steps can help to ease your discomfort when you get a leg cramp: Stretch your calf muscles immediately by straightening your leg, heel first, and gently flexing your toes back toward your shins.

Try not to point your toes while stretching. It can make the muscle contract and worsen the cramp. This stretch might hurt at first, but it will ease the spasm and gradually make the pain go away.

After you stretch, gently massage the muscle, walk around for a few minutes, or warm the leg with a hot water bottle to relax the tissue. But these tips might help make them less likely: If you can, avoid standing or sitting with your legs crossed for long periods of time.

Try to stretch your calf muscles regularly during the day and several times before you go to bed. Rotate your ankles and wiggle your toes whenever you sit down, eat dinner, or watch TV. Take a walk every day unless your healthcare provider has advised you not to exercise. Lie down on your left side to improve circulation to and from your legs. Drink water regularly to stay hydrated during the day. Try a warm bath before bed to relax your muscles.

Note: If you notice consistent swelling in your legs and feet, or your leg starts to feel warm, reach out to your obstetrician right away. Changes in your posture as your baby grows : Throughout stages of your pregnancy, your baby has taken different positions inside your uterus.

This can take a toll on your body, especially your back. Your posture starts to change throughout your pregnancy without you even noticing at times, but your legs are sure to take notice of the change. Your legs have to support you throughout these different stages, and it can impact them. Fluid retention : Your growing uterus puts pressure on the veins that carry blood back from your lower body, which partially blocks blood flow.

As a result, fluid remains in your legs and feet. Your joints can easily become stressed from the added pressure. Your joints may seem a little loose and you might even waddle when you walk! At-Home Treatment Most often, your leg aches can be relieved at home. It leaves your skin restored, refreshed, and noticeably smoother. Massage your legs throughout the day and especially before bed Try using our Body Firming Gel to give your legs a little massage. It hydrates your skin, giving it a firmer look and overall feel.

Take a calcium supplement with the go-ahead from your doctor Drink a glass of milk before bed Prop your legs up on a pillow make sure your legs are elevated above your heart Wear compression leggings or socks Increase your potassium intake Medical Treatment If your legs are painful and you see no improvement after trying the recommended measures outlined in the previous section, do not hesitate to see a doctor. Various methods — from medicinal to physical to surgical — may be considered, depending on the severity of your circulatory impairments: Compression via pantyhose, stockings, or socks is the basic treatment for anyone experiencing venous insufficiency.

Different models are available depending on the strength of compression necessary. Significant progress has been made in improving the esthetics of these garments. The cost of some of these compression methods may be eligible for Social Security reimbursement.

Venotonics have anti-inflammatory properties, stimulating muscle tone and protecting the elasticity of the vein walls. They must be taken for an extended period of time in order to be effective. Kinesitherapy and exercises to build up the leg muscle also have a role to play.

Walking, swimming and biking are the best types of activity. Spa treatments, massages, and manual lymphatic drainage can also provide valuable relief. If varicose veins developed during your pregnancy and are still present after delivery, vein sclerotherapy or surgery may be considered. These techniques can be performed under local anesthesia, requiring neither an epidural nor general anesthesia, and the patient can go home the same day as treatment, or the following day. A Comfortable Pregnancy Aching and heavy legs can be caused by a variety of factors, as we listed above.

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