Leg cramps during pregnancy

Yet another uncomfortable symptom of pregnancy is the potential for leg cramps. These cramps can strike unexpectedly at any time, but usually they occur at night. Leg cramps are most common during the second half of your pregnancy, when your growing uterus is likely to be pressing against uncomfortable nerves and your muscles are tired from overwork during the day.

Too much of the mineral, phosphorus (found in dairy products and meats), and a shortage of calcium in the blood, has been held accountable for some pregnancy leg cramps, so it may be possible to rectify this through your diet, although some people doubt the veracity of these claims.

It has also been proposed that a supplement of the mineral, magnesium, may be beneficial in tackling the problem of leg cramps during pregnancy, although it is easy to find magnesium in dark, green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale. Eating a well-balanced diet should provide you with a good range of minerals and vitamins. See healthy diet for pregnancy for more information.

Always consult your GP if you are planning on taking a vitamin or mineral supplement during pregnancy.

If you have any unanswered questions, use the Guide to Pregnancy area of our answers page to gain wisdom from other mums or our resident experts for all those pregnancy or baby-related niggles. Remember to upload a photo of your belly into our Baby Bumps gallery.