Leg Cramps - how to get rid of?

I remember getting these at the end of my other pregnancy, but not as bad as it's been lately. I've upped taking potassium, but I'm still get the cramps. One just woke me this morning out of a sounds sleep - tell me I wasn't "happy" about that!

Anyone have any recipes for helping to get rid of these or at least making sure they don't happen as often?

 

I started taking a Calcium-Magnesium supplement. I didn't drink a lot of milk (very lactose intolerant) so the calcium was a bonus for me as well. The magnesium helps with the leg cramping.

And whatever you do , DON'T stretch your legs out and point your toes!! Perfect way to get a cramp, minerals etc on board or not!

 

I got them a lot too with my first pregnancy, but have only had a few this time around. I think the difference is all the milk I'm drinking now...I can't get enough I also agree with the previous poster, whatever you do DON'T POINT YOUR TOES when you stretch!! When you do get them, the only way I've found that helps is to flex my foot so it's pointing up (pulled up toward my leg) and get out of bed and hobble around to get the circulations going a little better. I've heard masssaging the area can help get rid of it too, but it doesn't seem to work as fast for me. Good luck, they are no fun at all!!

 

I stretch my calves every night by leaning forward against a wall. then everytime I wake up to turn over or pee, I flex both of my feet (toes up towards my knees). This has kept them away this pregnancy. I had one last pregnancy that was horrid and I don't want to go through that again!

 

It can be a low level of potassium that can cause them and I have heard that many times, eating a banana a day helps with those (pregnant or not pregnant).

 

I have SEVERE charlie horses with my ds...and my OB said that it was from calcium deficiency (as opposed to potassium/magnesium when not pregnant). I started taking Caltrate chewables, and the charlies horses went away that very week!!!!

 

I have suffered each pregnancy, five, until this one with constant cramping. This time I found the cure by mistake. Hooray! Tissue salts and wait for it, the most significant cure, Elivit pregnancy suppliments. These also cured my morning sickness! All I anticipated was healthier babies and the correct amount of folic acid but I recieved two wonderful bonuses. Also ensure you drink loads of water. Regardless of the tripping to the toilet, I drink around three litres a day, not including, tea and other drinks such as juice and the occassional soft drink. I keep a litre water pump bottle with me all day and have my kids fill it for me constantly. I go through at least three if not four and can honestly say that this has made a huge differnece.
Good luck!