Cramping Legs and Traveling

Have you spoken with your OB/GYN about this? Pain/cramping in the calves can be a sign of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) which is common in pregnancy and can be quite serious.

I was monitored during my second pregnancy because of some cramping and was cleared of any concerns. But, it was scary.

I'd really recommend talking to your OB for a few reasons:
1. make sure there's no concern
2. permission to travel 4 hours - late in my pregnancy, I was restricted to within 90 minutes of home (travelling sales person) just in case.

Good luck - hoping it's nothing of concern.

I had a four hour flight from Phoenix to Detroit when I was 34 weeks for my baby shower. My ob told me to walk the plane aisle as much as I could, much easier said than done when you're as big as a house! Not sure if it will help you, but I had horrible leg cramps throughout my pregnancy, so I bought a balance board. I found it at walmart, maybe $10-15. Its circular, a little bigger than a frisbee, but rounded in the middle so you can stretch ALL your leg muscles. It even comes with a dvd, and is definitley small enough to take in the car with you. Good luck!

I'm not pregnant now (thank goodness) but I do suffer with this One thing my doctor told me is I'm not drinking enough water!! I prefer coffee which dehydrates me further. I know water and pregnancy don't mix it is very important to the muscles to be hydrated. Good Luck!

Cramping can be a sign of too little potassium. You could increase your banana intake, or try other potassium-rich foods before your trip. Also, sitting for long periods can increase your risk for clots, so keep your legs active in the car. Jiggle to the music as much as possible, and make sure you don't cross your legs. You need to get out frequently and walk. Drink more fluids, so you'll be getting out anyway. Good luck.

I'm 26 weeks pregnant and have to vote bananas! I get it bad too, and it progressively gets worse if I don't eat a banana every day. I don't usually think of it until it hits, but sure enough, the nights that it does, I haven't had a banana.

I get this too! My husband hates it at night! My midwife suggested taking a calcium and magnesuim suppliment. It did help. Also try to drink about 4 L of water a day that helped me too. Also at night as long as I slept on my side with pillows keeping me there the cramps stayed away.
For car trips I sat in the back and would stretch out my legs up to the front and sit on one hip or the other to help with the restless feeling. It was not the more romantic way to spend 4-5 hours with my husband but at least we did not have to stop every hour!
Good luck on your pregnancy!

I know it's nearly impossible in the car, yet if you can find a way to elevate your legs. some people believe potassium (bananas), calcium and vitamin E help. other people believe dehydration can be a cause.
if warm baths are helping, can you find an electric blanket that plugs into the car or hot water bottles to place under your legs?
i would definitely massage your legs as much as you can, stretching and walking as much as you can.
sorry...

You could be low in potassium and magnesium. Either take a supplement with these or eat more veggies and fruits. (eating more veggies and fruits will always be better than a processed vitamin.) Spinach and bananas are great for potassium. Try Kale...it's a superfood! Also, don't be afraid of salt. Tons of salt isnt' good for your blood pressure, but too little salt can result in leg cramping. Try an epsom salt bath. Drink a lot of water too. When you are adequately hydrated your body is healthier, it's better for baby, and helpful to keep cramps at bay.
When you are haivng that restless feeling (I had this too for a long time), do some breath exercises. Try focusing on your inward and outward breath. You don't have to change your breathing, just notice your breath. When you find your mind wondering to the feeling in your legs, just come back to your breath. In and out, as long as it takes. I'm not sure if restless leg syndrome (as it's been called in the medical community) is a result of something physically wrong....they have a prescription for it! However, I tend to believe that it stems from anxiety kept in our body. Try meditating for a few minutes everyday. Just quieting your mind and relaxing your body. Often during meditation when our mind and body are quiet, it's when we really can listen to our inner heart and inner wisdom. Have you been worried or stressed or anxious about this pregnancy or anything going on in your life? It's completely normal. However, when we don't acknowledge our "fears" and move through them, it can manifest in our physical body. I'm not a counselor or Dr. Just talking from personal experience with restless leg and leg cramps. It also could be as simple as getting enough rest, water, nourishing foods and moderate excercise now.
Right now, your physical, mental, emotional, and spirtual self are going through changes as you prepare to move through pregnancy, grow a baby, and finally give birth. Take really good care of yourself. I encourage you to take a look at what you are really eating and how much water you are drinking. How are you handling stress and your emotions right now? Take time to really relax at night with a calming bedtime routine, and meditate. You dont' have to be a yogi or monk to meditate...just a few simple moments each day to clear you mind and heart.

Did I mention....eat really really well now:) Practice Mindful eating.

Best wishes in your journey through pregnancy, labor, birth, and motherhood.

A.
mom of 4. Birth and Parenting Mentor
www.birthingfromwithin.com

This is a very common that I would recommend you google to find real medical advice as well as mom tips here.

Make sure you are eating LOTS of bananas or potatoes, a natural food source high in potassium. Lots means DAILY, every day, even twice a day. Have a banana every morning and potatoes with at least one meal. Real potatoes, not frozen.

Do isometric leg exercises while sitting. This means flexing your muscles while sitting, pointing your toes, circling your ankles both ways. Being pregnant you MUST stop at a minimum every 2 hours to walk and stretch.

When you can lay flat on your side flex your foot up towards your leg shin and hold. Do this every night anyway.

Happy travels!