The fatigue, the nausea, the back pain, the swelling and a host of other "pleasant" symptoms are the lot of pregnant women, as each one experiences these 40 (or more) weeks differently.
A well-known phenomenon that occurs in many women during pregnancy, especially towards the end, is the contraction of the twin muscles.
It happens mainly at night, during deep sleep, when a sharp pain, originating in the calves of the legs, pierces the body.
Nurit Shalonsky
, midwife and certified lactation consultant, explains that the contraction phenomenon is typical for the second and third trimesters, and indeed appears mainly at night.
Its appearance may have something to do with blood circulation or the accumulation of stress and strain in the muscles as a result of carrying the weight of the pregnancy, and it is possible that the baby and the uterus are also pressing on the nerves and blood vessels that supply blood to the legs.
There is also a hypothesis that excess calcium or changes in the way the body processes calcium during pregnancy cause the unpleasant contractions.
The reasons for the origin of the phenomenon are not clear-cut, but there are studies that have shown that magnesium deficiency affects its recurrence.
So what should be done to alleviate the phenomenon?
In any case, the good news is that the cramping usually goes away after a few minutes and the pain subsides.
But what can be done at that moment?
Try to release the contraction by stretching the leg forward, with the toes upwards (in flexion) while massaging and lightly patting the muscle.
You can also place a hot compress or a hot water bottle on the tight muscle.
Also, since the cramping usually occurs at night, it is useful to stretch the back muscle in the leg before going to bed.
A warm bath before bed can also help relax muscles and reduce cramps.
While awake, try to avoid staying in the same position for a long time.
Standing or sitting for a long time may worsen the phenomenon.
You should also avoid sitting with your legs crossed, where the blood flow to the legs is disturbed, or any other position that creates pressure on one of the legs and interferes with the normal flow of blood and energy to the organs.
It is worth devoting yourself to moderate physical activity adapted to pregnancy such as yoga, pilates or swimming, which can contribute to health, to a good feeling and to reduce contractions at night.
Pay attention to your diet,
make sure to drink a lot of water.
It is healthy and especially important during pregnancy, and will help reduce a variety of unpleasant symptoms that can appear in the advanced weeks.
Some studies have shown that eating foods rich in magnesium helped alleviate the phenomenon.
Among the recommended foods you will find avocados, beans, bananas, spinach leaves, watermelon, almonds and nuts.
When should you see a doctor?
If the area is swollen, sensitive and red or the skin is warm to the touch - see a doctor for a thorough examination.
It is important to get checked even if the pain does not go away or it is difficult for you to walk.
A pregnant woman under stress (Photo: ShutterStock)
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Daniel Saranetsky, in collaboration with JAMA
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