[StaeheliGrl]

Last night I had the most painful cramp in my calf muscle during the night. That is the 3rd time that has happened to me. I got up to go pee and had to limp to the bathroom. Anyone else have cramping in their legs during the night? Is this a normal pregnancy symptom?

[Frelle]

yes and yes. adquate potassium can help prevent the leg cramps. Have a banana Seriously!

[glasscandie]

Calcium, too. That's what my doc said at least.

[~Cupcake~]

Mine were really bad last pregnancy ARGH but this time I have only had two! (knocking on wood as we speak!)

[jamie1005]

I've had them too. It starts in my calf and almost feels like it rolls through my leg like a ball. It hurts so bad! I had them a few nights in a row last week, but I haven't had them since.

[Kelle]

Charlie Horse central here too, they hurt bad enough that I actually CRY
I had them HORRIBLE with my first DD and I never really got any with my second daughter - now they're back again.

Remember to always point your toes UP, never curl them down, to help make the cramp go away faster.

[Mary Beth]

Sweetpotatoes have more potassium than banannas. Additional calcium is also helpful for muscle cramps. Be certain that you are very well hydrated and include things like Pedialyte, Gatorade, or similar rehydration formulas as well as plain water to maintain good electrolyte balance if you've been exposed to extreme heat and sweating a lot.

Cramps are, to some extent, normal during pregnancy. A warning though -- my blood clot in my 3rd pregnancy started out feeling just exactly like a bad muscle cramp. So if the cramp does not go away or if it partially fades then comes back over and over be sure to have that possibility evaluated.

I didn't know any better and let it get to a very dangerous stage before I saw the doctor. But now you do know and if it happens you can catch it BEFORE its bad enough to require 10 days in the hospital.

[cindymat]

Yes I have them and pointing your toes UP really does work. Sometimes I have to actually pull my foot up with my hands because it hurts so bad but it does help.

[writinghoosier]

In the last week I've had three that started to develop but I stopped what I was doing and "forced" the muscle to relax again... no full blown attacks here, but I hated the thought of getting one... DH says it's because the fan is blowing right on me and the muscle is getting too cool... couldn't have anything to do with the parasitic relationship I have going on wiht his son who is draining the nutrients from me or anything... lol.

[Shalini]

Yeah, I've had them a couple of times during my pregnancy .. but have had atleast one every night this past week !!! Luckily, I have been able to catch them when they're about to start and immediately point my toes up ...