Leg Cramps

I teach a weekly prenatal yoga class at a local fitness venue and a monthly class through the local hospital. I love working with this demographic. These ladies are full of excitement and joy and are ever so happy to find that yoga can help with many of the common discomforts of pregnancy.

This past week there were several questions about leg cramps and restless legs through the night, waking tired and pregnant moms out of sleep. Well, here is some information that might be helpful in remedying these painful interruptions Remember to check with your doctor before making any changes.

Proper hydration tops the list of things to do for leg cramps. I am sure that many of us walk around with a water bottle of some sort because we've all learned about the importance of water, especially during pregnancy. But are you drinking anything other than water? 

Carbonated drinks can have a negative effect on your ability to absorb calcium. Calcium and magnesium are healthy minerals that grow strong bones and are calming for the nervous system. Limiting fizzy drinks will benefit your body and may help to decrease those pesky leg cramps. So, even if you enjoy fizzy water, switch it for flat.

Other minerals that are important during pregnancy and prevent leg cramps are potassium, sodium, as well as calcium/magesium. Eating foods rich in potassium, sodium and calcium/magnesium can also help with leg cramps. Try bananas, oranges, grapefruit, yogurt, cottage cheese, dark green leafy veggies, salmon, sardines, almonds and many others. 

Restless legs are also common during pregnancy. Be sure you are getting enough iron in your diet, as low iron could be the reason the legs are restless.

I like eating kale, which is very high in calcium and iron. Here is an easy way to cook kale as an evening side dish. 

You will need:

A big bunch of kale

2 cloves of garlic

1/2 cup water or chicken stock

balsamic vinegar

salt and pepper

Method:

Roughly cut kale

Sautee garlic until soft

Add kale and liquid and bring to a boil

Turn down heat and cover for 5 minutes

Sprinkle balsamic vinegar over kale

Salt and pepper to taste

Enjoy!

I hope this helps.

Namaste

Tammy Magness

Prenatal Yoga Instructor