Causes

• According to the Mayo Clinic Guide to Pregnancy, it is thought that fatigue, sluggish circulation and fluid accumulation are to blame for leg cramps during pregnancy. In addition, the uterus places pressure on veins, arteries, and nerves and may contribute to leg cramps.
  
  

Exercise

• Help prevent leg cramps during pregnancy with regular exercise and stretching. Walking and swimming are low- or no-impact forms of cardiovascular exercise that help prevent leg cramps.
  
  

Feel the Stretch

• Do exercises to stretch your leg and calf muscles to alleviate cramps. Prenatal yoga is excellent for improving circulation and working out the kinks.
  
  

Treatment

• Try support hose to improve circulation. If you spend a lot of time on your feet, take breaks and elevate your legs. Get prenatal massage or apply a heating pad. Take a warm bath with Epsom salts. Take off the high heels and trade them in for flats or sneakers.
  
  

Warning

• If cramps persist, increase in severity, and if there is any swelling or redness, contact your obstetrician immediately. Pregnant women are at greater risk for blood clots in the veins due to hormonal and circulatory changes during pregnancy.