Charley horses and pregnant women

[Priya <33]

Any idea why pregnant women get charley horses? I had them alot when I was pregnant, but never at any other time in my life. I have heard it is due to dehydration - but I drank a gallon a day (seriously). I've also heard it is due to lack of enough potassium, but I don't buy into that one either.

Any explaination/advice would be helpful for my pregnant clients. -Thanks!

 

[halifax666]

I didn't have cramps, but had restless leg issues.

I was told that cramps were from:
dehydration
low calcium
low potassium
change in circulation-pressure of the growing fetus

My restless leg came about in the last trimester. I took a walk every night and ran the "thumper" massager over my legs right before bed. That helped a lot. My midwife said that was from the pressure of the fetus too.

 

[? ? ? Baby Mumma ? ? ?]

I agree with what Masthera states above... it may also be that you are can be drinking too much water that you are urinating it out too quickly and not having enough balance in your system to keep homeostasis.

 

[butterscotch]

I don't think pregnant womens should be riding all those horses. could shake /scramble things.

 

[tombgeek]

I don't think pregnant womens should be riding all those horses. could shake /scramble things.

Ha Ha Mick! I've noticed you are the comic relief around here!

 

[MissMooMoo]

Charley horses and pregnant women

I have a suggestion, it may fit or not. I have been studying Orthopedic Massage this year and have been focusing on postural and movement muscles. The calf muscles are-I think- postural muscles. This means that they are good prime movers, have endurance type fibers, and don't contract quickly without spasms. So... it's possible that these muscles are getting challenged by fast contractions due to movement, extra weight, etc. and are cramping.
Hope this is helpful.
Cheers,
rubmyster