I'm about 7 months along and started getting these awful charley horses in my calves at night, especially after walking around during the day. They wake me up and last like 30 seconds but feel forever. Is this something I should mention to my OB or just part of pregnancy?
Did they start suddenly or have you had them before pregnancy? Leg cramps in the third trimester are super common and usually harmless, but definitely mention them to your OB at your next visit - they'll rule out anything weird and might suggest stretching before bed or upping your magnesium and calcium. In the meantime, try flexing your foot toward your shin when a cramp hits instead of pointing your toes, and stay hydrated. They're annoying as hell but almost never a sign of something serious.
Third trimester cramps are definitely common, but the thing people don't always catch is that severe or one-sided cramping can sometimes signal a clot, especially if you're less mobile than usual. Mention it to your OB - not because you're definitely in trouble, but because they need to rule that out. In the meantime, staying hydrated, stretching before bed, and keeping your electrolytes up (calcium and magnesium especially) tends to help most people, though honestly the relief is inconsistent.
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