Cramps occur due to irregular and involuntary contractions of muscles and can be painful. They may occur in any part of the body.

Cramps in pregnancy

There are many symptoms that can be seen during pregnancy like food cravings, nausea, mood swings, fatigue, and cramps. Cramps are the one of the most common symptoms and can be seen in legs, feet and abdomen.

Cramps during pregnancy may be mild or severe, a warning to a problem or a signal of the enlarging uterus.

Legs cramps in pregnancy –

They usually occur due to the extra weight during her pregnancy and may occur during the day but mostly at nights. Cramps during the second trimester occur due to the growth of the fetus and the increasing pressure put by the uterus on the blood vessels that send the blood from the legs back to the heart and the nerves in the abdominal region.
One can adopt some of these measures to effectively handle these cramps. Avoiding standing or sitting with legs crossed for a long time, stretching the calf muscles frequently at day time and also at bedtime, rotating the ankles and wiggling the toes while sitting, going for walks regularly (unless advised), avoiding too much of physical exertion, taking a warm bath before sleep to relax the muscles, consuming enough water are some of the best ways to tackle leg cramps. 

If the pain continues or increases, or if it just does not look like the usual cramp or if there is a swelling in the legs, it is better to visit a doctor, as there may be chances of blood clot which would require immediate medical intervention.

Abdominal Cramps in pregnancy –

The pain, especially due to contraction of a muscle that occurs in the abdomen region of the body. It is also called belly ache or abdominal pain. It may occur in any organ of the abdomen, in any digestion related organ like stomach, small or large intestine, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, aorta (the large blood vessel running down inside the abdomen), appendix or kidneys. It may even start in some other region like the chest or pelvic region. The intensity of the abdominal pain may differ as per the causes.

There may be mild or sometimes severe abdominal cramps at different stages of pregnancy. The mild cramps are caused due to implantation, stretching of ligaments, false labor, gas pains, bloating caused due to hormones slowing the digestion, the pressure of the growing fetus, constipation or heartburn. At times, cramps during the last weeks of pregnancy may suggest that the time of labor is drawing near.

Putting the feet up, relaxing, resting in a comfortable position, avoiding changing the position immediately, bending towards the pain to relieve it, walking, doing light work, can be done when an abdominal cramp occurs.

Home remedies for abdominal cramps –

Sufficient amount of water or other fluids has to be consumed. In case of mild pain and vomiting, solid food has to be avoided for the first few hours and then once the pain and vomiting ceases, mild food can be consumed. If the pain is strong, or after meals, or in case of heartburn or indigestion, antacids may be taken. It is advisable to avoid citrus fruits, high fat content food, fried stuffs, tomatoes, coffee, tea or alcoholic beverages. The physician has to be contacted if the situation worsens

Prevention of abdominal pain –
These simple yet effective measures can be taken to keep abdominal cramps at bay –

1. Consuming well balanced and high fiber diet and plenty of fruits and vegetables.
2. Consuming sufficient quantities of water.
3. Eating small amount of foods at regular intervals.
4. Avoiding foods causing gas.
5. Maintaining regular exercise regimen.