Leg Cramps
by Donna Harvel Balo ARNP, CNM, MS

Q. When I wake up in the morning, my calves have been achier and achier; this morning they were actually cramping. It doesn't last very long, and once I get up and start walking around, they're fine. Is this typical? Is there anything I can do to mitigate the cramping?

A. Are you getting enough calcium in your diet, equivalent to 3-4 glasses of milk each day? Calcium supplements are OK, no more than 500mg with orange juice each time. Your potassium may also be low. Eat a banana a day (or kiwi or bell peppers that have turned red). You can also take a potassium supplement, once or twice a day.

Hope the cramps improve quickly. They're no fun but many pregnant women do experience them.

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