And the cramps are on!

Not exactly the most pleasant feeling - I wake up in the middle of the night trying to grab my hubby's arms to squeeze while trying not to scream in pain - Yes the leg cramps have started!

 

It would typically start from the left leg for about 20 to 30 seconds then move on to the right leg for another 20 to 30 seconds - meanwhile I'll be grabbing my hubby's arms and going " Cramps! Cramps! OWWWWWWWWWWWWW!"

 

Last night was particularly bad: 3 times. Twice with both legs and once only the left leg but doubling the time and intensity of pain. So much so that my left leg's calf muscles are still sore and achy.

 

Medically speaking, cramps occur due to lack of body salt - but it doesn't explain why pregnant ladies have leg cramps.

 

Among the sites I've surfed and the "facts" gleaned from them, the typical reasons are 1) due to additional body weight the legs have to carry around 2) sleeping position affects the bloodflow to the legs (so it's a very rude sort of wake-up call to adjust sleeping position?) 3) no idea why.

 

The best solution for the above? Sleep on the sides, not the back, and the best position really is on the left because it allows the maximum/ optimal blood circulation for the body. Oh why on sides, you ask? Apparently, by sleeping on the back, the uterus (with the baby and water bag and the lot) may compress some major veins for blood circulation, hence it is NOT good to do so. Strangely though, as much as I try to sleep on my sides now, I usually find myself sleeping on my back (most comfortable position for now even though I am usually a side sleeper).

 

So I guess I will have to spend money on the foot reflexology - not that I mind, really, it's really a good excuse to help relieve my swollen legs and it lets me have a really good night worth of sleep!