i have been experiencing this for a few weeks now, im 33 weeks pregnant.

the pain always hits my calf, either leg, and if i try to pull my toes to ease it, i actually end up with pain around my ankles and the inner thigh.

it always happens in the early morning, 3am+, its enough to take my breath away, and i wake up almost screaming in agony, and rolling round in tears.

doc says this is just the weight pushing on my veins.

anyone else suffering this or know how to ease it.

i never got this with my first pregnancy.

i got leg cramps too, every single night when me and oh settled down to watch t.v, it was horrible i had to get up every once in a while and walk about, when i went to bed though it stopped. When i had my baby too it never happened again, thankfully coz it was really annoying.

Pauline and 7 week old sean

just like you described in my pregnancy, the MW suggested a glass of milk before bed and indian tonic water, I tried both (although I cannot stand tonic water) and never suffered the cramps again, so I'm not sure which of those worked, but I wouldn't give up either.

I told the MW I was scared about how painful the cramps were consiering I was yet to be in labour, but come to think of it, I remember the leg cramp pain alot more than the labour pain, and I only had a bit of pethidine in early labour and gas & air...

Definatly try the milk and tonic water, and if the ladies say bananas help too, then try that, keep them right at bay!!

Rachael
xxx

I wake up with cramps too, started a few weeks ago. Unless I stay completely still (hard when you are in agony!) it hurts even more and won't go away!!

Rach xx + 24wk+3 lively pink bump!

Bananas are meant to be a good top tip for this.
I eat loads of bananas and only ever had cramp briefly once, but my friend was getting it all the time, and when I told her about this she started on them and said it's been loads better so might be worth a try (if you like bananas that is!).

Apparently tennis players eat loads of bananas for the same reason......

Might be coincidence, but you never know!
Good luck
Love N xx (32+4 pink bump)

in the bananas that makes them so good against cramps as cramp can be caused by too low levels of this mineral

so if you don't like bananas (which i don't, but i wish i did as they are so good for us!) then you can have something else with potassium in it.

found this after a google...

"Cramping During Pregnancy

What is it?
Were not talking about menstrual cramps. This is a sharp pain situated in your calf muscles or feet. It is common to get these cramps at night during the last three months of pregnancy. Youll notice it more after a physical workout or in hot weather. During hot weather, increase your salt and calcium intake to help avoid the onset of cramps. Potassium deficiency also plays a role: eat more fruits, vegetables, fish and meat. Bananas are an excellent source of potassium.

If despite preventative measures youre still getting cramps during the night, pull your toes up toward your ankles or rub the ailing muscle. Before you go to sleep, ask your partner to massage your feet, ankles and lower legs. During the day, you can perform leg and foot exercises. Many women find it very helpful to wear compression stockings.

The occasional cramp is not a serious problem. However, if youre noticing a frequent cramps you may want to consult your doctor"

hugs
elizabeth xxx
18 weeks

I don't particularly like them but been forcing one a day down and it's really helped with this, was waking me every night. Tonic water is supposed to work too but not tried that one as I really don't like it.

Lotsa love,
Clare 31 weeks today! xxxx