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Why do I keep getting charlie horse cramps?
Penny found 20 sources
with relevant information
7 peer-reviewed research articles
1 professionally-backed source
5 articles from healthcare institutions
Overview
Charlie horse cramps—sudden, painful muscle spasms, usually in the legs—are very common during pregnancy. Up to half of pregnant people experience them, especially in the second and third trimesters, and they often occur at night. While these cramps can be uncomfortable, they are generally considered a normal part of pregnancy and are not usually a sign of a serious problem.
Why Leg (Charlie Horse) Cramps Happen During Pregnancy
Common Causes
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Muscle Fatigue and Extra Weight: The extra weight and physical changes of pregnancy put more strain on your leg muscles, which can trigger cramps, especially at night.
Leg Cramps at Night: Causes, Pain Relief & PreventionHealthcare providers believe that’s because the extra weight of pregnancy strains your muscles. About 3 out of 4 reported cases of legcramps happen at night.Read full articleSource: Cleveland ClinicWhat Causes Leg Cramps in Pregnancy? | UNM Health Blog | Albuquerque, New MexicoLegcramps are no fun, especially in pregnancy. Half of all pregnant patients get them by the third trimester. Learn what causeslegcramps, safe at-home treatments and when to call a doctor.Read full articleSource: unmhealth.orgLeg cramps in pregnancy: causes, prevention and treatments - HSE.ieLegscramps are painful spasms that are common during pregnancy. Find out what to do and when to get urgent medical help.Read full articleSource: HSE.ie
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Circulation Changes: Your growing uterus can put pressure on blood vessels, slowing circulation in your legs and leading to cramping.
What Causes Leg Cramps in Pregnancy? | UNM Health Blog | Albuquerque, New MexicoLegcramps are no fun, especially in pregnancy. Half of all pregnant patients get them by the third trimester. Learn what causeslegcramps, safe at-home treatments and when to call a doctor.Read full articleSource: unmhealth.orgLeg Cramps During Pregnancy: What Should You Do | Trogolo Obstetrics and GynecologyThe general opinion is that there ... why leg cramps happen. And it depends from woman to woman, and it can be due to tiredness in your muscles, problems with your circulation, or even swelling during pregnancy. Muscle spasms in pregnancy are the last thing you want to be happening, especially atnight-ti...
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Electrolyte Shifts: Pregnancy can affect levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium, which are important for muscle function. Lower levels may contribute to cramps.
What Causes Leg Cramps in Pregnancy? | UNM Health Blog | Albuquerque, New MexicoLegcramps are no fun, especially in pregnancy. Half of all pregnant patients get them by the third trimester. Learn what causeslegcramps, safe at-home treatments and when to call a doctor.Read full articleSource: unmhealth.orgInterventions for leg cramps in pregnancy - PMCLeg cramps are a common problem in the second half of pregnancy, experienced by up to half of pregnant women (Salvatore 1961). They can be particularly troublesome at night. The mechanism is unclear but leg cramps occur in fit and healthy people such as athletes.Read full articleSource: PubMed CentralInterventions for leg cramps in pregnancy - PMCIt is possible that they are associated ... in pregnancy, inactivity or excessive exercise, electrolyte imbalances (e.g. magnesium, calcium, and sodium) and vitamin (E and D) deficiency (Miller 2005; Page 1953; Parisi 2003; Young 2009). One possible pathophysiological explanation is that leg ...Read full articleSource: PubMed CentralMuscle Cramps - StatPearls - NCBI BookshelfIt could be an alteration of ... by the muscles of the lower limbs. It could increase the glomerular filtration and the need for the fetus to receive minerals, compared to the muscular need of the mother's legs, with a reduction of calcium and magnesium. Pregnancycramps are not related to fetal growth problems. There seems to be a relationship between night camps and ...Prevalence and Predictors of Leg Cramps in the Third Trimester of Pregnancy: A Cross-Sectional Study - PMCLeg cramps in pregnant women are significantly related to the absence of housework assistance, progress in the number of gestational weeks, increase with the number of previous pregnancies, having GIT and leg swelling. In addition, pregnant women with a lower level of education, a high number ...Read full articleSource: PubMed CentralSerum Electrolytes Levels in Third Trimester Pregnant Women: A Case-Control Study in Diyala Province in IraqMineral ions known as electrolytes govern the osmolality of interior biological systems and losing them can be deadly. Electrolyteimbalances have been linked to a wide range of pregnancy health issues, including contractility of smooth muscle, spasms of the muscles, and body aches, as well ...
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Dehydration: Not drinking enough fluids can make muscle cramps more likely.
What Causes Leg Cramps in Pregnancy? | UNM Health Blog | Albuquerque, New MexicoLegcramps are no fun, especially in pregnancy. Half of all pregnant patients get them by the third trimester. Learn what causeslegcramps, safe at-home treatments and when to call a doctor.Read full articleSource: unmhealth.orgLeg cramps - NHSFind out about legcramps, a common condition where the muscles in the leg suddenly become tight and painful.Read full articleSource: nhs.uk
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Physical Activity: Both too much and too little activity can play a role. Standing for long periods or being inactive can increase risk.
Muscle Cramps - StatPearls - NCBI BookshelfIt could be an alteration of ... by the muscles of the lower limbs. It could increase the glomerular filtration and the need for the fetus to receive minerals, compared to the muscular need of the mother's legs, with a reduction of calcium and magnesium. Pregnancycramps are not related to fetal growth problems. There seems to be a relationship between night camps and ...Prevalence and Predictors of Leg Cramps in the Third Trimester of Pregnancy: A Cross-Sectional Study - PMCLeg cramps in pregnant women are significantly related to the absence of housework assistance, progress in the number of gestational weeks, increase with the number of previous pregnancies, having GIT and leg swelling. In addition, pregnant women with a lower level of education, a high number ...Read full articleSource: PubMed Central
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Other Factors: Leg cramps can also be triggered by fatigue, swelling, or even certain medications.
Leg Cramps at Night: Causes, Pain Relief & PreventionHealthcare providers believe that’s because the extra weight of pregnancy strains your muscles. About 3 out of 4 reported cases of legcramps happen at night.Read full articleSource: Cleveland ClinicLeg cramps - NHSFind out about legcramps, a common condition where the muscles in the leg suddenly become tight and painful.Read full articleSource: nhs.uk
What Does the Research Say?
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The exact cause of pregnancy-related leg cramps is not fully understood. Multiple factors, including hormonal changes, circulation issues, and nutritional deficiencies, are thought to play a role.
Interventions for leg cramps in pregnancy - PMCLeg cramps are a common problem in the second half of pregnancy, experienced by up to half of pregnant women (Salvatore 1961). They can be particularly troublesome at night. The mechanism is unclear but leg cramps occur in fit and healthy people such as athletes.Read full articleSource: PubMed CentralInterventions for leg cramps in pregnancy - PMCIt is possible that they are associated ... in pregnancy, inactivity or excessive exercise, electrolyte imbalances (e.g. magnesium, calcium, and sodium) and vitamin (E and D) deficiency (Miller 2005; Page 1953; Parisi 2003; Young 2009). One possible pathophysiological explanation is that leg ...Read full articleSource: PubMed CentralLeg cramps in pregnancy: causes, prevention and treatments - HSE.ieLegscramps are painful spasms that are common during pregnancy. Find out what to do and when to get urgent medical help.Read full articleSource: HSE.ieLeg Cramps During Pregnancy: What Should You Do | Trogolo Obstetrics and GynecologyThe general opinion is that there ... why leg cramps happen. And it depends from woman to woman, and it can be due to tiredness in your muscles, problems with your circulation, or even swelling during pregnancy. Muscle spasms in pregnancy are the last thing you want to be happening, especially atnight-ti...Interventions for leg cramps in pregnancy - PMCThey are different from restless ... without muscle contractions or pain (Allen 2003; Allen 2012), although both conditions can occur in pregnant women (Hensley 2009). Up to 30% to 50% of pregnant women suffer from leg cramps, especially in the third trimester. Almost two‐thirds of these women experience leg cramps twice per week and they can occur at any time, particularly atnight (Sohrabvand 2009). Unfortunately, the aetiology and the precise mechanism of leg crampsinpregnancy is still ...
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Most cramps are not harmful and do not cause lasting damage, but they can be very painful and disrupt sleep.
Interventions for leg cramps in pregnancy - PMCThey are different from restless ... without muscle contractions or pain (Allen 2003; Allen 2012), although both conditions can occur in pregnant women (Hensley 2009). Up to 30% to 50% of pregnant women suffer from leg cramps, especially in the third trimester. Almost two‐thirds of these women experience leg cramps twice per week and they can occur at any time, particularly atnight (Sohrabvand 2009). Unfortunately, the aetiology and the precise mechanism of leg crampsinpregnancy is still ...Oral magnesium for relief in pregnancy‐induced leg cramps: a randomised controlled trial - PMCMusclecramps arise from spontaneous ... the muscle itself (Miller & Layzer 2005). Leg cramps are common for pregnant women; 30–45% of pregnant women suffer from leg cramps (Hertz et al. 1992; Valbo & Bohmer 1999). Pregnancy‐induced leg cramps tend to be more frequent during the second half of pregnancy, and mostly atnight, resulting ...Read full articleSource: PubMed CentralLeg cramps in pregnancy: causes, prevention and treatments - HSE.ieLegscramps are painful spasms that are common during pregnancy. Find out what to do and when to get urgent medical help.Read full articleSource: HSE.ie
When to Seek Medical Attention
- While leg cramps are usually harmless, you should consider contacting your OB/GYN or healthcare provider if you experience:
- Severe, persistent pain that does not improve
- Swelling, redness, or warmth in the leg (which could signal a blood clot)
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Leg pain accompanied by fever or other concerning symptoms
What Causes Leg Cramps in Pregnancy? | UNM Health Blog | Albuquerque, New MexicoLegcramps are no fun, especially in pregnancy. Half of all pregnant patients get them by the third trimester. Learn what causeslegcramps, safe at-home treatments and when to call a doctor.Read full articleSource: unmhealth.orgLeg Cramps During Pregnancy | Kaiser PermanenteLegcramps are common during pregnancy, especially in the second and third trimesters. And they happen most often at night. Doctors don't know exactly what causeslegcrampsduringpregnancy. Here are some things you can do to help relieve a legcramp. Stretch your leg (flex your toes toward ...Read full articleSource: Kaiser Permanente
Summary
Charlie horse cramps are a common and normal symptom during pregnancy, likely caused by a combination of muscle fatigue, circulation changes, and shifts in minerals like calcium and magnesium. While uncomfortable, they are usually not dangerous. Staying hydrated, gentle stretching, and maintaining a balanced diet may help reduce their frequency. If you notice severe pain, swelling, or other unusual symptoms, it’s recommended to reach out to your OB/GYN, who can work with you based on your specific medical history.
What Causes Leg Cramps in Pregnancy? | UNM Health Blog | Albuquerque, New Mexico
Legcramps are no fun, especially in pregnancy. Half of all pregnant patients get them by the third trimester. Learn what causeslegcramps, safe at-home treatments and when to call a doctor.
Read full article
Source:
unmhealth.org
Leg Cramps During Pregnancy | Kaiser Permanente
Legcramps are common during pregnancy, especially in the second and third trimesters. And they happen most often at night. Doctors don't know exactly what causeslegcrampsduringpregnancy. Here are some things you can do to help relieve a legcramp. Stretch your leg (flex your toes toward ...
Read full article
Source:
Kaiser Permanente
Leg cramps in pregnancy: causes, prevention and treatments - HSE.ie
Legscramps are painful spasms that are common during pregnancy. Find out what to do and when to get urgent medical help.
Read full article
Source:
HSE.ie
Providing feedback helps us improve Penny's responses.
Peer-Reviewed Research
Published, peer-reviewed scientific studies from journals or databases.
5
Interventions for leg cramps in pregnancy - PMC
Leg cramps are a common problem in the second half of pregnancy, experienced by up to half of pregnant women (Salvatore 1961). They can be particularly troublesome at night. The mechanism is unclear but leg cramps occur in fit and healthy people such as athletes.
Read full article
Source:
PubMed Central
6
Interventions for leg cramps in pregnancy - PMC
It is possible that they are associated ... in pregnancy, inactivity or excessive exercise, electrolyte imbalances (e.g. magnesium, calcium, and sodium) and vitamin (E and D) deficiency (Miller 2005; Page 1953; Parisi 2003; Young 2009). One possible pathophysiological explanation is that leg ...
Read full article
Source:
PubMed Central
Factors in early pregnancy predicting pregnancy‐related pain in the second and third trimester - PMC
When including physical riskfactors, ... clinical riskfactors, women's experiences of pregnancy‐related pain in the first trimester are the most important predictors for pain later in pregnancy. Beyond the expected positive effects of pregnancy‐related pain, notably self‐assessed fitness, age and parity were predictive for pain later in pregnancy. Keywords: early complications, epidemiology, pain, patient‐reported measures, pregnancy · Women who experienced back pain, legcramps, pelvic cavity ...
Read full article
Source:
PubMed Central
7
Muscle Cramps - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf
It could be an alteration of ... by the muscles of the lower limbs. It could increase the glomerular filtration and the need for the fetus to receive minerals, compared to the muscular need of the mother's legs, with a reduction of calcium and magnesium. Pregnancycramps are not related to fetal growth problems. There seems to be a relationship between night camps and ...
8
Prevalence and Predictors of Leg Cramps in the Third Trimester of Pregnancy: A Cross-Sectional Study - PMC
Leg cramps in pregnant women are significantly related to the absence of housework assistance, progress in the number of gestational weeks, increase with the number of previous pregnancies, having GIT and leg swelling. In addition, pregnant women with a lower level of education, a high number ...
Read full article
Source:
PubMed Central
9
Serum Electrolytes Levels in Third Trimester Pregnant Women: A Case-Control Study in Diyala Province in Iraq
Mineral ions known as electrolytes govern the osmolality of interior biological systems and losing them can be deadly. Electrolyteimbalances have been linked to a wide range of pregnancy health issues, including contractility of smooth muscle, spasms of the muscles, and body aches, as well ...
Fetomaternal Acid–Base Balance and Electrolytes during Pregnancy - PMC
A pregnant mother undergoes significant changes in acid-base status as well as sodium and calcium metabolism to combat her physiological needs of pregnancy. Pregnant patients experience mild respiratory alkalosis due to the stimulation of the ...
Read full article
Source:
PubMed Central
11
Interventions for leg cramps in pregnancy - PMC
They are different from restless ... without muscle contractions or pain (Allen 2003; Allen 2012), although both conditions can occur in pregnant women (Hensley 2009). Up to 30% to 50% of pregnant women suffer from leg cramps, especially in the third trimester. Almost two‐thirds of these women experience leg cramps twice per week and they can occur at any time, particularly atnight (Sohrabvand 2009). Unfortunately, the aetiology and the precise mechanism of leg crampsinpregnancy is still ...
[Water-electrolyte abnormalities during pregnancy: maternal and fetal complications (about a case)] - PubMed
Water-electrolyte abnormalities while pregnancy or for infant are very serious. We present a case of a woman at 26 weeks who had gestation pernicious vomiting that led to major extracellular dehydration, water intoxication and acute renal insufficiency. The etiology was a volvulus on common ...
Read full article
Source:
PubMed
12
Oral magnesium for relief in pregnancy‐induced leg cramps: a randomised controlled trial - PMC
Musclecramps arise from spontaneous ... the muscle itself (Miller & Layzer 2005). Leg cramps are common for pregnant women; 30–45% of pregnant women suffer from leg cramps (Hertz et al. 1992; Valbo & Bohmer 1999). Pregnancy‐induced leg cramps tend to be more frequent during the second half of pregnancy, and mostly atnight, resulting ...
Read full article
Source:
PubMed Central
Association of hypertension in pregnancy with serum electrolyte disorders in late pregnancy among Cameroonian women | Scientific Reports
Multiple electrolyte disorders, including sodium, potassium and calcium disorders, have been associated with hypertension in pregnancy. Most of these studies failed to evaluate the combined effect of low and high sodium, potassium, calcium and chloride ion concentrations on hypertension in ...
Read full article
Source:
Nature
Patterns and levels of serum electrolyte imbalance among women with obstructed labor in Uganda: A cross-sectional study - ScienceDirect
Imbalance in sodium, potassium, and chloride electrolytes, measured on a binary scale using the normal third-trimester pregnancyelectrolyte values: 130-148 mmol/Litre for sodium, 3.3-5.1 mmol/Litre for potassium, and 97-109 mmol/Litre for chloride.
Read full article
Source:
sciencedirect.com
Electrolyte Disorders in Pregnancy | SpringerLink
In pregnancy, central nervous system and hormonal changes lead to altered regulation of salt and water. This chapter discusses the differential diagnosis for hyponatremia and hypernatremia during pregnancy and the management in the pregnant woman.
Read full article
Source:
SpringerLink
Renal physiology and fluid and electrolyte disorders in pregnancy - ScienceDirect
Clinicians must remain alert to ... In the presence of fluid and electrolyte disorders, patients may report symptoms of fatigue, nausea, muscle weakness, polyuria, and polydipsia, whereas relatives may be more apt to note confusion and overall change in mood....
Read full article
Source:
sciencedirect.com
Clinical Guidelines & Professional Sources
Clinical recommendations from government, public health organizations, or professional medical provider associations.
10
Leg cramps - NHS
Find out about legcramps, a common condition where the muscles in the leg suddenly become tight and painful.
Read full article
Source:
nhs.uk
Medical & Academic Institutions
Information from hospitals, research institutions, or academic medical centers known for clinical expertise and research contributions.
1
Leg Cramps at Night: Causes, Pain Relief & Prevention
Healthcare providers believe that’s because the extra weight of pregnancy strains your muscles. About 3 out of 4 reported cases of legcramps happen at night.
Read full article
Source:
Cleveland Clinic
2
What Causes Leg Cramps in Pregnancy? | UNM Health Blog | Albuquerque, New Mexico
Legcramps are no fun, especially in pregnancy. Half of all pregnant patients get them by the third trimester. Learn what causeslegcramps, safe at-home treatments and when to call a doctor.
Read full article
Source:
unmhealth.org
3
Leg cramps in pregnancy: causes, prevention and treatments - HSE.ie
Legscramps are painful spasms that are common during pregnancy. Find out what to do and when to get urgent medical help.
Read full article
Source:
HSE.ie
4
Leg Cramps During Pregnancy: What Should You Do | Trogolo Obstetrics and Gynecology
The general opinion is that there ... why leg cramps happen. And it depends from woman to woman, and it can be due to tiredness in your muscles, problems with your circulation, or even swelling during pregnancy. Muscle spasms in pregnancy are the last thing you want to be happening, especially atnight-ti...
13
Leg Cramps During Pregnancy | Kaiser Permanente
Legcramps are common during pregnancy, especially in the second and third trimesters. And they happen most often at night. Doctors don't know exactly what causeslegcrampsduringpregnancy. Here are some things you can do to help relieve a legcramp. Stretch your leg (flex your toes toward ...
Read full article
Source:
Kaiser Permanente