What it is
Leg cramps at night that seize your calf, and veins legs pregnant that bulge blue and ache: two leg complaints of late pregnancy. Veins can also swell in the vulva, called vulvar varicosities, which is alarming to see and rarely harmful. Progesterone relaxes vein walls, and the uterus slows blood coming back from the legs. About 4 in 10 pregnant women get varicose veins and about half get leg cramps.
What's typical
Cramps are worst at night in the third trimester. They grab the calf or foot for seconds to minutes. Varicose veins ache after standing. Vulvar veins feel like heaviness. Most veins shrink a lot within three to four months after birth. Vulvar ones nearly always go.
What's known
ACOG lists compression stockings, leg elevation, and movement for veins. For cramps, Cochrane reviews found weak evidence for magnesium and calcium and no clear winner; ask your provider before adding anything. A painful, warm, swollen calf on one side is a possible clot.
What helps
- When a cramp hits, straighten the leg and pull your toes toward your shin.
- Stretch calves before bed, and put compression stockings on before you get out of bed in the morning.
- For vulvar veins, a support garment or a folded pad in snug underwear, and lying down with hips raised.
When to call someone
- Nowchest pain, sudden shortness of breath, or coughing blood.
- Todayone calf that is swollen, warm, red, or painful to touch, especially if the pain stays when you are not cramping.
- At your next visitcramps most nights, or veins that bleed or keep you from standing at work.
Who helps
Related
- Swelling: feet, ankles, hands, facePregnancy: Your Body
- Blood clots: the signs to knowPostpartum: Your Body
- Can't sleep: pregnancy insomniaPregnancy: Your Body
- Moving your body in pregnancyPregnancy: Your Body
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Sources
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists — Patient FAQ on back pain and other discomforts of pregnancy
- Cochrane — Interventions for leg cramps in pregnancy
- NHS — Leg cramps in pregnancy
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