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Leg Cramps during Pregnancy: Causes, Symptoms & Remedies
A mother needs all the care, comfort and knowledge to deal with the physical and emotional changes that affect her during pregnancy. Among all the other pregnancy related symptoms like a backache and headache, leg cramps are a common problem. However, this is a temporary condition, and you are not the only one suffering from this nagging pain that doesn’t go.
These useful tips will guide you in relieving leg cramps and manage your life better.
Cramps In Legs During Pregnancy
Cramps are the involuntary contractions or the sudden tightening of muscles present in your body. These aches are most common in the leg muscles during pregnancy. Many pregnant women get lower leg cramps that often strike at night, in their second and third trimesters. Fortunately, chances are these ailments will disappear after you deliver. In the meantime however, there are some things you can do to alleviate discomfort.
Beginning early in your pregnancy, practising regular alternate circulation-boosting exercises with a proper amount of rest (prop those feet and legs up!) can prevent cramps from developing.
Pain is a personal phenomenon. No one can feel it more than you do when you’ve spent all those nights awake trying hard to catch up on sleep in your cosy bed. In that solitary hour if your leg cramps don’t let you rest peacefully, it's time to up look up the causes and remedy to ease your pain.
Right after conception, women generally worry when they feel mild cramps or a feeling of tugging and pulling at their tendons. Here are some of the causes of leg cramps during early pregnancy:
Causes Of Leg Cramps in Pregnant Women
Experts aren't sure about what causes leg cramps. "Charley horses", the non-clinical name for painful cramps in your calf muscles, although extremely painful, are luckily usually brief.
The reasons for leg cramps during pregnancy can be many. These include
excess weight
carrying heavy things
a mineral imbalance in the body
pressure on the nerves and blood vessels in the leg exerted by the expanding uterus and growing child
weight gain related to pregnancy
swelling from fluid build-up in your legs, known as edema
if you have a multiple pregnancy and are carrying more than one child; such women also have more amniotic fluid, to accomodate the two foetuses, and hence may experience leg cramps and edema that's worse than normal
After the delivery, this swelling disappears within few days in the form of excessive sweating.
Symptoms Of Leg Cramps
Cramping may be more noticeable when you sneeze, cough, or change positions while sitting standing, or even lying down. These spasms can radiate up and down your calves during the day, but they're usually more noticeable at night, when fatigue and fluid accumulation is more.
You may wake up at night with sudden painful spasms in your calf muscles thinking it’s a dream. These pains are annoying, but they're not usually a reason to worry, unless they persist and are severe enough to interfere with your daily life. If you are experiencing severe camps, do consult your doctor. If you have puffiness around the eyes, facial swelling or abnormal swelling of feet and ankles, or of one leg swells more than the other, then cramps could even indicate a blood clot.
Factors That Can Increase The Possibility Of Leg Cramps
The chances of leg cramps increase because of contributing factors such as a substantial increase in weight, pedal swelling and fatigue. These spasms travel up and down your calves at daytime, and can also affect the quality of sleep at night leading to stress or frustration.
Increased weight- During pregnancy and with weight gain, the lower limbs get stressed due to the added pressure.
Growing uterus- The increasing size of the uterus also adds to the pressure on major veins in the leg.
Hormones – Pregnancy hormones, (e.g. progesterone) combined with physiological factors increase the tension in muscles and lead to cramps and body aches.
Nutrient deficiency- Magnesium or calcium deficiency also causes leg cramps. The nutrient level in the mother’s blood is depleted since the foetus also depends on the mother’s body for nutrition.
Treatments To Deal With Pain Of Leg Cramps
Leg cramps are common in most expecting mothers and there are various remedial measures that can relieve and treat your cramps or prevent them from occurring. Apart from maintaining a healthy lifestyle, a positive approach towards life can take you a long way in dealing with it.
For some mothers taking supplements or magnesium rich foods (e.g. whole grains, beans, nuts and seeds) helps prevent leg cramps during pregnancy. Drink water to keep your muscles hydrated to prevent cramps. Magnesium for leg cramps in pregnancy is vital to keep your muscles strong. Do consult your doctor before taking supplements for leg cramps in pregnancy.
If you are wondering what to do when you have leg cramps, try these simple methods to help relieve or prevent leg cramps:
Exercise and stretch regularly.
Sit comfortably with your legs elevated.
Wear stockings to support your legs.
A soothing massage for your calves and feet helps.
Applying local heat with a gel pack or hot water bottle.
Standing on a cold surface can reduce spasm for sometime.
Choose proper footwear which offers comfort, support and utility in mind.
Stretch the muscles on the affected side.
Warm bath or a muscle massage also might help.
Leg Cramps Prevention
Unfortunately, none of the following methods can guarantee prevention of leg cramps during pregnancy. But here are some tips for preventing leg cramps during pregnancy to an extent:
Don't keep your legs crossed for long periods of time.
Stretch your leg muscles regularly before you go to bed.
Drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated as lack of sodium causes muscle contractions. Dark yellowish coloured urine signals your inadequate water intake.
Drink less coffee as it contains caffeine that increases the amount of fluid you lose through urine.
Natural Remedies For Leg Cramps when pregnant
Stress, indulgence in unhealthy food and lack of enough exercise are some of the common contributing factors for body aches and leg cramps during pregnancy. The natural remedies, therefore, try to address these root causes.
Relaxation: A warm water bath with Epsom salt can often ease your leg pain effectively. This helps you relax and reduces your stress levels while relieving the tension in your muscles. You can wrap ice from the refrigerator or use an ice pack and apply it on your cramping muscle. Other stress free activities include reading a book, exploring creative hobbies, watching a movie or anything that keeps you happy.
Nutrition: A diet rich in potassium/magnesium helps you stay active during pregnancy. Do exercise, care and consult your doctor before taking magnesium or any other supplements. Excess magnesium for example, may result in diarrhoea. A balanced diet made up of leafy vegetables, fruit and salad will not only be filling, it would also fulfill your nutritional needs and reduce frequent and severe leg cramps. Avoid table salt and processed food. Eat food that is seasoned with high quality sea salts. Check with your doctor if a pregnancy multivitamin or food supplement is needed considering your specific case.
Try to eat a healthy diet by including foods that contain:
Magnesium (dates, figs, sweet corn, green veggies and apples).
Calcium (milk and milk products, sunflower seeds, salmon and pulses)
Vitamin C (oranges, grapefruit, potatoes, tomatoes etc.)
Exercise: Gentle exercises such as yoga, walking or swimming also help in reducing the severity of your cramps. Stay active by taking a walk, choosing the stairs instead of the elevator, or watering a small garden patch will help. It is advisable to stop for a rest if you need it. Doing light exercises can improve your blood circulation and reduce leg cramps as well as help you improve your physical strength to prepare for labour.
Exercise for leg cramps during pregnancy is recommended in antenatal classes that educate you about child-birth. Proper exercise improves the circulatory system to minimise water retention in the legs.
Ankle rotation and wriggling of your toes while sitting down.
Since some these cramps come from muscle fatigue and fluid retention, gentle yoga stretches can be helpful.
Periods of activity should be followed by periods of rest as you relax with your feet up.
Wear a support hose during the day.
Cramps also reduce with massaging the area with aromatherapy oils such as lavender or camomile that are safe for pregnancy.
Address the requirements of your body at any given time. Do not over exert, and drink about 1.5 litres (8 glasses) of water a day.
What You Can Do For Persisting Pain?
Your muscles might feel sore and tender after the cramps for some time. Paracetamol can be taken as pain reliever although there is some debate around paracetamol’s effectiveness as a painkiller. Rather, take a warm bath instead. In rare cases, the cause of leg cramps or leg pain may be a blood clot in a vein in the leg (venous thromboembolism). If the pain is because of a blood clot, you may need to seek medical attention.
Call your doctor if you have:
Constant pain in the leg
Tenderness or swelling in the calf
A constant headache with blurry vision
Chest pain with breathing trouble
Pregnancy changes a mother’s life. The key to a healthy pregnancy is to be more alert and aware of the associated discomforts. Staying physically fit and emotionally stable is important during this critical phase, so try to keep your mind off things by relaxing and looking forward to the future.
Also Read: Cramping during Pregnancy Read more
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Trending Styles to Dress Up Your Kid This Diwali
Every Indian child looks forward to the beautiful festival of Diwali. Some kids can't wait to get their hands on firecrackers while others seem to get taken away by the beautiful lights. Even though our little ones have their own reasons to fall in love with this festival of lights, they seem to have one thing in common - they love dressing up for the day!
Diwali is around the corner and as a parent, you’re probably on the hunt for fashionable outfits to dress your child. With so many beautiful styles and cute ethnic outfits out there, it is hard to pick the perfect one. And of course, the gear should be such that it matches the latest trends. So what better than classic Indian kid’s ethnic wear to give your child that ravishing look you desire? Here's a list of trending styles to dress up your child this Diwali!
Trending Ethnic Styles for Children - 2018
While you’re busy shopping for some classy outfits for yourself, we have some latest Diwali trends for your kids that will make them look like little fashionistas this season. These styles are bound to grab the attention of all!
1. An Era of Tradition
Nothing says Diwali better than a brightly coloured lehenga, a blouse in contrast and a light choli. These cute ethnic styles are perfect to dress your baby girl. Your daughter will shine like a pretty little diya when she dresses up in a lehenga with dazzling mirror work. Bright colours, floral designs and cold shoulder blouse patterns are super trendy. Pair these up with some golden bangles, cute hair accessories and a pair of footwear that says bling and your princess is all set for the day.
2. Pillar of Perfection
Why keep your baby boy waiting for the perfect look when Dhoti Kurta is an ideal option this Diwali. It is the perfect ethnic outfit and it completes the festive look you seek for your child. Jodhpuris too are quite the trend for boys. You can pick out a simple style in white or something more flashy; your boy will look handsome as ever in these cute trendy styles. Complete this outfit with a nice pair of loafers or juttis to keep up with the trend.
3. Pour More Elegance
If you’re not quite convinced with a Dhoti Kurta for your baby boy, then you can get him something as elegant as a Kurta Pajama. For girls, however, an embellished kurta-salwar spells elegance! Bling, of course, is the trend this season along with embroidered Anarkalis and net dupattas. You can blend pastel shades or bright colours and create a beautiful ethnic look for your daughter.
4. Always in for a Party
Why stick to traditional wear when there’s a whole bunch of classy western outfits in stock for your little ones? Your daughter will instantly fall in love with these shimmery gowns that are super comfortable. The pretty florals, pastel shades and cap sleeves will help your daughter keep up with the trends. You can opt for a cute pair of ballet flats or open sandals to complete the look. Your baby boy too is in for a treat with this jaw-dropping party wear collection. An elegant Nehru jacket with a trouser or a three-piece suit with a tiny bow looks perfect for this season. You can pick these up in darker shades and pair them with lovely formal shoes. Your son will attract the attention of all in this look!
5. A Touch of Fusion
Looking for something Indo- Western for your child? We've got you the perfect styles this Diwali. Girls will love these styles featuring in fresh shades and floral prints. These outfits are a beautiful combination of smart embroidered tops and quirky palazzo pants. Your daughter will look super fashionable when you dress her in a long gown-like jacket or a shorter one too. Ghagras embellished with mirror work are trending this Diwali, and your daughter will find it hard to pick one from this wide range of fusion wear. Fancy open sandals and pretty earrings will get your daughter the look you desire.
So go ahead and dress your child in the most classy Diwali outfits and accessories. You will be surprised to see your favourite celebrities draped in these stylish attires. These fresh styles will really make heads turn, so grab the perfect Diwali outfits for your children as soon as you can!
Also Read:
Creative and Interesting Diwali Activities and Games for Kids
DIY Diwali Craft Ideas for Children
Easy and Beautiful Diwali Card Ideas for Kids Read more
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Being a Dad for The First Time - 20 Tips You Should Know
Becoming parents to a little bundle of joy is one of the most delightful or blessed feelings in the world. Just the way a would-be-momma feels butterflies in her tummy, the would-be-dad also goes through a host of new feelings and emotions. It is not only a life-changing experience for the woman, but even for a man, it is a big turning point in life. If you are a first-time dad or you’ll be a dad soon, and you want to know how to do it perfectly, well, we may help you in your journey as in this post we shall be discussing some tips for newbie dads or first-time dads!
20 Tips for First Time Fathers and Dads-to-be
Here are some tips for the first time fathers or dads:
1. Know More About Pregnancy
The sheer fact that your wife is carrying the baby makes her a bit more aware of the baby developing inside her than you. However, you can be on the same page as her by reading more about pregnancy.
2. Stay Positive
Your woman may be going through a lot of hormonal swings that can make her go through an array of emotions. The best thing that you can do preparing to be a father for the first time is being positive towards your wife and her pregnancy.
3. Go for Pre-Natal and Ante-Natal Visits
Being a new dad is not easy, and you have to make efforts be a part of your wife’s journey too. Make sure you take your wife to all her pre-natal and ante-natal visits and are involved full-time in your wife’s pregnancy.
4. Refrain from Smoking
If you are a smoker now is the time to put a stop to this habit. This is because it may prove to be dangerous for your pregnant wife and your unborn baby’s health too.
5. Be Involved From The Beginning
There is no doubt that first-time father feelings can be a bit overwhelming, but as a newbie papa it is important that you actively take part in taking care of your baby from the beginning itself. The best way to get the hang of nappy changing, burping, making your baby sleep and other such things is by start doing them.
6. The Magic of Touch
Physical touch has great importance and this way you feel closer and connect better to your little bundle of joy. Make sure you hold, rock, hug and make other kinds of physical contacts with your baby to strengthen the bond.
7. Talk to Your Baby
You may wonder what words could mean to a baby, but it is very important for a baby’s development. The baby may not be able to acknowledge it but listening to your sound soothes the baby, and it also helps in developing your baby’s listening and language skills.
8. Understand Your Baby’s Cues
Well, babies may not be able to talk and tell you what they want, but you can surely try to find out what your little munchkin desires. This may get a bit daunting if you are going to be a dad for the first time, but with time you’ll be able to understand your baby’s need better by following your baby’s cues.
9. Have One to One Time with Your Baby
Sneak those few magical moments in a day and be with your baby, just the two of you. Sing a lullaby, rock him, hold him close to your chest or simply talk to your little one. This is one of the best ways to bond with your baby.
10. Help Your Partner with Breastfeeding
If you are preparing to be a father for the first time it is important that you get involved in all the matters that concern bringing up your little one and breastfeeding is one of them. Get her a glass of water, adjust her pillow or simply talk to your partner if she’s feeling all confused about the whole breastfeeding experience. The idea is to be next to your partner and support her in her efforts.
11. Get More Knowledge
When you become a father for the first time people around you will load you will all sorts of information about what to expect as a new dad and how you should do things. You can talk to your doctor to clear your doubts rather than listening to the random opinions of people.
12. Take Care of Your Relationship
You have become parents, but that does not mean that your relationship with your partner should become less important to you. Make your partner feel loved and cared. She has gone tremendous physical changes and may have weird doubts and notions about her looks, make her feel special.
13. Ask for Help
Being a dad can be a daunting task and it is okay that if you and your partner are not able to manage all of it yourself. You can ask a family member or hire some house help to assist you.
14. Let Mom Take a Break
Try and give the newbie mom some break from baby chores. Plan a day out with her friends and let her relax for some time.
15. Do The Household Chores
Help your lady love with the dishes, by washing clothes, by doing the laundry and doing other such chores.
16. Give Time and Be Tolerant
Fatherhood will not come to you in a day or a couple of months. Don’t be hard on yourself and give yourself some time.
17. Work Like a Team
Both you and your partner need to work hand in hand in taking care of your little one. It will help in better management of all your responsibilities and duties.
18. Just Be There
Just be there next to baby and partner, sometimes it is just your presence and moral support that is required and nothing else.
19. Take Care of Yourself
Don’t be too harsh on yourself and just because you are a newbie dad does not mean that you should take care of your needs and requirements. Take a break and pamper yourself once in a while.
20. Enjoy Being a Newbie Dad
Do not think much and be hard on yourself. Raising a baby will not easy, but it certainly is so much fun. Just go with the flow of emotions and enjoy being with your baby.
Try and follow these tips if you are going to be a first-time dad or you are a first-time papa! This will help you bond with your newborn and also improve your relationship with your wife.
Also Read:
Importance & Role of Father in Child Development
How to Be a Good Father?
Steps to Keeping The Romance Alive after Baby is Born Read more
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Marinated Chicken and Egg Salad
The Marinated Chicken and Egg salad is packed with nutrition, protein and gives all what a gym rat’s body needs. Chicken breast and egg whites are loaded with protein. The greens and radishes balance out the protein and provide the rest of the nutrients. The marinated chicken gives the dish a delicious lift.
Serves
Preparation Time
Cooking Time
4 People
10-15 Minutes
15-20 Minutes
Ingredients
1 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves- cut into bite size pieces
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1 hard boiled egg
2 radishes
1 tbsp water
1 to 2 cups salad greens
Method
Step 1
Mix together the vinegar, water, olive oil, salt and water and marinate the chicken pieces in the mixture for about an hour.
Step 2
Drain the chicken and cook on a pan for about 15 mins. Turn the chicken so it gets cooked evenly. Do not add anything more to the chicken as it already has oil.
Step 3
Slice the hard boiled eggs. Also chop the radishes, salad greens and tomatoes and arrange on a plate.
Step 4
Top the ensemble with chicken.
Step 5
Add a little pepper to taste.
Nutritional Information
Calories
151 K cal,
Proteins
20.1 g
Fats
6.3 g
Carbohydrates
4.5 g
Cholesterol
113 mg
Sodium
1271 mg
Potassium
1274 mg
Tip: *For frying, add approximately 10 grams of fat per serving at 9 K cal/gm of fat.
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Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
12 hours ago
Q. I am 9 week pregnant and I have runny nose very badly can I use cetirizine tablet?
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
8 hours ago
A. use nasal drops , that acts faster .
You should have proper consultation with your treating doctor , as some examination or investigations may be needful, so that proper medications can be given And the treatment can be done very properly.
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
12 hours ago
Q. hi,
my LT 10x18mm and RT 18x20mm and ET 6.5 , what if I intercourse after 2 days, can I do intercourse in ovulation day can become a pregent .
on ovulation day if we intercourse can become a pregent..pls advice..
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
8 hours ago
A. since the follicle size is 18 to 20 mm your ovulation may occur within 24 hours also so if you have intercourse with in that time it will be more effective to get conceived
your endometrial growth is not good enough for conception but still you can just try
Sai Prasanthi R L has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
11 hours ago
Q. Hlw dr its my 6th month pregnency can i intimate with my partner
Sai Prasanthi R L
Mom of a 10 yr 2 m old boy
10 hours ago
A. Hello dear! If your pregnancy is going on fine without any high risk factors then it’s okay. Still, would advise you to check with your doctor once before going further. Maintain a good personal hygiene routine and a healthy lifestyle
Abhaya Rajput has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
8 hours ago
Q. My breasts feel full and heavy, but there’s no milk when pumping and during feeding baby —what do I do?
Abhaya Rajput
Mom of a 14 yr 4 m old boy
1 hour ago
A. Hello there ma’am please do not worry about it too much. But it is really very difficult to say anything without proper examination. It is advisable to get yourself evaluated by a doctor and follow doctors advise properly. You can also book online doctor’s appointment on FirstCry where the doctor can help you and guide you properly.
Thanks and take care
Dr Disha Patel has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 6 months
8 hours ago
Q. can I take medicine pcm n citrazene in pregnancy fir sore throats n fever
Dr Disha Patel
Ayurvedic Physician
2 hours ago
A. dear mom.
better to take tab pcm for time being n do take steam inhakation couple of tines a day, follpw good home renedies for cold, taje more rest .
Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Mom of a 9 m old child
1 hour ago
Q. hi everyone good morning,
sorghum can I give to my 10 month baby is it safe or not please revert I waiting for your reply
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. yes
whenever you give any new food to the child you have to take care of two things.
you should give in small quantity. if the child doesn't develop any digestion problem in next 24 hours to 48 hours and the child is able to digest that food then that food can be given again.
but if the child is not able to digestc or there is some problem with vomiting or loose motion or colic pain then kindly avoid that food.
we wait for 2 to 3 days to confirm whether the child is having any problem to that particular food or not
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