Leg pain in early pregnancy is a common complaint.
The most common causes of leg pain in early pregnancy are:
There are a number of things that can be done to help relieve leg pain in early pregnancy, including:
Pregnancy is a beautiful journey and is a time of excitement and anticipation. However, it can also come with its fair share of discomforts. Many changes occur in a woman's body, such as mood swings, heartburn, backache, sleep changes, morning sickness, and leg pain in early pregnancy. While leg pain can occur at any stage of pregnancy, it is particularly common in the early months. This is due to the numerous changes occurring in a woman's body as it adjusts to the demands of pregnancy.
This article will explore the various causes of leg pain in early pregnancy and some tips for managing this symptom. Keep reading to know more about why do legs pain in early pregnancy.
Download our App today to plan your surgery seamlessly and stress-free!
Leg pain during early pregnancy is a common symptom many women experience. The pain may range from mild discomfort to extreme leg pain during early pregnancy due to painful muscle contractions called leg cramps.
Leg pain during early pregnancy is experienced mainly at night, especially during the second and third trimesters. Backache and leg pain in early pregnancy may also be experienced together as the body adjusts to the changes.
In most instances, women are often left worried and wondering if leg pain is expected in early pregnancy. They do not know that experiencing pain in the legs and lower back during early pregnancy is extremely common.
Keep reading to find out the reason behind leg pain in early pregnancy.The body of a woman goes through various changes while pregnant. Some of these reasons contribute to developing leg pain in early pregnancy. These include the following,
Changes in blood circulation: Circulation slows down during pregnancy, considered a normal bodily response and not a cause for concern.
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can also affect circulation, causing the blood vessels to relax and expand, resulting in decreased blood flow and increased fluid retention in the legs. This can cause swelling, discomfort, and leg pain during pregnancy.
Gaining weight: Weight gain is a natural occurrence during pregnancy. As the fetus grows, the pressure on the nerves and blood vessels of the legs increases.
Leg pain is expected in early pregnancy and may intensify in the second and third trimesters. Hence, staying active while pregnant and eating healthy prevents leg pain.
Varicose veins: Varicose veins are extremely common during pregnancy and are usually not harmful. During pregnancy, the body produces more blood, leading to the veins in the legs becoming swollen and twisted. This can result in varicose veins causing leg pain during pregnancy.
Fatigue: Feeling tired while pregnant is very common. In addition, gaining weight during pregnancy and increased pressure on the leg may also cause fatigue in the leg muscles. Hence, fatigue may lead to leg pain during pregnancy.
Calcium deficiency: Calcium is one of the essential minerals needed during pregnancy. Any changes in how the body processes calcium or low calcium levels may cause leg pain during pregnancy.
Consuming calcium during pregnancy is essential as the growing baby needs it too. Even though the mother is not consuming enough calcium, the body will still compensate for it and provide it to the baby. The lack of calcium eventually weakens the bones and causes leg pain.
Magnesium deficiency: A lack of magnesium may cause leg pain during pregnancy. In a study published in the journal Maternal and Child Nutrition, it was found that giving oral magnesium supplements to pregnant women may reduce the frequency of leg pain and cramps.
A deep vein thrombosis (DVT) blood clot: DVT is a blood clot that develops deep within a vein, typically in the legs, thigh, or pelvis.
While deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is not a common occurrence during pregnancy, pregnant women are at a higher risk of developing DVT compared to individuals of the same age who are not pregnant. One of the symptoms of DVT during pregnancy is leg pain.
The risk of developing DVT is higher during any stage of pregnancy and up to 6 weeks after childbirth. Therefore, pregnant women should be aware of the symptoms of DVT and take appropriate precautions to minimise their risk of developing the condition.
Sciatica: Another very common problem faced by women during pregnancy is sciatica. This condition arises when the sciatic nerve is irritated. Sciatica occurs when there is excessive pressure on the sciatic nerve due to the expanding uterus when the baby grows.
This sciatic nerve irritation can cause radiating pain that moves down the leg. If you are experiencing leg and foot pain in early pregnancy, it may be due to sciatica.
Apart from these general practices, there are certain tips that, when followed, can help ease leg pain in pregnancy. Additionally, these tips may also help in preventing leg pain during pregnancy.
Although leg pain in early pregnancy is a common occurrence, it is essential to inform a doctor if you experience any of the below-mentioned symptoms:
In conclusion, experiencing leg pain in early pregnancy is common and can range from mild discomfort to severe cramps. The pain may be due to various reasons, including changes in circulation, weight gain, dehydration, varicose veins, fatigue, calcium and magnesium deficiencies, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), blood clot, and sciatica.
Therefore, pregnant women should take care of themselves by staying active, eating healthily, drinking plenty of water, and being aware of the symptoms of DVT. Seeking medical attention is advised if the pain is severe or persists for an extended period. With proper care and management, leg pain during early pregnancy can be minimised, allowing women to enjoy this beautiful journey more comfortably and efficiently.
HexaHealth offers a range of exceptional services for pregnant women. Pregnancy is a unique and challenging journey, and our team of highly skilled doctors is dedicated to providing comprehensive care to ensure a healthy pregnancy and safe delivery. At HexaHealth, we understand that leg pain is a common concern during early pregnancy, and we offer excellent treatment options to alleviate discomfort and provide relief.
Download our App today to plan your surgery seamlessly and stress-free!
Leg pain in early pregnancy is a common occurrence. There are several reasons why you experience leg pain in early pregnancy. These reasons include the following,
There are various factors that may be the reason behind why your leg pain during early pregnancy. Some of these reasons include,
Home remedies that help prevent pain in the legs and lower back during early pregnancy include the following,
To lower leg pain during early pregnancy, you follow these tips,
You can treat backache and leg pain in early pregnancy by using the following tips,
The signs of a healthy pregnancy include the following,
It's essential to remember that every pregnancy is unique, and what may be considered healthy for one woman may not be the same for another. Regular prenatal care and consultations with your healthcare provider can help monitor your pregnancy and detect potential issues early on.
Last Updated on: 9 September 2023
MBBS, DNB Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Diploma In Cosmetic Gynaecology
9 Years Experience
Dr Arti Sharma is a well-known Obstetrician and Cosmetic Gynaecologist currently associated with Aesthetica Veda in Bengaluru. She has 9 years of experience in Obstetrics and Cosmetic Gynaecology and worked as an expert Obstetrician...View More
BSc. Biotechnology I MDU and MSc in Medical Biochemistry (HIMSR, Jamia Hamdard)
2 Years Experience
Skilled in SEO and passionate about creating informative and engaging medical content. Her proofreading and content writing for medical websites is impressive. She creates informative and engaging content that educ...View More
Expert Doctors (10)
NABH Accredited Hospitals (6)
Latest Health Articles