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Pregnancy tip
Massaging the affected muscles or pulling the foot towards you from the toes can help ease cramp.
Cramp in pregnancy
Painful cramp is common in pregnancy, especially in your legs. Find out more about treatment and prevention.
A cramp is a sudden sharp pain, caused by an involuntary spasm. Cramp is quite common when you are pregnant, especially in the legs.
A good way to relieve leg cramp is to flex your foot at the ankle and then circle your ankle vigorously - this increases the blood-flow to the leg. Massaging the affected muscles or pulling the foot towards you from the toes can also help.
If you suffer from repeated cramps, exercise can help reduce the number of times you are affected. Try gently stretching the affected muscles several times a day.
Further information
NCT's helpline offers practical and emotional support in all areas of pregnancy, birth and early parenthood: 0300 330 0700. We also offer antenatal courses which are a great way to find out more about birth, labour and life with a new baby.
NHS choices offers information on cramp in pregnancy. The NHS choices site also gives some suggested exercises for prevention of cramp.
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