So, I’ve often heard that it isn’t uncommon to get leg cramps in pregnancy – but it wasn’t one of the things I experienced in my triplet pregnancy, at least not any more than usual. People seem to suggest eating bananas to help prevent them. I expect that the reason is that people are attributing muscle cramps to low potassium levels. Turns out, low potassium does occasionally cause muscle cramps, it more frequently causes muscle weakness. Also? That banana everyone keeps suggesting? Has about 400mg of potassium in it. You’ll get more than double (sometimes triple) the amount of potassium found in that banana in tomatoes, wheat bran, apricots, currants, potatoes… Why bananas have such a reputation for being the potassium-king is beyond me. Low magnesium and low calcium levels more frequently contribute to muscle cramps – particularly those that occur with pregnancy.
So… who cares about any of that? Not me, but it’s still relevant.
About a week ago, I started having an issue where my thumb or the rest of my hand would seize up and be impossible for me to move. For a while it was just in my left thumb, which was annoying, but I could deal with it. Now it’s my whole left hand – and it happens at random times. And then, in the midst of muscle spasms in my hand (not remotely related to what kind of work I’m doing with my hand at the moment – just that it seizes up.
And then yesterday, my legs and even my feet started cramping- I woke up at 2:30 this morning in tears from the pain. Ugh. I just hope this is transient and will go away once my little parasite is evacuated from its temporary home. Sigh.
ChezPerky 
argh. you are really having a time with this pregnancy.
remind me when you are due again?
I totally agree with you on the bananas. I love them, but since when are they the King of all things potassium?
I don’t know how much you’re able to keep down but are you hydrated enough? That seemed to be the biggest cause of my cramping. Because I was SO swollen, I tried to just drink something with electrolytes so I wouldn’t have to drink so much. I have no idea what you are getting nutrient wise so this might not even apply – but just thought I would chime in to say I feel your pain. Although my crappy slip on Skechers could have been the cause of my leg cramps too. 🙂
The left hand might be unrelated. It isn’t uncommon for pregnant women to suffer from DeQuervain Syndrome but that is more of a nerve thing vs cramping so I really dunno if it’s even the case. Regardless, I had it and whenever I made a fits – my hand would spasm SO bad I nearly dropped plates, cups, whatever I was trying to hold.
All of this was to say that I hope it passes quickly. You really could use a break right about now.
Oh my goodness…wish I could snap my fingers and the pain would disappear! My grandmother swears that a bar of Dove soap inbetween the fitted sheet helps with cramps. Go figure…but now my dad says it works too. Bananas also help too…guess you have figured this out.
HUGS to you and hoping that these lovely cramps don’t last too long!
not fun. that is actually the only pregnancy symptom that i had (besides the fun “all day sickness” during the 1st trimester)… leg cramps during the 3rd trimester. esp. when i was sleeping/lying still. ouch. =(
Ugg. I’m sorry. I don’t even know what else to say. Although I keep hoping that at some point things will go ok for you.