Tightness in legs during pregnancy

Aching, Painful, Or Heavy Legs During Pregnancy

Having aching legs during pregnancy is the icing on the cake of all of your physical ailments. But contrary to cake, heavy or aching legs are not something to be desired. While things like morning sickness and fatigue can be expected, when leg pain hits, it might catch you off guard.

To help make your leg troubles a little more bearable, we’ll give you some basic information and help you identify the signs, causes, and treatments for your aching and heavy legs.

Blood Circulation And Heavy Or Aching Legs During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a period during which the risk of circulatory disruptions becomes particularly high. These disruptions are the consequence of the related increase in body weight and hormonal changes, as seen below:

• As early as the first trimester, the increase in hormones creates circumstances in which the blood in the veins can easily stagnate, weakening vein walls and the firmness of blood vessels. Estrogen levels can lead to inflammation (edema), and progesterone modifies the vein walls and vessel dilation.
• Throughout pregnancy, the increased volume of the uterus leads to increased pressure on the main vein responsible for returning blood to the heart.
• Finally, an increase in blood weight and volume (of 20% to 30%) contributes to increased pressure on the leg veins, which is doubled or tripled. The valves are separated further from each other by distension of the veins and no longer play their role of impeding blood return.

Blood circulation in the leg veins can be considerably disrupted. The symptoms vary significantly from woman to woman and pregnancy to pregnancy, ranging from simple discomfort to disabling pain.

After delivery, these impairments most often go away on their own within a few weeks.

The Role Of Veins And Vascular Insufficiency

In their normal state, arteries supply the body’s tissues and organs with essential substances for their healthy functioning, such as oxygen. Veins, on the other hand, return blood to the heart.

Blood pressure and the firmness of vein walls allow blood to flow from the lower to the upper portion of the legs. This blood flow through the veins and back up to the heart is called venous return.

Valves, acting as small flaps, are positioned every 2 to 5 centimeters (0.8 to 2 inches) in the veins. These valves ensure that blood always flows in the same direction without ever “falling” back down the other way.

The calf muscles and compression of the instep also play a role in blood flow, particularly when walking.

Contributing Factors

Several factors can increase the risk of vascular insufficiency during pregnancy:

• Heredity: If your mom has had circulatory issues, you run a higher risk of experiencing them yourself.
• Working in a standing position and shuffling. Prolonged sitting can also disrupt venous return.
• A sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical exercise.
• Excess body weight prior to pregnancy, or significant weight gain during pregnancy.
• Previous pregnancies: The risk of venous insufficiency increases with the number of previous pregnancies carried to term — 23 percent for the first pregnancy and 31 percent for the fourth.

Healthy Habits

To avoid circulatory impairments during pregnancy, prevention is essential. If you need to, try to lose weight before getting pregnant and then limit your weight gain during pregnancy.

Here are some other healthy habits to help you avoid vascular insufficiency:

• Take walks or do light exercise, which boosts blood flow
• Wear shoes with a small heel that is neither too high nor too flat (3 to 4 cm or 1 to 1.5 inches)
• Avoid tight-fitting clothes and constricting socks
• If you suffer from any plantar arch problems, wear corrective insoles
• In certain cases, wearing compression stockings and taking venotonics may be recommended during pregnancy, starting in the second month

If you experience the sensation of heavy legs despite these measures, try some of these tips to help ease the discomfort:

• Raise your feet from the foot of your bed
• At the end of each shower, spray cold water over your legs in an upward motion from the ankles to the thighs
• Avoid sources of heat (prolonged exposure to the sun, high-temperature baths, underfloor heating, etc. )
• Massage your legs every day, from the ankles to the knees, using a specific treatment cream to increase blood return and stimulate blood flow

Signs Of Heavy Or Aching Legs

Aching or heavy legs first appear as a sensation of discomfort, fatigue, and heaviness in the legs. These sensations can be the first sign of an actual circulation impairment alongside other characteristics, such as having pain:

• In the interior and posterior area of the calf that radiates up the leg toward the inside of the knee
• Most often felt towards the end of the day
• If you remain standing for a long time or if you are in contact with heat (summer temperatures, hot baths, hot-wax treatments, etc.)
• Increase as the pregnancy progresses
• Relieved by cold temperatures, winter climates, rest, elevation of the legs, and walking
• Accompanied by cramps at night, restlessness of the legs (painful discomfort that requires that one move one’s legs for relief), inflammation (edema of the ankles), varicosities, and even varicose veins

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, talk about it with your doctor at your next visit. Your doctor may be able to prescribe a suitable treatment for you.

Causes Of Aching Or Heavy Legs

Like most expecting moms, you’re probably wondering what’s causing your aching or heavy legs. The sensation of heavy or aching legs is related to a loss of firmness and elasticity of the vein walls, which causes a slowing of blood circulation in the veins. Because of this, the veins dilate and blood pressure increases.

Valves — the small flaps that normally keep blood from flowing back down the leg veins — have difficulty maintaining this pressure and progressively become deficient.

Resistance to leaks weakens and blood stagnates in the lower portion of the veins, which further impairs vein walls. A vicious cycle takes hold.

On top of this, other factors could be causing your aching legs, such as:

• Nerve pressure: When your uterus expands, it puts pressure on certain nerves, which can trigger spasms and cause pain in your legs.
• Dehydration: If your body doesn’t get the right amount of hydration during your pregnancy — and it needs a lot! — it can really suffer. Whether you’re dealing with morning sickness, stress, or cramps, drinking water can be the easy answer to all your pregnancy woes. When in doubt, take the water route!
• Increase in your weight: Your legs are carrying around more weight than they’re used to. They’re having to work a little harder each day, so at the end of the day, they’re tired just like you.
• Swelling: Swelling is no stranger to pregnancy, especially in the heat. When your ankles and feet start to swell in the heat, as we’ve mentioned above, circulation gets restricted. This is when your legs start to ache and get heavy. (Note: If you notice consistent swelling in your legs and feet, or your leg starts to feel warm, reach out to your obstetrician right away.)
• Changes in your posture as your baby grows: Throughout stages of your pregnancy, your baby has taken different positions inside your uterus. This can take a toll on your body, especially your back. Your posture starts to change throughout your pregnancy without you even noticing at times, but your legs are sure to take notice of the change. Your legs have to support you throughout these different stages, and it can impact them.
• Fluid retention: Your growing uterus puts pressure on the veins that carry blood back from your lower body, which partially blocks blood flow. As a result, fluid remains in your legs and feet.
• Joint laxity: As we’ve discussed, when you’re carrying the extra weight from your precious baby, it’s a lot for your legs — but it’s also a lot for your joints. Your joints can easily become stressed from the added pressure. Your joints may seem a little loose and you might even waddle when you walk!

At-Home Treatment

Most often, your leg aches can be relieved at home. That’s something to shout about because we know leg aches can really be a Debby Downer as you wrap up your day!

Here are a few ideas to relieve your leg aches and heavy legs at the end of the day:

• Stretch your calf muscles by flexing and releasing each foot a few times
• Take short walks throughout the day to boost blood flow
• Avoid standing or sitting with your legs crossed for long periods
• Take a warm bath before bed (After getting out of a relaxing bath, don’t forget to apply Stretch Marks Oil to help limit the appearance of stretch marks! It leaves your skin restored, refreshed, and noticeably smoother. )
• Massage your legs throughout the day and especially before bed (Try using our Body Firming Gel to give your legs a little massage. It hydrates your skin, giving it a firmer look and overall feel.)
• Take a calcium supplement (with the go-ahead from your doctor)
• Drink a glass of milk before bed
• Prop your legs up on a pillow (make sure your legs are elevated above your heart)
• Wear compression leggings or socks
• Increase your potassium intake

Medical Treatment

If your legs are painful and you see no improvement after trying the recommended measures outlined in the previous section, do not hesitate to see a doctor. They can prescribe suitable treatment for your condition.

Various methods — from medicinal to physical to surgical — may be considered, depending on the severity of your circulatory impairments:

• Compression via pantyhose, stockings, or socks is the basic treatment for anyone experiencing venous insufficiency. Different models are available depending on the strength of compression necessary. Significant progress has been made in improving the esthetics of these garments. The cost of some of these compression methods may be eligible for Social Security reimbursement.
• Venotonics have anti-inflammatory properties, stimulating muscle tone and protecting the elasticity of the vein walls. They must be taken for an extended period of time in order to be effective.
• Kinesitherapy and exercises to build up the leg muscle also have a role to play. Walking, swimming and biking are the best types of activity. Spa treatments, massages, and manual lymphatic drainage can also provide valuable relief.
• If varicose veins developed during your pregnancy and are still present after delivery, vein sclerotherapy or surgery may be considered. These techniques can be performed under local anesthesia, requiring neither an epidural nor general anesthesia, and the patient can go home the same day as treatment, or the following day.

A Comfortable Pregnancy

Aching and heavy legs can be caused by a variety of factors, as we listed above. Although these unpleasant sensations usually disappear on their own after delivery, they should not be taken lightly.

Heavy legs can turn into vascular pathologies that can sometimes be disabling. Monitor your heavy legs closely and give them the appropriate care from the very first signs to limit the risk of complications.

But keep in mind that most often, it’s not a cause for concern or harmful to your baby. Use at-home treatments to ease your leg aches and heavy legs. You may have to try a few before you find what works for you.

And while you’re at it, continue taking care of yourself during your pregnancy by treating your skin. Using the right products that have been clinically proven to effectively help expecting mothers, like our Stretch Marks Cream, will make for one comfortable pregnancy!

Leg Pain During Pregnancy: Exercises to Try

Medically reviewed by Janine Kelbach, RNC-OB — By Natasha Freutel on February 24, 2016

While you await the arrival of your precious baby, you may be feeling new kinds of aches and pains. Leg and joint pain during the second or third trimester may be the result of added weight, changing body shape, and biomechanics. It can also be caused by fluid retention and joint laxity.

Pregnancy pain can have an impact on daily life and cause changes in sleep quantity and quality. Some common pregnancy aches include swollen and painful feet and legs, and calf cramps. Some women also report radiating pain down the back of the legs and hip pain.

Another common pregnancy symptom is swelling. Many pregnant women report swelling of the:

• face
• legs
• ankles
• feet

Mild swelling is a normal part of pregnancy. It happens because of the 50 percent increase in blood and bodily fluids needed to support the growing baby. But excessive swelling can be a sign of a more severe pregnancy complication. If you experience severe swelling, it’s important to be evaluated by a doctor.

Pregnancy back pain is widely studied, but there’s less research on hip, knee, and foot pain during pregnancy and postpartum. A study published in the Journal of Family Practice reports a high occurrence of low body pain among pregnant and postpartum women. It’s most likely related to changes in the way a pregnant woman moves due to a growing baby belly.

Try these exercises to help decrease swelling, pain, and discomfort during pregnancy.

Swollen feet and ankles are common during pregnancy. This simple exercise helps increase circulation and blood flow to the feet to decrease swelling and pain.

Equipment needed: none

Muscles worked: ankle dorsiflexors, plantarflexors

1. Lie on a bed with your feet slightly elevated on a pillow.
2. Begin by pulling your toes toward your face to flex your feet, then point your toes away from you.
3. Repeat 10 times continuously.
4. Perform 3 sets.

Some women suffer from sore calf muscles during pregnancy. This might be caused by weight gain, poor body mechanics, or improper footwear. Stretching can help promote relaxation of the muscles, leading to decreased pain.

Equipment needed: a wall

Muscles worked: gastrocnemius, soleus

1. Stand to face a wall. Place both hands on the wall for support.
2. Put one foot up against the wall with your toes pointing toward the ceiling.
3. Lean toward the wall, keeping your leg straight until you feel a stretch in the back of your lower leg.
4. Hold for 20-30 seconds. Repeat on other leg.

Tight hamstrings can cause low back pain and discomfort during pregnancy. This exercise helps stretch the hamstrings. It also activates and strengthens the muscles of the buttocks.

Equipment needed: none

Muscles worked: hamstrings, glutes

1. Stand with your feet parallel, hip-width apart.
2. Put your hands behind your head and stand up tall, keeping your chest wide.
3. Keep your legs relatively straight with a slight bend in your knees. Bend at the hips, moving them back as you lower yourself toward parallel. Bend until you feel a stretch in the back of your legs. Try to keep your back in a straight line.
4. Move slowly through this movement 10 times.
5. Perform 3 sets.

This exercise can increase strength and stability in the muscles of the lower back and core. It also works the quadriceps, the important muscles that support the ligaments of the knee.

Equipment needed: exercise ball

Muscles worked: gluteus maximus, hamstrings, deep core muscles

1. Stand against a wall with an exercise ball positioned between your midback and the wall.
2. Place your feet far enough away from the wall so that when you lower down into a squat, your knees can bend to 90 degrees. Having your feet too close to the wall will put stress on the knee joint. Feet should be parallel and a little wider than hip-width apart.
3. Lower your body down into a sitting position while rolling the ball up your back.
4. Hold for 1 second, return to starting position. Repeat 10 times.

Sciatic pain is common during pregnancy. It can cause shooting or aching pain down the buttocks, back of the leg, and foot. Foam rolling is a great way to soothe and relax tight muscles that may be contributing to increased pain.

Equipment needed: foam roller

Muscles worked: hamstrings, calf muscles, glutes, piriformis

1. Place a foam roller on the ground.
2. Sit on the foam roller, supporting yourself with your hands behind you.
3. Cross one foot over the other knee in a figure 4 position.
4. Slowly move your buttocks back and forth over the foam roller until you find a tender spot.
5. Continue this movement over the tender area for 30-60 seconds.
6. Try rolling the foam roller down the back of your upper leg until you find another tender area.
7. Repeat on other side.

Exercises and stretching can have a positive effect on mobility during pregnancy. They can also help decrease pain and dysfunction. The 2002 guidelines for physical activity during pregnancy recommend regular exercise for its overall health benefits to both mom and baby.

Always see your doctor before starting an exercise program to make sure it’s safe. Discontinue exercise and seek medical help if you have any of the following symptoms:

• vaginal bleeding
• dyspnoea before exertion
• dizziness
• headache
• chest pain
• muscle weakness
• calf pain or swelling
• preterm labor
• decreased fetal movement
• amniotic fluid leakage

Calf or leg pain can be a symptom of a more serious condition like a blood clot or thrombosis. Seek immediate medical attention if you have pain accompanied by redness, warmth, or swelling in the calf.

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Last medically reviewed on February 24, 2016

• Parenthood
• Pregnancy
• Pregnancy Health

How we reviewed this article:

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

• Artal, R., O’Toole, M., & White, S. (2003). Guidelines of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists for exercise during pregnancy and the postpartum period. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 37(1), 6-12
  doi.org/10.1136/bjsm.37.1.6
• Dumas, G. A., & Reid, J. G. (1997). Laxity of knee cruciate ligaments during pregnancy. The Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 26(1), 2-6
  doi.org/10.2519/jospt.1997.26.1.2
• Swelling During Pregnancy. (2015)
  americanpregnancy.org/pregnancy-health/swelling-during-pregnancy/
• Vullo, V. J., Richardson, J. K., & Hurvitz, E. A. (1996). Hip, knee, and foot pain during pregnancy and the postpartum period. The Journal of Family Practice, 43(1), 63–68
  ncbi. nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8691182

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

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Medically reviewed by Janine Kelbach, RNC-OB — By Natasha Freutel on February 24, 2016

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Leg pain during pregnancy: causes and how to get rid of it

Feet in pregnant women hurt for various reasons. Since there is a considerable load on the legs during pregnancy, this is not surprising. Just don't ignore the pain. Sometimes, if a woman feels pain in her legs, we can talk about pathology.

We tell you what pain in the legs during pregnancy can be associated with and what to do to alleviate the symptoms. nine0003

Why my feet hurt during pregnancy

During pregnancy, the center of gravity usually shifts, which creates an excessive load on the legs. Therefore, many women who are carrying a child experience pain in their feet. In general, during pregnancy, a woman's body is rebuilt, so pain can also occur for other reasons that are also not associated with the development of diseases.

Causes of leg pain in pregnant women

The most common causes of foot pain in pregnant women include: nine0003

• Natural increase in body weight;

• The shift in the center of gravity, which increases the load on the feet;

• Excessive accumulation of fluid in the body can cause swelling and, as a result, throbbing pain;

• Aching pain, swelling after walking or standing for a long time - these symptoms appear in women prone to varicose veins; nine0003

• Cramping that cramps the legs or only the feet can occur due to an increased concentration of progesterone in the blood, as well as due to iron and calcium deficiency.

Consider the cases when the feet hurt during pregnancy due to existing diseases.

Flat feet

If flat feet have already been, then during pregnancy, if the disease is not treated, it only gets worse. There are cases when a woman had the first stage of flat feet, and in the last trimester - already the third. Usually, transverse flat feet are more acutely tolerated. Its symptoms: nine0003

• Burning in the feet;

• By the end of the day, the legs are very tired, they may swell;

• In the evening there are cramps in the area of ​​​​calves and shins, which are accompanied by pain in the feet;

• Pain in the area of ​​​​the kneecaps, pelvis and back - these symptoms appear when flat feet are neglected; nine0003

• Calluses and growth that affects the base of the thumb;

• Hammer toe deformity.

It is important to diagnose the transverse flatfoot of the foot in time. Usually orthopedic traumatologists deal with this issue. To diagnose the disease, the doctor sends an x-ray. Pregnancy is not an absolute contraindication for x-rays. Radiation should be avoided only in the first three months of pregnancy. Before the procedure, be sure to warn the doctor about your situation. nine0003

Only after studying the radiographs, the doctor can confirm the diagnosis. Further steps will depend entirely on the stage of the disease. At the initial stages, the disease is cured by conservative methods, in advanced cases, surgical intervention is required.

Conservative treatments include:

• treatment with medications if there is inflammation;

• nine0002 wearing orthopedic insoles and other devices;

• physiotherapy;

• massage;

• exercise therapy.

In the fight against flat feet, orthopedic insoles, which are designed for pregnant women, have proven themselves well. They help to evenly distribute the load on the legs of women. nine0003

Varicose veins

Even if a woman has never suffered from this disease, there is a risk that pregnancy will worsen the condition of the vessels.

Since mother and baby have a common circulatory system, varicose veins can provoke oxygen starvation in the fetus. The fact is that it is with the mother's blood that the child receives all the necessary substances to maintain his life.

It is not difficult to recognize varicose veins on your own. The most obvious signs that can be seen with the naked eye are pronounced vascular networks. It is worth making an appointment with a doctor if you have symptoms such as: nine0003

• Aching pain in the legs, especially after exercise;

• Fatigue and heaviness in the legs at the end of the day;

• tingling, itching and burning;

• Numbness of limbs or cramps.

The treatment of the disease is carried out by a phlebologist (vascular surgeon). nine0003

Is it possible to do foot massage during pregnancy?

If the attending specialist does not see any contraindications for massage, then the procedure will only benefit. Foot massage during pregnancy will help not only alleviate the condition of the legs, but also improve the mood of the expectant mother. Massage has a positive effect on the emotional state of the mother, and therefore on the unborn child.

How to get rid of foot pain

Often, with pain in the legs, a woman can help herself. These recommendations will help get rid of leg pain or at least reduce it: nine0003

• During pregnancy, aching and tired feet come to the rescue in the evening foot baths. Water should be at room temperature. It is also useful to rinse the feet with cold water;

• It is advisable to sleep on the left side - on the right is the inferior vena cava, which carries the bulk of the blood, so it is better to remove the load from it;

• A contrast shower helps to get rid of pain in the legs - this procedure will also strengthen the walls of blood vessels; nine0003

To avoid unpleasant pain in the legs, it is also important to follow preventive measures:

• Drink enough water. Edema appears when the body is dehydrated, and not vice versa;

• Motion. To improve blood flow, it is useful to move and do light exercise. Walking is the best activity for pregnant women. When driving, it is important to take regular breaks to stretch your legs; nine0003

• Leg lift. If you have to sit for a long time, it is advisable to raise your legs more often. To do this, you can put a stand or a small bench near you;

• Balanced diet. This applies mainly to the consumption of salt, since it is it that retains water in the body. In general, the diet should be varied, with sufficient protein;

nine0016

Weight control. Almost all women gain weight during pregnancy. It is only important to ensure that the “increase” fits into the norm, since excess weight provokes swelling;

• Avoidance of heavy workloads. Long stay on your feet, lifting weights and any physical labor - all this negatively affects the health of blood vessels during pregnancy. You should also pay attention to the position of the body. For example, a pose in which the legs are crossed harms the vessels; nine0003

• Correct posture. With proper posture, the load on the legs is distributed evenly. It is important to ensure that the lower back does not bend too much or the body does not lean back too much;

• Comfortable shoes and clothes. Clothing or shoes that are tight on the body can block blood flow. Therefore, it is not recommended to wear socks with tight elastic bands that leave marks on the body, and shoes that are too narrow and short; nine0003

• Be careful with sunburn. If there is a tendency to varicose veins, you should not stay under the sun for a long time - ultraviolet rays weaken blood vessels.

If you follow these simple recommendations, you can minimize the pain in the legs during pregnancy. If you suspect flat feet, you can always contact our orthopedic center. A specialist doctor will diagnose and, in case of illness, prescribe an effective treatment regimen. nine0003

Preeclampsia and pregnancy | Ida-Tallinna Keskaigla

Preeclampsia and pregnancy

The purpose of this information leaflet is to provide the patient with information about the nature, occurrence, risk factors, symptoms and treatment of preeclampsia.

What is preeclampsia?

Pre-eclampsia is a disease that occurs during pregnancy and is characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine. Preeclampsia is one of the most common complications of pregnancy. Epilepsy-like seizures occur in severe preeclampsia and are life-threatening. nine0003

What symptoms may indicate the development of preeclampsia?

High blood pressure - blood pressure values ​​are 140/90 mmHg. Art. or higher. If systolic (upper) or diastolic (lower) blood pressure rises by 30 mm Hg. Art. or more, then such an increase cannot be ignored.

Protein in urine - 300 mg in urine collected over 24 hours, or +1 value on a rapid test.

Swelling of the arms, legs or face , especially under the eyes or if the skin is pitted when pressed. Edema can occur in all pregnant women and is generally harmless, but rapidly developing edema should be taken into account.

Headache that does not improve after taking pain medication.

Visual disturbances - double vision or blurred vision, dots or flashes before the eyes, auras.

Nausea or pain in the upper abdomen - These symptoms are often mistaken for indigestion or gallbladder pain. Nausea in the second half of pregnancy is not normal.

Rapid weight gain - 2 kg or more per week.

As a rule, there is a mild course of the disease that occurs at the end of pregnancy and has a good prognosis. Sometimes, preeclampsia can worsen quickly and be dangerous to both mother and fetus. In such cases, rapid diagnosis and careful monitoring of the mother and child are of paramount importance. nine0003

Unfortunately, most women show symptoms in the final stages of the disease. If you experience any of the above symptoms, you should contact your midwife, gynecologist, or the Women's Clinic emergency department.

Is preeclampsia called toxemia of pregnancy?

Previously, pre-eclampsia was indeed called toxicosis, or toxemia, since it was believed that the cause of the disease was toxins, that is, poisons in the blood of a pregnant woman.

What is the difference between preeclampsia and gestational hypertension?

Pregnancy hypertension is an increase in blood pressure above normal after the 20th week of pregnancy. With hypertension of pregnant women, protein in the urine is not observed.

What is HELLP syndrome?

HELLP syndrome is one of the most severe forms of preeclampsia. HELLP syndrome is rare and sometimes develops before symptoms of preeclampsia appear. Sometimes the syndrome is difficult to diagnose, as the symptoms resemble gallbladder colic or a cold. nine0003

When does preeclampsia occur?

Preeclampsia usually occurs after the 20th week of pregnancy. As a rule, preeclampsia goes away after delivery, but complications can occur up to six weeks after delivery, during which careful monitoring of the condition is necessary. If by the sixth week after birth, blood pressure does not return to normal, then you need to contact a cardiologist, who will begin treatment against hypertension.

What is the cause of preeclampsia? nine0200