Leg cramps are common in pregnancy but there is no definitive answer as to why some women have them. Some possible causes include:

• Being dehydrated: Some pregnant women, especially those who are working cut back on water and fluid intake so as to minimize the frequent trips to the bathroom. Trying to cut back on nighttime bathroom visits is another reason why pregnant women avoid drinking fluids, especially in the late evening hours. This can lead to muscle problems.

• Vitamins: Deficiency in certain Vitamins such as magnesium and potassium

• Weight gain during pregnancy: Weight gain in pregnancy can cause stress on leg muscles resulting in leg pain from conditions such as sciatica

• Lack of exercise: Exercise keeps the muscles supple. If muscles are not used often enough this can result in cramps and pains

How to deal with leg cramps

There are number of ways to alleviate leg cramps. Some may not be appropriate for everyone based on their medical condition. Discuss some of these with your OB/GYN or midwife if you have concerns. Prevention tips include:

• Take walks daily unless you are on bed rest or otherwise restricted

• Avoid long stretches of sitting or standing

• Avoid crossing your legs for long periods

• Give your ankles a little exercise. Practice rotating them and wriggling your toes periodically

• Drink lots of water

• A warm bath before bed can help relax leg muscles

• Try lying on your left side so as to aid circulation to your legs

• If possible have someone give you a leg massage before bed

The best way to deal with a leg cramp when you get one is to stretch your leg out. Flex your toes and as your stretch your calf muscles. There will be pain at first but this will gradually disappear. Doing this tends to stop the cramping quicker than just waiting for it to pass.

If you experience persistent pain from these leg cramps see your doctor just in case you have something more serious going on. One of the most likely causes could be a blood clot in the leg. This can be deadly and should be treated as soon as possible.

I originally formulated these blends for myself over five years ago they have since become ones used by pregnant woman, midwives and doulas all over the country.

Nausea Spray

1. In four ounces of distilled water in a spray bottle add 20 drops Spearmint 15 drops Lemon Essential oil 5 drops Sweet Orange Essential oil.
2. Shake well and mist air when feeling nauseas.

You can also try using Ginger, Neroli and Rosewood to find a mixture that works for you.

Leg Cramp Oil

This is great for leg cramps, varicose veins, varicosities and sore backs.

2 ounces St. John’s Wort Oil.
5 Drops Neroli.
5 Drops Grapefruit Essential oil.
This leg oil is fabulous. This is so soothing and relaxing on tired muscles.

Belly Balm – Stretch Mark Prevention Oil

This oil feels so wonderful going on. It is smooth, moisturizing and it can really help with itching that often becomes present when our skin starts stretching.

In a double boiler melt
1 cup coconut oil
1/4 cup Cocoa Butter
1/8 cup Apricot, Almond or Grapeseed Oilv 1/8-cup Kukui nut oil, Shea Butter or Mango Butter ( I love using Mango Butter)
When the oils are all melted, allow it to cool and add the essential oils and pour into another container for the mixture to be stored in.
10-20 drops Sandalwood (try to find an ethical source)
15 drops Patchouli
15 Drops Sweet Orange

You can try varying amounts of oils and types of essential oils but I love this combination. You can also use Rosewood, Rose, Lavender, Tangerine and Neroli. Massage all over thighs, breasts, stomach and everywhere else that needs nourishing and moisturizing. I have also used this on my face, living in the Green Mountains we get frigid winds and my fair skin often needs a protector.

Labor Mists

Relax and Focus
This is a relaxing blend to promote clarity and focus.
In a four-ounce spray bottle almost fill it with distilled water.

Add
20 drops Grapefruit essential oil 15 drops Sweet Orange Essential oil 10 drops Spearmint Essential oil Shake well and mist labor room, or you can make a compress using a wet cloth and misting the cloth, apply to forehead or the laboring Moms back. This mist is great for Dad too.

Transition can be a trying and tiring time for the mother. We want to support her and use a mist blend that will ground, calm and help uplift her spirits.

Add water to mister container as above and add 15 drops Mandarin 10 drops Bergamot 10 drops Lavender 10 drops Clary Sage

This is a strong blend and it should be used away from the mother. Never spray the mother directly. The point of using mists during labor is to be as non invasive as possible. Every person is different and their needs are individual and different also. Make sure that you understand the person you are making the blend for. The wrong blend can assault the senses and we must all realize in our need to help we make may something not so beautiful for the mother.

Disclaimer- Use essential oils with education and care. Research each oil before use, especially with pregnancy, labor, and children’s health.

About the Author
Demetria Clark is the Director of Heart of Herbs Herbal School in Vermont. She is also a Labor support doula and mom to two great boys.