Leg cramps and swollen feet in pregnancy: what’s normal and what to check

Cramp in your calves and puffy feet are both common in pregnancy. Here’s what can help, and the signs that mean you should get checked.

Leg cramps

The NHS says cramp is a sudden, sharp pain, usually in your calf muscles or feet, and it is most common at night. Stretching and massaging the muscle, or standing up and putting weight on the leg, can ease a cramp. Stretching your calves several times a day, with the last time just before bed, may help prevent them.

See a GP if cramps disturb your sleep, last longer than 10 minutes, or come with numbness or swelling in your legs.

Swollen ankles, feet and fingers

The NHS says swelling is caused by your body holding more water than usual. The fluid tends to collect in the lowest parts of your body, especially in hot weather or after long periods of standing, and the pressure of your growing womb can affect blood flow in your legs.

The NHS suggests:

avoiding standing for long periods
wearing comfortable shoes and socks, and avoiding tight straps
resting with your feet raised as much as you can
exercise such as regular daytime walks, or foot exercises like bending and stretching your foot up and down 30 times

When swelling needs checking

A sudden increase in swelling in your face, hands or feet can be a sign of pre-eclampsia, and needs checking straight away.

Get help straight away if you have sudden swelling together with:

a severe headache that doesn’t go away with simple painkillers
vision problems, such as blurred vision or seeing flashing lights
pain just below your ribs
being sick
feeling very unwell

The NHS says to call your maternity unit if you have the number. If you’ve recently given birth, or can’t reach your maternity unit, call NHS 111. If you think it’s a life-threatening emergency, call 999.

Pain or swelling in one leg

The NHS says pregnancy, and the six weeks after giving birth, are times when the chance of a blood clot in the leg (deep vein thrombosis, or DVT) is higher. Signs include throbbing pain in one leg (rarely both), swelling in one leg, and red, blue or darker skin around the painful area. If you think you might have DVT, get urgent help from NHS 111, an early pregnancy unit (if you’re under 20 weeks) or your maternity unit.

Call 999 or go to A&E if you have these signs and you also feel short of breath or have chest pain. The NHS says not to drive yourself to A&E.

Questions people ask

Is it normal for both feet to swell?

Mild swelling in both feet or ankles is common. A sudden increase, or swelling in your face or hands, needs checking.

Does cramp mean I’m short of something?

NCT mentions dehydration as one cause. If cramps are frequent, mention them to your midwife or GP.

Can I wear compression stockings?

Ask your midwife or GP before buying any.