There's no doubt that childbirth can leave you physically, mentally and emotionally exhausted. Physically bearing a child for nine months, and then going through hours of labour and finally breastfeeding takes a toll on your health and the various parts of your body start giving up including your legs.
Causes of leg cramps post delivery
Leg cramps can be a common issue post delivery for new mums
Leg cramps are one of the most common complaints in new mums, especially right after childbirth and while breastfeeding. This is because your legs bear all the excess weight during pregnancy and after that go through the ordeal of childbirth and various breastfeeding postures.
Breastfeeding can also keep you up at night and sleep deprived, which is another reason for leg cramps. Other reasons could be all the hormonal changes in your body after delivery that relaxes your ligaments and joints, causing lower body pain. Also, carrying your new baby around only adds to your body weight and it can make matters worse for you.
Swelling of your legs due to the intravenous fluids that were injected into your body during childbirth can also cause pain.
Ways to soothe leg cramps post delivery
Rest, of course, is the best thing you can do to soothe your leg cramps and get rid of all the physical exhaustion after childbirth. Besides that, here are a few other tips that might ease your painful leg cramps:
- Applying a hot water compress or soaking your feet in hot water will give you immediate relief and would also help you relax. Do it three to four times a day to ease the leg cramps.
- Avoid standing for a long time and make sure that you keep your legs elevated.
- While rest is essential sitting in the same posture, especially while breastfeeding can worsen your leg cramps. Therefore make sure that you change the position or take regular breaks and just walk around the room to ease the pressure and restore blood circulation.
- Stay away from high-intensity workouts for at least six months after childbirth or consult your doctor if you want to start exercising.
- If your leg cramps are giving you sleepless nights, you can take a mild painkiller, of course after consulting your doctor.
- Mild physiotherapy exercise can immensely help in easing pain and leg cramps.
- Avoiding sitting with your legs folded or crossed can also help prevent leg pains while you nurse.
- Sitting up straight and using good posture when you stand and walk can help prevent leg pains when breastfeeding.
- Getting a good massage from local malishwali is also highly recommended to not only soothe leg cramps but it would also help you de-stress and relax.
Read: It takes a year to recover from childbirth!
