Related Experiment Videos
Interventions for leg cramps in pregnancy
1Barn Croft Surgery, Temple Sowerby, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 1RZ. youngjckvg@compuserve.com
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|May 5, 2000
Summary
Calcium and sodium chloride supplements may help reduce pregnancy leg cramps. Further research is needed, especially regarding sodium chloride due to potential dietary changes affecting results.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Leg cramps are a common complaint for many women during the second half of pregnancy.
- Identifying effective treatments for pregnancy-related leg cramps is crucial for maternal well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the available evidence on the effectiveness of various treatments for leg cramps experienced during pregnancy.
Main Methods:
- Searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register for relevant randomized controlled trials.
- Included trials focused on treatments for leg cramps lasting at least two weeks in pregnant women.
- Assessed trial quality and extracted data independently by two reviewers.
Main Results:
- Three moderate-quality trials involving 217 women were analyzed.
- Calcium supplementation demonstrated a significant reduction in leg cramps compared to placebo (OR 0.29, 95% CI 0.15 to 0.56), despite heterogeneity.
- One trial indicated sodium chloride also reduced leg cramps (OR 0.08, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.24).
Conclusions:
- Both calcium and sodium chloride show promise in alleviating leg cramps during pregnancy.
- The relevance of sodium chloride findings may be limited by contemporary dietary practices.