Prevalence of leg cramps during pregnancy and effects of supplemental therapy

Sohrabvand, Farnaz; Shariat, Mamak; Haghollahi, Fedyeh; Khezerdoust, Soghra; Rahimi Foroushani, Abbas; Nazemi, Leili; Chammari, Maryam

Prevalence of leg cramps during pregnancy and effects of supplemental therapy

Vol. 7, Issue 1, / April-June 2006
(pages 59-64)

Farnaz Sohrabvand: - Vali-e- Asar Reproductive Health Research Center,Tehran Medical Sciences University, Tehran, Iran
Mamak Shariat: - Vali-e- Asar Reproductive Health Research Center,Tehran Medical Sciences University, Tehran, Iran
Fedyeh Haghollahi: - Vali-e- Asar Reproductive Health Research Center,Tehran Medical Sciences University, Tehran, Iran
Soghra Khezerdoust: - Vali-e- Asar Reproductive Health Research Center,Tehran Medical Sciences University, Tehran, Iran
Abbas Rahimi Foroushani: - Epidemiology Department, Faculty of Publi Health, Tehran Medical Sciences University, Tehran, Iran
Leili Nazemi: - Human Nutrition and Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Public Health, Tehran Medical Sciences University, Tehran, Iran
Maryam Chammari: - Human Nutrition and Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Public Health, Tehran Medical Sciences University, Tehran, Iran

Received: 4/1/2006 Accepted: 4/1/2006 - Publisher : Avicenna Research Institute

Other Format

Abstract

Introduction: Leg cramps are common painful spasms especially in the lower extremities during pregnancy. The purpose of this study was to find a suitable alternative in the treatment of the disease. Materials & Methods: 217 patients reported leg cramps with different degrees and frequencies among 401 pregnant women in the second half of their pregnancies who visited the Prenatal Clinic of Imam Khomeini Hospital from July to December 2002. After preliminary evaluations for ruling out electrolyte imbalances or insufficient supply of dietary micronutrients, patients were randomly allocated into supplemental therapy (Calcium, magnesium or vitamin B intake for 2 weeks) and control groups. The groups were compared after 4 weeks according to their complete relief from leg cramps. The clinical findings and the data collected from the patients were analyzed by chi-square and t-student tests and a logistic regression model using the SPSS (V.10) software. Results: There was a significant improvement in patients receiving vitamin B with 71% complete and 19% relative relief from leg cramps, compared to 9% complete relief in the control group- 29% and 52% in the groups receiving magnesium and calcium respectively (p<0.0001 ). conclusion: although the high prevalence of leg cramps (55%) in the patients was not necessary-ly related to dietary habits, but it seemed that supplementing symptomatic patients with vitamin b could be beneficial.< pan>

Keywords: Leg cramps, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B6, Pregnancy, Calcium, Magnesium, Supplemental therapy

To cite this article:

Sohrabvand F, Shariat M, Haghollahi F, Khezerdoust S, Rahimi Foroushani A, Nazemi L, et al. Prevalence of leg cramps during pregnancy and effects of supplemental therapy. J Reprod Infertil. 2006;7(1):59-64.

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