Bibliographic Info
GuidelineWHO recommendations on antenatal care for a positive pregnancy experience
Year of Publication2016
Issuing InstitutionWHO
Recommendation
Status
Maintained
Recommended
Magnesium, calcium or non-pharmacological treatment options can be used for the relief of leg cramps in pregnancy, based on a woman’s preferences and available options.
Notes and Remarks
- 1.The review found no evidence on the effect of non-pharmacological therapies, such as muscle stretching, relaxation, heat therapy, dorsiflexion of the foot and massage.
- 2.The evidence on magnesium and calcium is generally of low certainty. However, the GDG agreed that they are unlikely to be harmful in the dose schedules evaluated in included studies.
- 3.Further research into the etiology and prevalence of leg cramps in pregnancy, and the role (if any) of magnesium and calcium in symptom relief, is needed.
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