Bibliographic Info
GuidelineWHO recommendations on maternal health: guidelines approved by the WHO Guidelines Review Committee, second edition. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2025
Year of Publication2023
Issuing InstitutionWorld Health Organization
Recommendation
Status
Updated
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.