Could anyone please help with anatomy question?

[nurse2b2007SC]

What might be deficient in the diet of a pregant woman who is complaining of leg muscle cramps? THANKS! :)

[HeartsOpenWide, RN]

What might be deficient in the diet of a pregant woman who is complaining of leg muscle cramps? THANKS! :)

Calcium

[steelcityrn, RN]

actually nothing may be deficient. It may be caused by the added weight on the veins/circulation or not enough hydration. Now blood work can be done to check the levels. Usually the main ones are the k and mag.

[greenjanell]

Potassium most likely.

[lc3]

What might be deficient in the diet of a pregant woman who is complaining of leg muscle cramps? THANKS! :)

Most likely K because decreased K levels causes decrease in rates of deplorization of action potentials. This means in skeletal muscle there is a complete tetnaus (steady rate of contractions). Too many contractions and not enough relaxation of the muscles. I would check this in the Nervous system chapter on action potentials and types of contractions..

Good Luck

[MIKelly]

I vote for a calcium deficiency. It's the most specific, probable cause of leg cramps in pregnant women. Of course if you want to get into restless leg syndrome in pregnant women, that's another story !

[smk1, LPN]

What might be deficient in the diet of a pregant woman who is complaining of leg muscle cramps? THANKS! :)

Potassium.

[MichSharon]

Another vote for potassium!

[Holly27]

Well it always seemed to me when I was pregant that when I ate a banana my legs stopped hurting. I had Mg pills but didn't help. I vote for K+ too!

[flowerchick]

Religious consuption of a night cap of two Tums and a banana worked like magic for me, so I vote both Calcium and Potassium.

[ONSnrs]

calcium and potassium, if you don't like milk then drink orange juice w/ calcium. oranges also have potassium. bannannas replete potassium into your body faster than any supplements also.