During a clinic visit, a 28-week pregnant patient reports leg cramps. What statement indicates understanding of the relief measures?

The statement that suggests an understanding of relief measures for leg cramps during pregnancy highlights the effectiveness of stretching and specific movements. Stretching the legs and pointing the toes toward the knee helps alleviate muscle tension, which can reduce the occurrence and severity of cramps. This activity promotes flexibility and can help to improve blood circulation, which is often beneficial for pregnant individuals experiencing cramping due to changes in body dynamics, increased weight, and additional strain on the legs.

The other options, while well-meaning, do not effectively address the specific needs related to leg cramps in pregnancy. For example, avoiding all weight-bearing activity may lead to muscle weakness and does not facilitate the circulation required to alleviate cramps. Similarly, while applying heat can be soothing, it is not always the most effective treatment for cramps compared to stretching. Lastly, although massaging may provide some relief, it is not as directly beneficial in relieving cramps as the stretching method described, which specifically targets the muscle groups involved in cramping.