Swelling during pregnancy is a very common phenomenon that almost all expectant mothers experience to one degree or another. What are the causes of edema? Can they be dangerous and in what cases? It's worth looking into this in more detail.
Do not neglect the doctor’s requests to drink less fluid, believing that swelling is the norm. In severe cases, this phenomenon can threaten the health of the expectant mother and child. The consequences can be very serious and dire, it is better to listen to your doctor!
Pregnancy is a special period that entails serious changes in a woman’s body. Everything changes: the composition and volume of blood, skin, body and organs of the expectant mother. And these changes can sometimes be unique and surprising, but almost all of them (with the exception of pathologies) are due to the fact that nature has made sure that a woman can bear and give birth to a healthy baby.
When pregnancy is 37 weeks old, many women experience swelling. And this phenomenon is also a certain mechanism that helps the expectant mother bear the fetus. Thus, the body retains fluid in order to provide it to the unborn baby in case of a lack of water consumed by the pregnant woman.
It was found that this happens because the amount of sodium in the expectant mother’s body increases, which attracts and retains water (hence the craving for salty foods for some). Such amazing things happen in nature.
When you reach the 37th week of pregnancy, many people's legs and arms swell. But in what cases is this not dangerous, and in what cases can it pose a threat to the health of mother and baby? In general, you can identify excess fluid in the body yourself and at home. So, if you press on the skin with your finger and then
Swelling of the legs in expectant mothers is quite common, especially in the second half of the term. Let's figure out why legs swell during pregnancy and how to deal with it?
The cause of swelling of the legs in a woman expecting a baby is physiological in nature - the growing uterus compresses the veins in the pelvic area, while the blood volume increases by 1.5 liters, and slow blood circulation contributes to fluid retention in the legs. And if the expectant mother wears shoes with heels and at the same time she has to sit or stand a lot, then it is completely natural for her legs to swell during pregnancy.
If your legs swell significantly during pregnancy, the cause may be a disruption in the flow of urine from the body due to pressure from the uterus on the ureter. Swelling can spread throughout the body if necessary measures are not taken.
If a pregnant woman swells not only her legs, but also her arms, fingers, and face, and her body weight increases sharply, these symptoms may indicate gestosis, which requires medical intervention. During the period of bearing a baby, an exacerbation of chronic kidney or cardiovascular diseases is also possible.
Try to move more and not lead a sedentary and lying lifestyle. Special gymnastics for women in delicate positions and walking in comfortable shoes will help reduce swelling of the lower extremities. Buy compression tights.
Go to bed, and just relax during the day, placing a pillow under your feet. A foot massage and a cool foot bath with sea salt are also effective in combating fluid stagnation.
Keep your salt intake to a minimum. You can only have 1-1.5 g of product per day, but if the swelling is very severe, it’s time to go on a salt-free diet. A lawsuit is also recommended
Good afternoon Please tell me, I’m 37 weeks old and for the 3rd day now my legs have become very swollen and even in the morning the swelling does not go away. My hands are also a little swollen. I’m thinking that I won’t be able to walk for long (my tummy has dropped and my lower back is straining), the swelling doesn’t cause any discomfort, maybe I shouldn’t sound the alarm? I just don't want to accept anything. With my first pregnancy, a week before giving birth, I also swelled, ran to the doctor, took the system, and 2 days later it was all over again. So here’s the crux of the question: how are you and why is swelling harmful in general? Thank you!
There was also swelling, and since I’m thin, no one noticed them. only at the end of pregnancy (at your stage), but the doctors did nothing with them. I gave birth and everything went away.
You noticed that closer to the third trimester your feet were swollen, your fingers and ring could not be removed or put on. This indicates swelling.
Edema is one of the three main signs of gestosis (also known as late toxicosis). It usually manifests itself in the third trimester, but individual development of the situation is also possible.
The first, easiest, dropsy of pregnancy (“dropsy” is outdated, more common - “gestational edema” complaints of fatigue, malaise
The second degree is nephropathy of pregnancy (swelling + protein in the urine + pressure). If all 3(!) signs are present, there is a threat to health. If not, treatment is symptomatic.
Fourth degree – eclampsia (convulsions). This threatens, first of all, with a transition to a more severe degree of late gestosis - one, “aging” of the placenta and fetal hypoxia - two.
Drink less, less salt. It is dangerous, eclampsia may begin, and this often ends badly, the child does not receive enough oxygen.
A similar situation happened to me a couple of weeks ago. The tests were all normal, but for three or four days my legs were very swollen and no bones were visible. I thought that maybe it was my own fault for their appearance, and so it is.
So, the 38th week of pregnancy has arrived. At this stage, the fetus is considered full-term and is no different from a newborn. The child is already completely ready for life “in the wild”, outside of his mother. 38 weeks of pregnancy is exactly nine obstetric months, a time of joyful excitement and preparation for childbirth. However, late pregnancy is often accompanied by problems, one of which is edema at 38 weeks.
Where does swelling come from? The fact is that the reasons for its occurrence can be physiological (for example, very hot weather). In this case, in the evening, slight swelling of the legs may appear, which will easily and quickly disappear on its own, as soon as the pregnant woman lies down for half an hour. On the other hand, edema can occur (and most often occurs) due to the fact that a pregnant woman’s kidneys cannot cope with the increased load on them. This is aggravated by the fact that in a normal position the child, as a rule, puts pressure on one of the kidneys with his body. As a result, fluid stagnation occurs in the kidneys, then fluid accumulates in the tissues, as if they swell. In mild cases, edema can only be indicated by weight gain (this is called hidden edema); the ankles and ankles may swell slightly (this can be seen if you press on the ankle with your thumb - if there is no edema, the white spot will disappear almost instantly, the hole will straighten out). In more severe cases, a pregnant woman may swell not only her legs, but also her legs, thighs, and abdomen. At the same time, your health sharply deteriorates, and severe fatigue appears. But that’s not all - swelling can be a sign of gestosis.
Gestosis, or late toxicosis of pregnant women, speaks about itself not only by swelling. If the liquid arrives somewhere (accumulates in the tissues), it is logical to assume that it is taken from somewhere, often to the detriment of the body. This is how it is - when edema occurs, the blood often thickens,
Swelling of the legs during pregnancy is a problem that almost every woman faces while carrying a child. Edema appears especially often during pregnancy in the later stages in the second half of pregnancy , closer to the third trimester. The legs swell during pregnancy, they hurt, there is a feeling of heaviness, and it becomes difficult to stand on your feet for a long time.
A similar problem arises due to the fact that the pressure in the vessels of the veins, which are located in the lower extremities, increases greatly. The fetus increases in size, the uterus grows, squeezing the pelvic veins. As a result, stagnant processes can occur in the vessels of the legs, which lead to the formation of edema. If left untreated, swelling in the legs can cause a number of serious complications , so this problem should not be left without due attention.
Why do legs swell during pregnancy? Edema during pregnancy, in most cases, is a temporary phenomenon and quickly disappears shortly after birth. The most common causes of leg swelling during pregnancy:
Excess fluid in the body. When carrying a child, hormonal levels change, which is why pregnant women often experience thirst. This is a completely normal phenomenon and should not cause concern to the expectant mother.
Varicose veins of the legs. As the fetus grows, the uterus begins to exert a compressive effect on the vessels of the legs, resulting in the formation of varicose veins. The veins become overfilled with blood, which leads to the appearance of edema.
Girls, tell me. Delay 3 days, no tests done. Now I was washing and a piece of transparent mucus fell out (sorry). What could this be please tell me. I'm scared, this has never happened before.
Renal dysfunction. During pregnancy, the load on the kidneys increases. This leads to the fact that they do not always fully remove excess fluid from the body, which provokes the appearance of edema. Such problems are often
Swelling in pregnant women is not a rare occurrence and does not always pose a threat. Meanwhile, it is the fluid retention in the tissues of the body during this period that can be a symptom of a dangerous complication or disorder. Therefore, doctors always pay especially close attention to the formation of edema in expectant mothers.
Most often, edema occurs in the later stages of pregnancy, or rather progresses with increasing pregnancy. They often accompany late gestosis in pregnant women (a dangerous condition that requires treatment), but they can also be an absolute physiological norm. Let's talk today about when to worry about swelling and what to do in such situations.
There are several reasons why edema occurs at 35, 36, 37, 38 weeks of pregnancy. This is mainly caused by an increase in the amount of fluid in the body of the expectant mother: there is more blood, and you want to drink more, and additional volumes of fluid are formed (for example, amniotic fluid). At the same time, blood circulation deteriorates due to the pressure exerted on the vessels and genitourinary organs, and the outflow of urine becomes difficult. The main culprit of such changes is the pregnancy hormone - progesterone, produced during this period in an enhanced mode.
In this regard, edema in later stages is physiological, that is, non-dangerous and self-limiting. However, they can also accompany pathological conditions. If a mother abuses salty foods, then she is guaranteed to encounter this problem. Swelling is also caused by excess weight and a deficiency of nutrients, in particular protein, which causes the walls of blood vessels to become loose and easily allow fluid to pass through.
By the 8th week of pregnancy, the fetus’s brain and nervous system are already fully formed. On an ultrasound, you can already see the baby’s face, see his mouth, nose, eyes and lips. Fingers are already visible on tiny hands, cat
One of the dangerous conditions leading to edema and accompanied by its appearance is late
During pregnancy, every woman should carefully monitor her health status and unusual changes. As a rule, the main complaint of patients at antenatal clinics is swelling of the legs at 38 weeks of pregnancy. In selected women, the complaint occurs much earlier, from the 26th week or from the first trimester. There are many reasons for this, however, it is more important to find a way to get rid of the trouble that prevents you from calmly expecting the miracle of birth.
During pregnancy, severe swelling of the legs is a bad thing and should not be taken as normal. There is no need to panic, if you monitor your health, it is possible to control the processes and bring your shins and ankles to their normal state. It is worth contacting a gynecologist, asking for advice, you may have to undergo an ultrasound of the kidneys and take blood tests. There are two types of edema.
It is typical for pregnant women who have experienced the current symptoms previously (for example, during the menstrual cycle). As a rule, the phenomenon is accompanied by heaviness in the limbs and unreasonable fatigue. Swelling can accompany the expectant mother during the weeks of waiting for the baby. The reason for these changes:
You need to be wary if we are talking about pathological edema. A serious moment, indicating dropsy or gestosis. The first does not cause much concern among doctors, the second will lead to pathologies of the mother and fetus. Doctors don’t talk about the disease to young mothers so as not to scare them! Such changes are accompanied by swelling of the legs and other symptoms:
Week 29 symbolizes the beginning of the main, third trimester. Most women begin to swell their limbs at 30-31 weeks. A sharp weight gain in a baby occurs only from 32 weeks! You shouldn’t do too much, don’t worry in advance, the average figures are given, the baby is able to gain weight a little earlier
Swelling is a common occurrence during pregnancy. Liquid is retained in all tissues, but most intensely in connective and fatty tissue. The expectant mother notices that her lower limbs swell in the third trimester. What does this threaten her with and how can she escape?
Water in the body of a pregnant woman begins to be retained gradually. This usually does not happen in the first trimester. Swelling is more typical in later stages. The legs become loose, the skin loses its elasticity. Pressing on the skin of the leg leaves a hole, it does not fill immediately - this is a symptom of swelling of the legs.
During the entire pregnancy, a woman normally gains up to 12 kg of weight. Of these, 4-5 are due to an increase in the volume of fluid - amniotic and that which is localized in the tissues. If a woman is prone to edema, has diseased kidneys, consumes a lot of salt, or has suddenly gained excess weight, then a lot of fluid is retained in the tissues.
Sodium in the blood attracts water. And even if from time to time a woman indulges herself in salty foods, she develops physiological edema. They are typical for 80% of healthy women. But pathological swelling is the so-called dropsy of pregnancy. Doctors also call it the initial form of gestosis, which is accompanied by the appearance of protein in the urine, increased blood pressure, and intrauterine suffering of the fetus.
First of all, a woman should pay attention to her diet, in particular, the use of table salt and liquid. During a normal pregnancy, a pregnant woman should drink one and a half to two liters of liquid per day, including first courses, fruits, juices, and other drinks. In the absence of edema, when water intake and excretion are balanced, nothing needs to be changed.
If the swelling does not disappear overnight, and the woman experiences uneven weight gain, then it is strongly recommended to reduce daily fluid intake to one liter. You can’t drink less, because water is the basis of metabolism.
However, an attempt to reduce swelling solely by reducing fluid intake is doomed to failure if you do not reduce your salt intake. It is imperative to exclude salted nuts, cucumbers, herring, sauerkraut, and black bread from your diet. Food should be under-salted. And do not be afraid that sodium will not enter the body at all. This substance is found in many foods and vegetables, so the body will not feel its deficiency.
Moderate dropsy, and in particular swelling of the legs, can be eliminated solely with the help of diet. But when there is no result of such correction within 3-5 days, it means that it is necessary to resort to the help of diuretics. It's worth noting that doctors have not prescribed them often in recent years because sodium excreted in the urine can reduce the volume of circulating blood, leading to increased blood pressure. If we are talking about a severe form of dropsy and gestosis, then obstetrician-gynecologists still prescribe such drugs, but under supervision. In this case, the woman is hospitalized and the treatment process is strictly monitored.
It is worth noting that in addition to the usual edema during pregnancy, cardiac edema can also be observed. For example, with heart disease they are a consequence of heart failure. By the way, cardiac edema manifests itself precisely in the lower extremities: the arms, face, and abdomen do not swell.
Doctors determine the cause of edema by the size of the liver. In cardiac diseases, this organ first enlarges, then symptoms of swelling are observed. With dropsy, the size of the liver remains normal. And in heart failure, swelling is preceded by shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, and cyanosis of the mucous membranes, which are absent in gestosis.
If a pregnant woman’s legs swell due to kidney problems, then specialized treatment of the underlying disease is necessary. It is prescribed by a therapist or nephrologist. In this case, therapy is carried out in a hospital setting.
So, with swelling of the legs, a woman should, first of all, contact her treating gynecologist. Only he will be able to accurately determine the cause of the pathology and give competent recommendations and prescribe treatment.
The last months of pregnancy are always considered the most difficult for a woman. Difficulties are caused not only by the increase in fetal weight, but also by the body’s reaction to new life inside the womb. The most common problem is swelling during late pregnancy. In most cases, the reason for their appearance is physiological, but exceptions are possible. When you should sound the alarm and consult a doctor, you will learn from the materials in this article.
Not every clinical case of edema during pregnancy indicates the presence of complications. The third trimester is characterized by an increase in the size of the uterus, which increases pressure on the ureters. A woman has problems urinating and swelling occurs.
This problem is also diagnosed against the background of weight gain. For this reason, pregnant women's weight control is mandatory. To avoid edema or reduce its severity, doctors recommend sticking to a dairy-vegetable diet.
On the contrary, there is no need to limit the amount of liquid. Doctors advise drinking up to two liters of water per day, but at the same time maintaining strict control over the amount of urine. Its volume should be at least 60% of the amount of fluid consumed.
The situations described above are a clear example of physiological edema. You can reduce their manifestation by adjusting your diet and regimen. When this approach does not produce the desired results, you should consult your doctor. Edema is dangerous not only due to physical or aesthetic discomfort. They are often a symptom of serious pathologies (varicose veins, renal failure, gestosis).
Late gestosis is considered the most common and at the same time dangerous disorder. If the woman’s general condition is satisfactory, but severe swelling is observed, the gynecologist should be informed about this. If this is not done in a timely manner, such neglect of the baby’s own health and well-being can affect the mother-placenta-fetus system. Violation of this pattern often leads to oxygen starvation of the child, which affects his development.
Edema during pregnancy in later stages appears gradually. First of all, the legs swell, then this process “rises” through the body, affecting the lower back and arms. In especially serious cases - the face.
If we exclude physiological ones, there are a great many reasons for the development of pathological edema.
Only a doctor can determine the nature of edema. After a complete diagnostic examination and identification of the cause of the pathology, the woman is prescribed treatment.
Facial swelling during pregnancy is a fairly common problem. First of all, the eyelids swell and the face takes on a rounded shape.
A special case is nasal swelling. Among the reasons for its occurrence are the accumulation of fluid in the vessels, as well as problems with the respiratory tract. Swelling of the nose is usually accompanied by a runny nose, dryness or itching.
A runny nose and swelling at 38 weeks of pregnancy are quite common phenomena that complement each other. In this case, it is recommended to consult a doctor who will select a medicine. After the baby is born, this problem resolves itself. Rhinitis is completely safe for a pregnant woman, but can affect the development of the fetus. With nasal congestion, the baby inside the womb experiences a lack of oxygen, which entails negative consequences.
The process of fluid retention occurs in the direction from bottom to top. That is why, first of all, a pregnant woman’s legs suffer. The manifestation of this pathology is more noticeable in the evening. During the day, the accumulated fluid descends, concentrating in the extremities. At night, it is distributed throughout the body, so swelling of the legs is not so noticeable. If symptoms disappear after rest, there is no reason to worry.
When is it necessary to consult a doctor? It is necessary to seek qualified help when swelling in the legs does not subside even in the morning. The causes of the pathological condition are usually hidden in late gestosis.
At the initial stage, in addition to swelling in the legs, women complain of malaise, fatigue and poor health. An alarming symptom is uneven or excessive weight gain (more than 500 g per week). Blood pressure may also increase, protein may appear in the urine, and convulsions may occur. If, after a diagnostic examination, the diagnosis of gestosis is confirmed, the woman is hospitalized. The expectant mother and her baby require comprehensive treatment and constant monitoring.
If your fingers begin to swell, it’s time to sound the alarm. The first sign of a problem is the inability to remove the ring. In addition, there is numbness and tingling in the fingers.
This problem should not be ignored. The higher the swelling rises throughout the body, the greater the danger for the child. You should not hesitate or put off visiting a doctor. The sooner you report the problem, the higher the chance of successfully treating it.
Swelling of the fingers during pregnancy is usually caused by the woman’s professional activities. Similar phenomena occur during repeated manipulations of the same type with brushes. This could be working on a computer, knitting or embroidery. Swelling is often accompanied by characteristic pain in the wrist, which in medical practice is otherwise called carpal tunnel syndrome. If you are doing this kind of work, it is better to give it up for a while and do special exercises for your arms.
This problem may be indicated by an excessive increase in a woman’s body weight (more than 300 g per week). During the entire pregnancy, weight gain should not exceed 12 kg. Otherwise, the doctor prescribes monitoring of fluid intake and urine output. The McClure-Aldrich test is also particularly informative. A woman is injected with sodium chloride subcutaneously. Afterwards, a large blister forms at the injection site, which persists for an hour. With hidden edema, it does not appear at all or disappears very quickly. Based on the results of the examination, the woman is prescribed a course of treatment.
Each appointment of a pregnant woman with a gynecologist is accompanied by a physical examination. This is especially true for the legs and face, since it allows you to diagnose pastiness in the early stages. Another mandatory step at an appointment with a gynecologist is weighing. This is the best way to detect excessive weight gain. Edema during late pregnancy is a certain phenomenon that is often caused by an increase in a woman’s body weight.
Before each appointment, the expectant mother must undergo urine tests. Using such a test, the doctor can check the functioning of the kidneys and differentiate the physiological variant of swelling.
It is very difficult to determine why edema appears during late pregnancy. To make a diagnosis, the gynecologist requires the results of additional examinations of the body (ultrasound of the kidneys, blood tests, etc.). After this, the specialist can judge the presence of pathologies and prescribe the necessary treatment.
For the purpose of prevention, as well as for physiological edema, doctors advise future mothers to adhere to fairly simple recommendations.
You should lead an active lifestyle, spending as little time sitting as possible. Sports and fitness activities designed specifically for pregnant women are considered beneficial.
To reduce swelling in the legs, the causes of which are often hidden in the accumulation of fluid in the lower extremities, you can make special baths. The water should not be hot. You can add a little essential oil to it. Such baths give a positive effect when the procedure is repeated regularly.
Try to avoid overheating, stay less in stuffy rooms and in direct sunlight. Wear only high-quality and comfortable shoes, preferably without heels.
Regarding the issue of nutrition, it is necessary to exclude salty, spicy, smoked and fried foods. All of them directly affect fluid retention in the body. You should also limit your consumption of sweets and baked goods.
Excessive consumption of table salt leads to fluid retention in the body, resulting in edema during pregnancy. Reviews from many women who followed this recommendation truly prove this statement. Once you stop eating salt, the swelling begins to go away on its own. But there is no need to reduce the amount of liquid. It is recommended to drink up to two liters of ordinary non-carbonated water per day.
Treatment recommendations for combating swelling are most often limited to those outlined above. Some women are advised to wear compression stockings and use special anti-edema products (gels, ointments). If complications and second-degree gestosis occur, drug treatment cannot be avoided. It is important to understand that gestosis poses a threat not only to the expectant mother, but also to her baby in the womb.
Typically, women with this diagnosis are prescribed diuretics (Canephron, Fitolysin). These drugs normalize kidney function and have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects. Taking multivitamin complexes to improve uteroplacental blood flow is also indicated. With the help of droppers, the deficiency of protein and fluid in a woman’s body is restored. For high blood pressure, antihypertensive drugs are prescribed.
You can find many traditional medicine recipes in specialized sources. Before resorting to any anti-edema remedy, you should consult your doctor.
Many people believe in the miraculous properties of lingonberries. This berry is rich in vitamins and really helps with swelling. It should be understood that each organism is individual, therefore, before use, consultation with a doctor is required. Lingonberry improves body tone. The already constantly tense uterus can receive a double dose of this tone. This kind of carelessness can lead to the threat of termination of pregnancy.
Treatment with folk remedies involves the use of various herbal tinctures. Usually, plants that have the greatest diuretic effect are chosen (bear ears, kidney tea, bearberry leaves, horsetail). It is recommended to drink no more than one glass of any of the listed infusions per day. Treatment time is usually about a month.
As a rule, such recommendations are suitable for women with physiological edema. In case of pathologies in the body, complex drug treatment cannot be avoided, and traditional medicine recipes can be used as a supplement.
Now you know why edema during pregnancy should not be ignored, and in which cases a doctor’s consultation is required. Carrying a baby for all nine months is a rather important period in the life of every woman. While the child is developing, his life and health are in your hands. If you follow the diet and rest regime, and follow the doctor’s instructions, motherhood brings only positive emotions.
My feet are swollen and my face is swollen in the morning. Canephron and Brusniver, which were prescribed to me, do not help. Over the past two weeks, my weight has jumped from 68 to 75, before pregnancy it was 60. But my height is very small, 150. Has anyone had such problems, how to deal with it?
Give birth quickly, everything will pass.
a baby can stay in the belly for up to 42 weeks)
No way. It will go away after birth
Don't worry, you're still lucky. I started to swell at 32 weeks, and at 37 my stomach started to swell, and this is bad. I checked my kidneys, everything is ok. She took Canephron, lay with her feet up, and limited the fluid. Weight too, sometimes I gained 1-2 kg, and in the last two months I gained 4 kg at once. Well, nothing, everything went fine. This was such a second birth. Don’t worry, if the tests are normal, the doctor is examining you, and you’re about to give birth. All the best to you, easy birth and healthy baby!
No, I mostly eat cucumber and tomato salad without salt and boiled potatoes.
At the 39th week. Are your brains swollen too?
Of course, how else!
I had the same problem. This accumulates excess water in the body. The belly is already large and compresses the blood vessels. Limiting my fluid intake helped me, plus I tried to sit with my legs stretched out, that is, I did not bend them at the knees. In general, give birth and everything will pass in a couple of days.
Are the symptoms only swelling? If there is no protein, the pressure is normal, now lean on raw zucchini and sour milk. I suffered a lot with my first pregnancy, so during my second pregnancy, 3 weeks before giving birth, I COMPLETELY eliminated salt and ate this “soup” all day long - boiled potatoes (without salt), dill-parsley and chopped fresh zucchini. It's disgusting, but it's worth it. And also swimming, I swam right before giving birth :)
Yes, I swam today! Everything else is fine, I don’t like milk, especially sour milk! I can’t digest zucchini either!
Personally, I was once urgently hospitalized with exactly these symptoms and they began to lower my blood pressure. Do you know yours? I wouldn’t want it to be elevated for you, but it looks like it.
Swelling in the last stages is called late toxicosis.
Before pregnancy, it might make sense to lose a little, 10-15 kg. I was overweight, so the situation worsened. But one thing pleases us - there is only a little left. Have an easy birth!
Is 10-15 not much? Do you think 80 is a lot?
Nothing helped, my legs and arms were swollen since 36 weeks, tests and blood pressure were normal. It went away right after giving birth.
Monitor the protein in the urine and measure the pressure. this is pregestosis. will go away after childbirth.
As it happened, after stress, I gained 15 kg over the summer, weighed 45, which was normal for my height.
The swelling went away on its own, I suffered for 3 days))
I have been swelling in recent weeks, mainly my legs, Normaven helped well.
The user of the Woman.ru website understands and accepts that he is fully responsible for all materials partially or fully published by him using the Woman.ru service.
The user of the Woman.ru website guarantees that the placement of materials submitted by him does not violate the rights of third parties (including, but not limited to copyrights), and does not damage their honor and dignity.
The user of the Woman.ru site, by sending materials, is thereby interested in their publication on the site and expresses his consent to their further use by the editors of the Woman.ru site.
Use and reprinting of printed materials from the woman.ru website is possible only with an active link to the resource.
The use of photographic materials is permitted only with the written consent of the site administration.
Placement of intellectual property objects (photos, videos, literary works, trademarks, etc.)
on the woman.ru website is permitted only to persons who have all the necessary rights for such placement.
Copyright (c) 2016-2018 Hirst Shkulev Publishing LLC
Online publication “WOMAN.RU” (Zhenshchina.RU)
Certificate of registration of mass media EL No. FS77-65950, issued by the Federal Service for Supervision of Communications,
information technologies and mass communications (Roskomnadzor) June 10, 2016. 16+
Founder: Limited Liability Company "Hirst Shkulev Publishing"
Editor-in-Chief: Voronova Yu. V.
Editorial contact information for government agencies (including Roskomnadzor):
Edema in pregnant women is a very common phenomenon. About half of all pregnant women experience swelling around the ankles, especially during the last few months of pregnancy. This problem also often manifests itself in the toes and shins.
The worst usually happens towards the end of the day, especially if you spend a lot of time on your feet.
Leg swelling during pregnancy occurs because your body contains more fluid than usual. Increased pressure in the leg veins and pressure from your growing baby on the large veins in the groin also add to the problem. The whole point, surprisingly, is the force of gravity, which seems to concentrate the liquid at the lowest points of your body.
Some doctors associate swelling with the production of a special hormone that impairs the elasticity of blood vessels. Also, the cause may be excess sodium in the body, since it delays the removal of fluid from the tissues.
The following factors increase the severity of edema:
Leg swelling can vary in severity, and sometimes you may not even notice it. But this does not mean that they should be ignored, otherwise they can develop into more serious diseases. Moreover, their external expression can also mean internal changes, which is much more serious. If your shoes or rings on your fingers begin to press on you, if you begin to gain weight quickly or unevenly (more than 300 g per week), this is a sign of edema.
«Normal" edema in a healthy woman:
Such swelling of the legs during pregnancy does not need to be treated.
We don’t want to scare you, but it’s better to consult a doctor immediately if you notice the following symptoms:
It’s better to play it safe and go to your doctor again, especially since the lives and health of two people are at stake.
Within about 24 hours after giving birth, most women will already notice that the swelling has decreased. Don't worry if it takes a few days for the swelling to subside, this is normal: your body needs time to recover and get back into shape after prolonged stress. Keep following the tips to reduce swelling and things will get better soon.
You cannot stop the swelling process, but you can limit and reduce its manifestation. So, what do experts advise to prevent leg swelling and reduce its severity?
If you want to reduce swelling, follow these simple rules:
In general, every expectant mother quickly determines which method is right for her. Some people benefit from active pastime, others from maximum rest, others from group yoga or gymnastics classes.
By “treatment” we mean reducing the severity of the manifestation, since edema in a healthy woman is a normal and harmless physiological phenomenon that does not require full, serious treatment.
What does traditional medicine offer us?
You can place green or white cabbage leaves on swollen areas to “draw out” excess fluid and reduce discomfort (heaviness). There is no need to wash the leaves; you can cool them in the refrigerator (but not in the freezer), it will even be more pleasant for you. Wrap the cooled leaves around the most swollen parts of your legs and feet to make a compress. Wait until they are damp and then repeat with fresh leaves. Repeat this several times until you feel more comfortable.
Herbal remedies are usually diuretics that remove fluid from the body. However, you should not overuse this method, as you can overdo it and remove too much fluid. This can be dangerous. Therefore, we strongly recommend using herbal teas and tinctures only after consulting a doctor!
Here are some common recipes:
Myth No. 1. If you limit your intake of liquids and salty foods to a minimum, swelling will quickly subside.
This is wrong. We have already written that salty foods can only serve as a provoking or additional factor in the appearance of edema. A lack of fluid in the body can lead to dehydration and danger to the baby’s health. A complete restriction of salt and water is dangerous, so listen to your needs and simply do not overindulge in such foods.
Myth No. 2. Diuretics will quickly remove swelling.
This myth can be dangerous, since uncontrolled use of such drugs can lead to dehydration. Therefore, as we already wrote above, do not overdo it with diuretic teas - this, one might say, is an extreme case. And frequently running to the toilet is a rather tiring activity for women in the last months of pregnancy.
Myth No. 3. If your legs are swollen, you should not play sports.
In fact, any sports activity that you can do will strengthen your body muscles and maintain tone, so that it will be easier for you to give birth. Here, as in other matters, you cannot be too zealous. The following sports are recommended: cycling, swimming, gymnastics, yoga.
Myth No. 4. Swelling in the legs is a sign of gestosis.
This is not so, edema itself does not indicate gestosis (“late toxicosis”, preeclampsia - complications at the end of pregnancy). Only in combination with high blood pressure, impaired kidney function, loss of consciousness, and convulsions can edema be a symptom of this disease. It seems that you and your doctor will not miss such signs and will take action in time.
Listen to your body: it usually tells you what it needs. Pregnancy is not a disease, but a temporary change in your body. Health to you and your baby!
Chumachenko Olga, medical observer
5,581 total views, 3 views today
Most women experience leg swelling during pregnancy. However, in order to carry out proper treatment, it is necessary to establish the cause of swelling of the legs. Why do women's legs swell during pregnancy? What to do and how to deal with this problem? Pregnancy is not only the joy of upcoming motherhood, but also many questions that arise throughout the entire pregnancy.
1. Varicose veins. Increasing in size, the uterus puts pressure on large vessels, during which a significant disruption of the outflow of blood from the legs occurs. Overflow of blood into the veins in the legs causes severe swelling of the feet.
2. Kidney diseases. Sometimes a woman’s pregnancy is overshadowed by problems with the kidneys or heart, resulting in swelling of the legs. During the entire pregnancy, the kidneys work in an intensive mode and cannot always cope with the task. In this situation, swelling of the legs can appear in a woman at any stage of pregnancy. These problems need to be dealt with under the supervision of a doctor.
3. Severe swelling of the legs during late pregnancy may be a sign of gestosis. As a rule, edema can be accompanied by the presence of protein in the urine and high blood pressure.
4. Often during pregnancy, the right or left leg may swell. This occurs when the uterus puts more pressure on the iliac vein on the left or right side, thereby causing blood to stagnate in the corresponding leg. In this case, for the swelling to become even, you need to lie more on the opposite side. In general, when pregnancy occurs, a woman should be ready for anything.
If you notice that your legs are very swollen during pregnancy, there is no need to wonder why they appeared. It is better to immediately tell your gynecologist about this so that he can determine whether this swelling is normal or whether it is a pathology that can have a negative impact on pregnancy. If you are not susceptible to chronic diseases, you can significantly reduce discomfort using standard recommendations that are useful for every woman.
It is also very important to understand whether you are actually dealing with leg swelling. Maybe you've just gained weight. If your favorite shoes begin to feel too tight, and you gain more than 300 grams per week, then this is swelling of the feet. If the pregnant woman does not have heart or kidney diseases, swelling of the legs may appear only in the second half of pregnancy. Following the feet, the arms, face, and stomach begin to swell. In the morning, as a rule, the picture is better, but by the evening the fluid already accumulates and the legs swell.
Thus, to prevent swelling of your legs, you need to do the following:
1. It is undesirable to spend a long time on your feet. But you shouldn’t lie in bed all the time either. You need to try to properly distribute the load, choose soft shoes made of genuine leather. Wearing high-heeled shoes is contraindicated. This is especially true for women prone to varicose veins.
2. Proper nutrition is of no small importance during pregnancy when combating swelling of the legs. Review your diet. There may be an excess of pickled, smoked, salted foods on your menu. Thus, it is necessary to exclude spices, smoked and spicy foods, which cause thirst and inhibit the removal of fluid from the body. Don't overeat fast food. A nutritionist can help you balance your diet and help you relieve leg swelling during pregnancy using special fasting days.
3. During the day you need to drink exactly as much water as you want. If the body does not receive enough fluid, it will try to retain it. You should not abuse sweet and carbonated drinks, which inhibit the removal of fluid from the body. After 7 pm it is necessary to limit fluid intake.
4. Every day for 15 minutes you need to lie in bed so that your legs are at an angle of 30 degrees.
5. Avoid tight pants and tights. They also lead to compression of blood vessels, causing swelling of the legs.
6. Foot massage. You can use a washcloth for this.
7.Take a bath with sea salt at a water temperature of about 30-35 ° C.
8. Under no circumstances should you use diuretics. This even applies to herbal products that can affect the development of the fetus.
Follow the above recommendations and after 1-2 weeks you will notice that the swelling of your legs will become much less and your pregnancy will take on pleasant features.
A woman should adhere to proper nutrition throughout her pregnancy. The correct development of the fetus and the absence of such unpleasant moments as toxicosis and swelling of the legs depend on this. Often, at 22 weeks during pregnancy, a woman notices the presence of edema. They may appear as unusual swelling in the arms, legs, or face. This often affects the feet and legs. The reason for this is the accumulation of fluid in the body, which does not come out naturally. If it stops in the muscle tissue and fatty joints, the legs become very swollen. As a result, the woman experiences severe pain, and her appearance is horrifying. Therefore, you need to start fighting this as early as possible so that leg swelling does not overshadow your pregnancy.
As mentioned above, fluid retention in the body leads to swelling of the legs during pregnancy at 22 weeks. As a rule, the question of what to do for swelling of the legs at 22 weeks of pregnancy, how to relieve swelling of the legs, worries women in the summer, when the body consumes more fluid. This applies not only to drinks, but also to fruits, vegetables, and berries. For example, a daily supply of fluid can be replenished with just a few slices of watermelon.
Very often, swelling of the legs during pregnancy at 22 weeks can be caused by a sedentary or standing lifestyle. The expectant mother, as a rule, notices this after a working day, in the evenings.
If you work all day on your feet, take short breaks every hour. The pregnant woman has a legal right to this. It is not at all necessary to stop performing duties. You can continue to do your usual activities, but only while sitting. To prevent your legs from swelling, try not to sit cross-legged during pregnancy. Why, you ask? Because this leads to decreased blood flow in one foot. But if you are concerned about swelling of your legs and your pregnancy becomes painful, you should immediately consult your doctor.
In order for you to experience only positive emotions at the 22nd week of pregnancy, you need to do everything necessary to ensure that your pregnancy proceeds without any complications that can arise even at the 22nd week of pregnancy. Prevention in this case plays an important role.
To avoid swelling of the legs during pregnancy, the expectant mother should adhere to proper nutrition and drink a limited amount of fluid. Even if you're only 22 weeks pregnant and your legs are fine, you can't be 100 percent sure that you won't wake up the next morning with swollen shins and swelling in your legs. Edema during pregnancy, including at 22 weeks, is easier to prevent than to receive treatment in a hospital using medications.
Every pregnant woman should have a special anti-edema cream. You can also prevent the appearance of edema with the help of massage, which should be carried out with light and kneading movements without the use of creams and lotions. After a working day, it is recommended to lie down and put your feet on an elevated position for a while. When the legs are higher than the level of the head, the blood moves away from the legs and relief occurs.
When treating leg swelling in pregnant women, it is necessary to limit salt intake. Add it in small quantities. Also try to avoid purchased semi-finished products due to the fact that they contain a huge amount of components prohibited for edema.
Try not to walk in the heat during pregnancy. To ensure a normal pregnancy, it is better to go for walks in the morning and evening hours, when the heat subsides. Then it will be easier to breathe and your legs will not swell either at week 22 or throughout the entire pregnancy.
Basically, swelling of the legs appears in the third trimester of pregnancy, without causing any danger. Swelling of the legs of varying degrees accompanies every woman's pregnancy. Therefore, there is no reason to worry too much about this. But, nevertheless, swelling of the legs may be one of the signs of late toxicosis, that is, a condition that poses a danger to both the child and the woman. Therefore, you should not ignore this point, but on the contrary, you need to consult a gynecologist for advice in order to prevent swelling of the legs. By the way, this can be done at home.