A fair number of people have problems with swelling in their feet and ankles at the end of the working day. This is especially true in very hot weather. As pregnancy progresses, the likelihood of edema also increases. What dangers do swelling sometimes pose during pregnancy and how to combat it?
The appearance of edema is associated with the presence of excess fluid in the body. This is especially true during a woman’s pregnancy. Edema mainly appears in the lower parts of the body. According to statistics, swelling is observed in 75% of pregnant women.
There is a basic difference between edema and swelling. This is the “point” nature of the edema. When pressing on the swelling with your fingers, for 20-30 seconds. At the point of compression, a depression will appear that will be quite noticeable. Such swelling will be noticed not only by the pregnant woman, but also by the people around her. After all, swelling looks like swelling of the ankles and legs of an unnatural appearance. The woman won't even be able to put on her shoes.
Sometimes during pregnancy, a woman’s body produces an additional amount of blood, from which edema appears. The uterus, significantly increasing in size, puts pressure on the pelvic veins, on the large vein on the right side of the body. And their supply comes from the lower part of the body. As a result, blood circulation slows down. The blood, being under pressure, retains water in the tissues of the ankles and legs. Often there is excess water in pregnant women, which turns into edema.
For many pregnant women, swelling is not a big problem. But, if swelling appears in the upper part of the body (for example, the arms), you should consult a doctor. The combination of such edema with high blood pressure may indicate late toxicosis in a woman. A pregnant woman needs to go to the hospital for observation and treatment.
By being in constant movement, you can prevent the appearance of edema. Therefore, it is better to move more during pregnancy.
Staying upright for a long time causes fluid to accumulate in your legs. That is why it is advised to lie with your legs up.
The swelling that sometimes occurs during pregnancy usually disappears during the postpartum period. Having given birth to a child, a woman’s body loses a significant amount of fluid that has accumulated during pregnancy. Women are very surprised when they do not feel swelling in their arms, ankles, or face (typical in most cases during pregnancy).
By consuming diuretic herbal drinks, you can relieve swelling.
You need to pour a glass of hot water into 1 tablespoon of apple peel (dried). Let it brew for 5-10 minutes. Drink 5-6 times a day at a dose of half a glass. Drink birch sap (undiluted) 2-3 times a day, one glass.
Pour 10 grams of viburnum fruit into a glass of boiled water. Heat for 15 minutes in a water bath. Strain the broth, squeeze to get 200 m. Use 0.25 cups three times a day. Drink 1-2 tsp of freshly squeezed celery root juice. three times a day, 40 minutes before meals.
Until recently, gynecologists advised women to drink less fluid in the second half of pregnancy. This was explained by the fact that a large amount of water provokes the appearance of edema. At the moment, doctors believe that it is necessary to limit the consumption of not the liquid itself, but spices, salt, spicy foods, smoked foods, which make you feel thirsty. Also, such composite dishes stop the release of fluid from the body.
It is recommended not to drink sugary carbonated drinks. It is better to give preference to still water, fruit drinks, and unsweetened compotes. The recommended volume of liquid per day is 1.5 liters (without fruits, soups).
Insufficient water affects the condition of all organs. Tooth enamel contains 10% water, muscles – 65%, brain – 80%.