Round tummy, chubby legs, swollen butt. It looks cute and quite natural during pregnancy, but, unfortunately, doctors are often concerned about weight gain not because of the spoiled figure of the expectant mother, but because of excessive swelling, which is why the pregnant woman is certainly weighed at every medical examination.
The normal weight gain during pregnancy is 10-12 kilograms. Starting from the 28th week, a woman should gain an average of 350 g. Well, or no more than 500 g per week.
If, of course, before pregnancy a woman was underweight, then she is “allowed” to gain an “extra” of 2-3 kilos in an interesting situation. But it is not advisable for “donuts” to dial more than ten.
Rapid excessive weight gain in pregnant women may indicate the presence of edema. This is a signal of a serious pregnancy complication, which doctors call gestosis. True, if only your feet and ankles swell in the evening, this is not a reason to panic. But if your fingers and face also swell, you should consult a doctor immediately.
Preeclampsia occurs only in pregnant women and, as a rule, disappears within a couple of days after birth. About a third of expectant mothers suffer from this disease.
It begins in the third trimester, but can make itself felt after the 16-20th week. Usually occurs due to any changes in the pregnant woman’s body, which entail the formation of substances in the placenta that can create microholes in the blood vessels. Plasma protein and fluid penetrate from the blood through them, and therefore swelling appears. They are discovered only when weighed.
These “sneaky” holes appear in the vessels of the kidneys, through which protein enters the urine. It is also worth considering that the more holes, the more protein a woman loses, and, accordingly, the more serious the disease. Due to the fact that fluid leaves the vessels, blood pressure increases, in addition, blood thickening occurs, which can lead to thrombosis. In any case, in order to make an accurate diagnosis, the doctor will prescribe a test for the pregnant woman. Based on his results, he will prescribe appropriate treatment.
Edema is dangerous because the woman does not notice it at first: she feels quite normal. But while different parts of her body swell, the placenta also swells, the baby lacks oxygen, and his brain suffers. And the symptoms of gestosis themselves - drowsiness, nausea - can generally appear just a few hours or even minutes before the seizures, which can become fatal for both mother and baby.
Gestosis can appear in women who are preparing to become mothers for the first time, in those expecting twins, in those giving birth after 35, in expectant mothers with chronic diseases or sexually transmitted infections.
To prevent swelling, you should give up baked goods and sweets and eat fruits and vegetables instead. There is no need to get carried away with liquids and salt, cucumbers, do not drink more than 1-1.5 liters per day, including soup and juicy fruits. It is recommended to drink rosehip decoction, cranberry juice, and kidney herbal teas. Salt should be no more than 1-1.5 g per day. No need to drink soda and sugary drinks. It is also not recommended to sit, stand, or be in hot and stuffy places for a long time.
There are mild, moderate and severe degrees of gestosis. The first two are treated in the department of pathology of pregnant women. If gestosis is severe, then it is possible that the pregnant woman may end up in intensive care.
They are usually treated with droppers, which replenish the lack of fluid and protein in the body and remove it from the tissues. loss of protein. Blood pressure is regulated with special antihypertensive drugs.
If you have swelling, you can stay in the hospital for about a week; if you have mild gestosis, you can stay in the hospital for two weeks. At the same time, women adhere to a strict diet both during and after treatment: they consume protein foods (meat, fish, milk), drink no more than 2-2.5 liters per day. In addition, they are recommended to get proper rest.
Swelling in the third trimester of pregnancy is a very common occurrence. During pregnancy, a woman gains approximately 10 kg of weight. About half of them are water. It is needed for the full functioning of all organs and systems in an enhanced mode. Simple recommendations can eliminate this problem. But there are situations when you cannot do without medications.
Very often, pregnant women are bothered by such a nuisance as swelling, especially in the last weeks. The arms and legs swell, the abdomen feels swollen, and in the morning it is difficult to open your eyes due to swollen eyelids.
During the third trimester of pregnancy, a woman’s body undergoes several changes that provoke the accumulation of fluid in the soft tissues and the appearance of edema:
Most often, edema in late pregnancy is observed in women aged 35 years and older, with vascular disease or a family history of chronic diseases. This is especially true for chronic inflammatory kidney diseases. Also at risk are women who smoke and those who are expecting several babies.
Physiological and pathological edema are considered, but in fact the state of pregnancy itself contributes to the accumulation of fluid in the body. Only an experienced doctor can correctly assess a woman’s condition during pregnancy and how much the swelling threatens her health. Some edematous conditions do not require special medical intervention, and in some (liver diseases, cirrhosis, viral hepatitis) pregnancy is contraindicated.
The consequence of excess fluid accumulation in a pregnant woman can be spider veins on the abdomen and legs, varicose veins, the development of hypertension and thrombophlebitis. Excess tissue fluid interferes with the normal supply of oxygen and prevents the fetus from developing properly. The risk of developing birth defects in a child and the risk of premature birth increases.
During normal pregnancy, up to 8 liters of fluid are collected. In the last weeks, the risk of swelling is proportional to the weight that the pregnant woman has. The uterus itself, which increases many times in size, the amniotic fluid, the placenta and, of course, the baby itself greatly increase the load on the body, the venous system and legs.
The main predisposing factors and causes of physiological edema are:
If these factors are eliminated, physiological edema should also disappear quickly. Although physiological edema does not pose a threat to the life and health of the mother and fetus, it cannot be ignored.
The situation is much more serious with pathological edema, which always poses a threat. Their appearance may be due to:
Preeclampsia can bother women starting from the 20th week of pregnancy, but more often appears in the last weeks. Special compounds are formed in the placenta that can increase the permeability of blood vessels. As a result of this, plasma begins to leak out, the accumulation of which between the cells causes swelling in the last stages of pregnancy.
Now there is no consensus on the causes of gestosis. The risk of its development is influenced by a number of factors, including the woman’s age, multiple pregnancies, excess body weight, diseases of the endocrine system, and sexually transmitted infections. The likelihood of developing preeclampsia exists for every expectant mother.
This is why doctors are so concerned about fluctuations in a pregnant woman’s weight—excessive weight gain can be caused by hidden edema, which the patient may not even be aware of.
If a pregnant woman gains more than 300 grams. per week, and the amount of fluid consumed significantly exceeds that excreted - these are serious reasons for concern. When the permeability of the renal vascular system increases, protein from the plasma enters the urine, where it is detected in a clinical analysis. As fluid leaves the vessels, the blood thickens, and this can cause thrombosis. The placenta also undergoes swelling, which makes it difficult for the baby to receive oxygen. This provokes the development of chronic hypoxia.
The most dangerous complication of gestosis is eclampsia, a severe disruption of the functioning of vital organs, especially the hematopoietic and vascular systems. This condition is dangerous, especially because it develops rapidly; the transition from preeclampsia to eclampsia and convulsions can take a matter of hours and minutes.
Heaviness in the back of the head, nausea, vomiting, visual disturbances, confusion, drowsiness, especially with high numbers on the tonometer - an indication for emergency hospitalization.
The hospital will create a protective treatment regime, prescribe diuretics, sedatives and medications that restore the functions of the affected organs.
If gestosis can be treated with medication, then premature labor is not stimulated. With a severe form, if the patient’s condition worsens during treatment, emergency delivery (caesarean section) is performed for health reasons.
If a woman suffers from liver or biliary tract diseases, then during pregnancy this becomes even more pronounced. Pregnancy can cause disruption of the liver and bile ducts. The activity of the liver is the metabolic process of the body. If a pregnant woman develops toxicosis in the later stages (this also applies to early toxicosis), then liver function is often impaired.
Edema may appear with cirrhosis or hepatitis. Hepatitis is a viral disease in which liver tissue is destroyed with the possible development of liver failure. With cirrhosis of the liver, blood pressure in the venous system increases and this can cause swelling in the legs, arms or throughout the body during pregnancy.
First of all, fluid is retained in the area of the feet and legs. By the end of the day, swelling becomes especially noticeable. Normally, they disappear during a night's rest.
A worsening situation in a pregnant woman is indicated by swelling of the hands. The woman notices that it has become difficult for her to remove the ring. Paresthesia is also a concern - a feeling of tingling, numbness, crawling in the fingers.
Sudden weight gain may indicate the development of internal edema. To confirm this fact, it is enough to measure daily diuresis. If the amount of urine does not exceed? volume of liquid drunk, it is retained. Also in favor of internal edema in pregnant women is causeless nasal congestion.
Depending on the severity of symptoms, there are four degrees of severity of edema during pregnancy:
First, let's understand that swelling during pregnancy in itself is not a reason to panic. It, of course, can be a manifestation of late gestosis. But to make such a diagnosis in a pregnant woman in the third trimester, it is necessary to measure blood pressure and do a general urine test. Only with elevated blood pressure and the presence of protein in the urine can a woman be diagnosed with gestosis.
Swelling is not a criterion for this pathology. So-called dry gestosis is not uncommon, and it poses a huge threat to the life and health of the patient. Swelling cannot be ignored. Here is a list of situations when you need to see a doctor without delay:
The basic recommendations for pregnant women if they are swollen are similar to the usual healthy lifestyle tips. It is necessary to eat right, walk in the fresh air, and maintain reasonable physical activity. Many pregnant women believe that the best thing to do in a delicate position is to lie down a lot, but this is not true. You should avoid staying in one position for a long time, do not sit for a long time, do not lie, do not stand in one place, so that there is no constant stress on your legs.
There are special sets of exercises for expectant mothers. A pregnant woman can and should do gymnastics, swim, walk, of course, within reasonable limits. In the last weeks of pregnancy, it is useful to take a knee-elbow position from time to time, which promotes good blood circulation in the lower part of the body, especially the pelvis. You can place a pillow or blanket under your feet and lie down for a while, so the fluid will recede from the lower extremities.
A pregnant woman's table should be rich in protein (meat, lean fish, cottage cheese and other dairy products), plant foods; but the consumption of salty, spicy foods, sweets, and sweet soda, on the contrary, should be limited. A pregnant woman should receive enough fluid, especially during the hot season. Severe restriction of drinking can worsen swelling. You can drink fruit drinks, dried fruit compotes, green tea, or just water. The doctor may recommend drinking infusions of herbs that have a diuretic effect, for example, lingonberry leaf, or any kidney mixture.
Adequate rest is very important for an expectant mother. The duration of sleep should be at least 8-10 hours a day; daytime rest is also desirable. When sleeping, it is recommended to place a pillow or rolled blanket between your legs. There are special pillows for pregnant women on sale that create comfort for both the expectant mother and the belly. To determine whether there is swelling or not, you just need to press your finger on the lower part of the leg and if a dent remains, it means the presence of excess fluid in the body.
To prevent unwanted consequences during pregnancy, you need to undergo regular examinations with a gynecologist. Only a doctor can make the correct diagnosis and start treatment on time.
The goal of drug treatment of edema during pregnancy is to normalize metabolic disorders. For this purpose, vitamins are prescribed, in particular, Tocopherol, Ascorbic acid, Rutin. The latter not only have a positive effect on the metabolism of the pregnant woman, but also reduce the permeability of the vascular wall. To improve liver function, Essentiale is indicated in the form of capsules or intravenous injections.
Trental, Curantyl or Nicotinic acid are required. This group improves the rheological properties of the blood, which also reduces swelling during pregnancy and does not affect the course of pregnancy. Desensitizing drugs and mild tranquilizers are used according to indications.
In Western countries, edema in late pregnancy has long been considered a physiological phenomenon that does not require intervention. Doctors in our country are more wary in this regard. In their opinion, edema during pregnancy is the first stage of late gestosis. Treatment recommendations for edema in pregnant women are simple and accessible.
They do not require significant financial investments. Therefore, if a pregnant woman has any doubts or questions, they should be asked to a specialist. He will certainly find the answers he needs.
Swelling during late pregnancy is a common occurrence. The last months of gestation are considered the most difficult for a woman: body weight increases, the growing baby requires space in the abdomen, so there may be compression of some nerves and blood vessels, as well as the intestines.
Often, swelling is of a physiological nature, especially if the last weeks of gestation fall in the summer. However, sometimes swelling of the limbs may indicate the development of a pathological condition.
Swelling in later stages significantly worsens the well-being of the expectant mother. The growing uterus takes up all the available space in the abdominal cavity. It can also press against the ureters, which makes it difficult for urine to flow out, which can cause swelling. Edema that occurs with increased fluid intake, as well as due to excess weight, is also considered physiological.
The pastiness of the limbs itself does not pose a threat, but then why are doctors so afraid of its appearance and closely monitor the condition of the pregnant woman? The fact is that edema can be one of the signs of gestosis - late-term toxicosis, which poses a threat to the life of both mother and child. Protein in the urine, high blood pressure and swelling in the hands and feet are all considered signs that there is a health risk.
Swelling of varying degrees of intensity during late pregnancy occurred at least several times in every expectant mother, for which there are many reasons:
The most serious cause of soft tissue pastiness is considered to be gestosis. This condition causes swelling of internal organs, including the placenta. This leads to changes in the uteroplacental exchange and disrupts the transport of oxygen and nutrients to the fetus. More about hypoxia >
The less time remains before the baby is born, the more often women experience facial swelling, especially in the morning. Initially, swelling of the eyelids appears; in more severe cases, the contour of the face changes. Often, expectant mothers complain of nasal congestion for no obvious reason. This occurs due to the fact that fluid is retained in the tissues, the vessels of the nasal turbinates dilate, which makes it difficult for air to pass through.
For the mother, this condition is practically harmless, but it is better to seek treatment from a doctor, as this can cause disruption in the supply of oxygen to the child, which negatively affects its development.
First of all, swelling of the legs occurs during pregnancy. Particularly pronounced pastiness occurs in the evening, as fluid accumulates in the body and, under the influence of gravity, falls into the lower extremities. When in a horizontal position, the water is again evenly distributed throughout the body, so in the morning the woman wakes up without strong signs of pastiness. If this happens, then there is no reason to worry - this is a normal condition for an expectant mother.
When swelling of the legs is constantly present during late pregnancy, this may indicate disturbances in the functioning of the whole organism. In this case, a mandatory consultation with a therapist is required. With an intense increase in swelling, if the legs, arms, back, abdomen and face swell during late pregnancy, the woman needs urgent hospitalization, as this is one of the first symptoms of gestosis.
Women are especially often concerned about swelling of the hands and fingers during late pregnancy . A slight tingling and numbness occurs, it becomes difficult to squeeze the palm tightly, and the rings cannot be removed - they dig into the fingers. If only the hands are swollen, while the pastiness is not detected anywhere else, then this may be an individual feature or a mark of the profession. When working monotonously at the computer, while embroidering or knitting, the hands are in a sedentary state, which causes their swelling.
If the legs swell first, then the arms, and the woman notices that the swelling rises higher and higher during pregnancy in the later stages, the gynecologist must be immediately informed about this.
While carrying a child, the doctor constantly monitors weight gain not only to track how many extra pounds the pregnant woman has gained. A sharp jump in body weight may indicate accumulation of water in the internal organs.
The greatest danger comes from hidden edema during pregnancy, which appears in the later stages: a woman may not even be aware that she is accumulating excess fluid. You can identify hidden swelling yourself. To do this, it is necessary to compare the amount of fluid consumed and excreted. If less than 75% of the water you drink is excreted, this indicates that it is accumulating in the tissues.
If swelling appears on your legs, you should inform your gynecologist about this during a routine examination. If you notice that the swelling is getting worse and worse, you should immediately visit a doctor. During pregnancy, excessive vigilance only benefits both mother and baby.
If fluid accumulates in the tissues of pregnant women, examination by a therapist is required. If he cannot independently identify the cause of this condition, then the doctor prescribes consultations with specialized specialists (phlebologist, endocrinologist, urologist).
External swelling of the extremities in late pregnancy is quite easy to determine, and they are also less dangerous than hidden ones. The pastiness of soft tissues is determined by pressing on the skin - if a dent remains, which persists for some time, this indicates an accumulation of fluid.
If hidden edema is suspected, an analysis of the protein content in the urine is required, as well as blood pressure monitoring, and daily diuresis is monitored.
Before you try to relieve swelling on your own in late pregnancy, you need to consult a doctor to determine the cause of this condition.
Drug therapy can only be prescribed by a doctor according to indications.
To reduce swelling of the extremities, the following drugs are usually recommended:
To eliminate swelling that occurs during late pregnancy, you can not only adhere to a salt-free diet, but also take relaxing foot baths, after which you should position yourself so that your feet are elevated. A foot massage using ice cubes will help relieve the condition. Diuretic decoctions (bearberry, horsetail, kidney tea), cranberry and lingonberry fruit drinks are effective.
To reduce the likelihood of edema occurring during late pregnancy, you need to follow simple rules:
Swelling of the arms and legs during pregnancy causes considerable discomfort. If edema occurs during pregnancy in the later stages, you should not postpone a visit to the doctor, since their timely treatment will prevent the development of gestosis.
Edema is a pathological condition in which fluid from the vascular bed enters the intercellular substance, accumulating in it. This phenomenon impairs the functioning of the body by reducing the volume of circulating blood, which increases the load on the heart. Also, massive edema can compress surrounding tissues and disrupt physiological processes in them.
The causes of edema during pregnancy are divided into physiological and pathological.
Physiological edema is characterized by a number of signs. They are not extensive; during the entire pregnancy, a woman normally gains no more than 12 kilograms. Also, physiological edema appears only on the extremities, less often on the face; they do not affect the body cavities (abdominal, thoracic) and the placenta. Normally, excess fluid leaves the mother's body on its own shortly after birth and is not accompanied by other symptoms.
Today there is no single point of view on the etiology of gestosis, but experts identify five theories of the occurrence of the disease :
Many expectant mothers experience swelling in their legs from 30 to 34 weeks of pregnancy; if this happens in the evening, there is no reason to worry. This symptom can bring a feeling of discomfort, it is difficult to put shoes on swollen feet, and it is difficult for pregnant women to move. However, in case of morning swelling of the lower extremities, you should consult a doctor, since there is a possibility of preeclampsia.
Swelling of the nasal mucosa at 37-38 weeks of pregnancy is a frequent companion of expectant mothers. This causes them to have a runny nose, sneezing and congestion. If these symptoms are present throughout the day, you need to contact a specialist, since there is a possibility of developing late toxicosis of pregnancy.
Preeclampsia also causes complications in the mother’s body. In its mild and moderate forms, a woman may complain of fatigue, slight weakness, and decreased performance. But with a severe degree of gestosis, there is a strong increase in blood pressure (above 160 mm Hg), against the background of which various pathologies arise.
The physiological accumulation of fluid in the body during pregnancy does not require drug treatment; it will go away on its own after childbirth. To relieve mild swelling during pregnancy, the expectant mother should consume as little table salt as possible, move more, and avoid stressful situations. Decoctions of lingonberries, cranberries, and bearberries have a good diuretic effect, but before using them, consult a doctor.
To diagnose gestosis, a doctor must measure blood pressure and prescribe a general urine test. As additional examination methods, specialists can refer the expectant mother to a general and biochemical blood test, ultrasound of the fetus and kidneys, and fundus examination. They confirm the presence of gestosis and help detect its complications.
Consultation on pregnancy and childbirth issues, as well as checking texts before publication, is carried out by obstetrician of the II qualification category Irina Vasilievna Yashkina. Work experience in the specialty - 3 years.
From 2011 to 2014 mastered the educational program of secondary vocational education and successfully passed the state final certification in the specialty of Obstetrics.
In 2015, she completed advanced training under the program “Modern aspects of obstetric care in obstetric institutions.”
Currently she is an obstetrician at the Penza City Maternity Hospital (GBUZ) and a 3rd year student at the Penza State University Medical Institute.
Edema is an excessive accumulation of fluid in a certain part of the body and retention of its excess. This phenomenon is familiar to almost every pregnant woman; most often the problem occurs in the later stages. The danger to the health of the expectant mother and baby depends on the intensity of the edema; the problem should be solved with the help of a doctor, because, first of all, it is necessary to understand the cause of the edema and only then begin to treat it.
As a rule, edema during pregnancy occurs from the fourth month; if the process began earlier, you should inform your doctor about it. This phenomenon may indicate a hidden pathology; it is possible that it will be revealed at a later date and endanger the life of the baby and the health of the pregnant woman.
Most representatives of the fair sex suffer from edema during the period of bearing a child, but one cannot look for the cause of this phenomenon in pregnancy; as a rule, we are talking about improper functioning of the kidneys, cardiovascular system, excess water in the body, and excessive physical exertion. Often, swelling is caused by the fact that the constantly enlarging uterus compresses the blood vessels, and the blood feels significant obstructions when moving.
In the late stages of pregnancy, the expectant mother's legs and arms swell, but there are cases when the swelling spreads throughout the body and the woman begins to quickly gain weight, this phenomenon is called “dropsy.” When you have dropsy, it is difficult to clench your hand into a fist or bend your leg. If left untreated, dropsy can develop into the most dangerous form of edema - gestosis.
Preeclampsia is a late toxicosis in which severe swelling, high blood pressure, and high protein content in the urine are observed; all these factors significantly increase the risk of miscarriage or premature birth. Histosis is treatable, but it should be done in a hospital under the supervision of a specialist.
In the later stages of pregnancy, the expectant mother may experience swelling in her hands, most often this is noticeable by the way her fingers bend, and difficulties arise when wearing a ring.
It cannot be said that in case of such a phenomenon as swelling of the hands, one should rush to the doctor for help in a panic; in the third trimester they occur quite often. However, if swelling is combined with high blood pressure, rapid weight gain, or creates significant discomfort, you should definitely consult a specialist about this. In the normal course of pregnancy, the probable cause of swelling of the hands is the abuse of salty or fatty foods and the pressure of the uterus on the vessels and ureters.
Swelling of the legs in pregnant women is a very common phenomenon; the problem is that the body of the expectant mother accumulates sodium, which contributes to fluid retention in the body, as a result of which swelling appears.
Many women complain that swelling appears in the daytime and in the evening, this is easily explained: prolonged exposure to a horizontal position (during night rest) allows fluid to be distributed throughout the body, so after sleep the swelling is almost unnoticeable. After walking or standing for a long time, moisture rushes into the lower extremities, resulting in noticeable swelling in the ankles, shins and back of the feet. In some cases, swelling of the legs may be accompanied by high blood pressure, then it makes sense to consult a doctor so as not to provoke a severe form of gestosis.
There is an opinion that you can get rid of edema by reducing the amount of fluid consumed, but in the case of pregnancy this method is unlikely to be justified. Refusal of fluid will cause the body to begin to accumulate water and swelling may become stronger. For the first and second trimesters of pregnancy, it is recommended to drink no more than one and a half liters of liquid per day, not counting vegetables, soups, tea, etc. In the third trimester, the dosage should be reduced by 2 times - to 750 milliliters per day.
If you want to get rid of edema, you should not eat salty and fatty foods; the same recommendations exist for smoked foods, spicy foods, carbonated drinks and coffee. It’s great if once a week a pregnant woman spends a fasting day on juice and apples; if this process turns out to be too difficult, you can add other fruits to the diet.
The expectant mother is recommended to rest at least 10 hours a day (at night), excluding daytime rest (1.5-2 hours). Before going to bed, you need to place a cushion under your feet; it’s great if they rise above the body.
If your legs are very tired, you can take warm baths and foot massage. Don't forget about systematic walks in the fresh air. Sometimes doctors recommend herbal teas that have a diuretic effect and vitamins that strengthen the walls of blood vessels to improve blood circulation. Among the folk remedies, swelling is relieved by an infusion of dried apricots (pour boiling water overnight, drink in the morning half an hour before meals).
Whatever remedy is chosen as a medicine for edema, its use should be discussed with your doctor, since pregnancy is too important a period to risk your health.
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Expecting a baby is not only an interesting, but also a difficult time for any woman. This manifests itself not only psycho-emotionally, but also physiologically. For some, pregnancy is easy, while others experience certain ailments. Swelling of the legs during pregnancy, both in late and early stages, has always caused doctors concern for the condition of the expectant mother.
Why do limbs swell?
The causes of swelling of the legs and arms in pregnant women in the later stages can lie either in poor nutrition or a sedentary lifestyle, or in a dangerous disease - gestosis. Gynecologists explain why edema in late pregnancy is dangerous due to this disease - a violation of the “mother-placenta-child” physiological connection system. Preeclampsia causes the placenta to swell and limit the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the fetus. And the consequence of this disease is intrauterine growth retardation. Expectant mothers who are pregnant for the first time, over 35 years of age, expecting twins, smokers, suffer from chronic and sexually transmitted diseases, etc. are at risk.
To exclude gestosis, future mothers are advised to monitor their weight and legs. In late pregnancy, a sign of this disease is an increase in body weight of more than 500 g per week, and the lack of improvement in swelling of the legs after a night's sleep.
How to get rid of swelling?
If your legs swell significantly at the end of pregnancy, then there is a set of measures to reduce swelling of the extremities:
If a pregnant woman is concerned about the condition of her legs, then it is worth seeking help from a doctor to find out the reasons. In the meantime, you are just about to go to the hospital, to lift your spirits and relieve swelling, treat yourself to a massage or contrast foot baths.
Edema is one of the most common conditions that occurs in late pregnancy. According to statistics, up to 75% of women complain of the appearance of edema in the third trimester. Is this normal? What to do if edema occurs during pregnancy?
Edema is the accumulation of fluid in body tissues. Not so long ago, edema during pregnancy was considered a clear pathology and required mandatory treatment. Currently, gynecologists have abandoned this tactic. It has been noticed that edema occurs in almost all women in the later stages, and does not always lead to the development of dangerous complications. If the condition of the woman and fetus remains stable, drug therapy is not carried out for moderate edema.
Why does swelling occur during pregnancy? This is due to an increase in the volume of circulating blood, due to which there is an increase in the amount of fluid in the tissues of the body. The increased load on the heart, liver and kidneys, which do not always cope with the task assigned to them, also plays a role. Edema is a compensatory mechanism designed to somehow compensate for the processes occurring in the body of a pregnant woman.
Signs of physiological edema:
Important point : it is quite difficult to distinguish moderately expressed physiological edema from the initial stage of a dangerous pathology on your own. During pregnancy, complications develop very quickly, sometimes in just a few days. If swelling of any severity appears, you must inform your gynecologist about it. The doctor will assess the condition of the woman and fetus and give his recommendations on further tactics.
Warning symptoms to look out for:
If any of these symptoms appear, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible.
Methods used to detect edema:
At each visit, the doctor assesses the woman’s general condition and determines the presence of edema. To do this, the doctor presses his finger on the skin on the front surface of the leg, pressing the soft tissue against the bone. Normally, after pressure, a small hole should form, which quickly smoothes out. When fluid accumulates in the tissues, the hole will disappear quite slowly.
The identification of hidden edema deserves special attention. In gynecological practice there is such a thing as a “ring symptom”. The doctor asks the patient whether she wears rings. When swelling appears, the fingers increase in diameter, and the woman is forced to remove all rings, including the wedding ring.
The coverage of the legs or hips is determined by a measuring tape. The measurement is carried out if visually one leg appears larger than the other. This happens with thrombosis of the veins of the lower extremities and indicates a high risk of thromboembolism. In the initial stages of varicose veins, the patient complains of pain and swelling of the legs.
Weekly weight measurement is another way to detect hidden swelling. Normally, a pregnant woman should add 300-500 g per week. Exceeding this parameter may indicate the presence of edema.
Preeclampsia is one of the most common causes of edema in late pregnancy. This specific complication occurs only during pregnancy. Interestingly, with anencephaly (absence of the brain), pathology never develops. The main cause of gestosis is considered to be the inability of a woman’s body, for one reason or another, to adapt to the onset of pregnancy.
There are three signs of gestosis:
Swelling in the initial stages of gestosis is localized on the feet and legs. As the process progresses, swelling can spread to the thighs, the anterior wall of the abdomen, and the face. A “ring symptom” is noted. The severity of edema is directly related to the severity of the disease.
Increased blood pressure is a key symptom of gestosis. At each appointment, the doctor measures your blood pressure and records the results in your medical record. Exceeding systolic blood pressure by 30 mm Hg. Art. and diastolic blood pressure by 15 mm Hg. Art. from the original indicates arterial hypertension and, in combination with edema, indicates the development of gestosis.
Proteinuria is the appearance of protein in the urine. The symptom occurs in the late stages of gestosis and indicates the involvement of the kidneys in the pathological process.
a doctor do in such a situation?
What can a pregnant woman ?
In case of increasing edema due to gestosis, increased blood pressure and lack of effect from drug therapy, emergency delivery is performed. Deterioration of the fetus' condition will also be a reason for radical measures.
In late pregnancy, other conditions can lead to edema:
After determining the exact cause of edema, optimal therapy is selected and the issue of the further course of pregnancy is decided.
Swelling that occurs in later stages causes a lot of anxiety for a woman. They are accompanied by heaviness in the legs, preventing them from moving normally and wearing usual shoes. Sometimes the expectant mother cannot sleep due to severe discomfort in her legs. The following recommendations will help alleviate this condition and reduce swelling:
If swelling occurs, you should choose comfortable and not too tight shoes with good, stable soles and without heels. It is not recommended to wear tight stockings, knee socks, or tight trousers. If concomitant varicose veins occur, wearing special compression garments will help relieve swelling. Detailed recommendations for eliminating edema can be given by a gynecologist who has complete information about the patient’s health status.