Pregnant women have edema: What is the cause behind?

Leg edema is a common pregnancy problem caused by the increased amount of blood and fluid during pregnancy.  

Pregnancy is a memorable journey, you will experience changes in your body as your baby begins to grow. Like morning sickness , fatigue and mood swings, swelling of the legs is also one of the most common problems pregnant women face. About 50% of pregnant women feel this condition in the legs including the feet and ankles, especially during the last few months of pregnancy.

The pregnant woman's body produces 50% more fluid to supply the growing baby. This is also a cause of edema. Edema (also known as physiological swelling), usually occurs in the hands, face, legs, ankles, and feet. Absorption of this fluid softens the body, helping the body to enlarge according to the development of the fetus. It also helps the pelvic joints and tissues well relax at birth. During pregnancy, about 25% of the weight gain is due to this accumulation of water.

Frequency of leg edema (swelling) during pregnancy

This situation is quite common. However, the degree of swelling can vary with the time of day and the weather. Sometimes the puffy feet get bigger in the evening and at times the temperature is high. About half of pregnant women will experience swelling around their ankles, feet, and calves, especially during the last few months of pregnancy . You may also feel bloating and bloating due to increased hormone levels that make your body retain water.

When do leg edema appear?

You can experience swelling of the legs at any time during pregnancy, but most noticeable around 5 months and gradually increase in the third trimester . The following factors can also affect leg edema during pregnancy:

the weather is hot

Absorb too much salt

Stand for long periods of time

Potassium deficiency diet

Be physically active for many days

Drink coffee or caffeinated beverages continuously.

Slight swelling during pregnancy is understandable, but if you have sudden swelling in your hands and face be careful because this can be a sign of pre-eclampsia . Therefore, pregnant women should see a doctor if they feel any unusual swelling occurs.

The cause of pregnant women is swelling of the legs

The reasons for swollen legs during pregnancy also vary, such as:

The accumulation of excess fluid in the body is the cause of the swelling of the legs as well as some other organs.

Changes in the blood also cause fluid to enter tissues.

The larger uterus puts pressure on the pelvic and aorta. Therefore, the blood flow in the legs slowly circulates creating a stagnation phenomenon. This forces fluid from the veins to penetrate the tissues of the feet and ankles.

A fetus with too much amniotic fluid or having multiple pregnancies can cause severe leg edema, especially during hot days or in the summer. The swelling of the feet usually disappears quickly after the baby is born as the body begins to remove fluids. As a result, you may find yourself going to the bathroom more often and sweating a lot during the first few days after giving birth.

The risk when pregnant women have edema

Moderate leg edema is normal because it is rarely harmful. Sometimes the pregnant mother does not even find out this. However, if your hand or face suddenly becomes swollen and persists for more than a day, see your doctor for the exact condition.

If you are pregnant, you may be one of the signs of preeclampsia . Pathological edema is often accompanied by symptoms such as hypertension, rapid weight gain and proteinuria (proteinuria) . Don't worry if your blood pressure and urine tests are in the normal range.

When to worry?

Pregnant women with swelling of the legs is a phenomenon that does not need to be too worried. In fact, pregnant women may experience mild swelling in their arms as well. However, see your doctor if you experience the following:

Face edema

Swollen eyes

Hand swelling moderate or higher

Severe swelling in the feet or ankles.

In addition, if one leg is swelling more than the other leg and feels pain in the calf as well as thigh, you should see a doctor. This may be a sign of blood clot formation.

Measures to improve

Fortunately, there are many ways to help pregnant women with edema. That is:

Massage therapy: This therapy puts pressure on other areas of the body, such as the legs, to reduce swelling.

Herbal therapy: Consider using dandelion tea to help prevent water retention

Acupressure method: This is a quite popular relaxation therapy, using force to press on the acupressure points to reduce the condition of pregnant women with edema.

In addition, you can help alleviate this by paying attention to your active routine, such as:

Leg elevation

Don't hold a pose for too long

Avoid wearing shoes or socks that are too tight

When sitting, avoid crossing your legs and stretch

Frequently rotate your ankle and move your toes

Take a short walk to prevent blood from accumulating in your lower body

Drink plenty of fluids to avoid water retention

"Eat clean": Choose healthy foods, minimize fast food

Exercise regularly at the appropriate level of pregnancy: walking, yoga for pregnant women , breathing, kegel exercises ... (Before practicing, you should consult a doctor or expert).

Preventing swelling of the legs

You can prevent leg edema in pregnant women with a healthy lifestyle that combines moderate exercise. In addition, a balanced diet that includes a small amount of protein such as meat, eggs, fish, and beans along with green vegetables and fruits also helps pregnant mothers achieve a suitable weight.

Pregnant women should limit salt, sugar and fat, but instead give priority to frugal foods.

Swollen legs can make pregnant mothers feel uncomfortable or even not confident. But do not worry too much because the swelling of the legs will gradually disappear after your baby is born.

Hopefully the above article has helped pregnant mothers understand the main points of the pregnancy being edgy to stop wondering and enjoy her pregnancy journey.

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