Pregnancy completely changes the worldview and habitual way of life of every woman. Sometimes, the happiness of anticipation of becoming a mother is overshadowed by complications, such as swelling during pregnancy.

Edema is characterized by excessive fluid retention in the body: in a separate part of it or in the whole.

Excessive water retention can be caused by an inflammatory process, a consequence of insect bites, or various types of injuries. In addition, various types of drinks can retain excess liquid, for example, mineral water, carbonated water.

Edema often accompanies various diseases. Thus, those suffering from kidney disease, heart patients, and diabetics encounter them more often than people unfamiliar with such problems.

Causes of edema during pregnancy

Pregnancy is not a disease, however, a woman’s body, being in this state, is transformed and significantly different from its previous appearance. Retention of more fluid in the body of the expectant mother is normal, natural, and this process begins almost from the first weeks of pregnancy.

Starting from about the eighth week, fluid accumulates, the total volume of which over the entire period reaches an average of 6-8 liters. Part of this strategic supply of water is required for the baby, placenta, and amniotic fluid. The second half is needed to increase the mother’s blood volume, for the growth of the mammary glands and uterus.

However, it often happens that the body makes reserves of much larger volumes than the real need arises. It is then that edema occurs during pregnancy, in later stages which can harm the health of both mother and baby.

Types of edema during pregnancy

Water-salt metabolism in pregnant women undergoes physiological changes, resulting in possible pathologies in the form of edema. There are four types based on severity:

1. The first is characterized by swelling in the legs.
2. Second – stop, lower abdomen.
3. The third – swelling of the hands and face.
4. The fourth – generalized edema, otherwise called “dropsy”.

Swelling of the legs during pregnancy

When your legs swell during pregnancy, and there are no other symptoms, this is the first bell indicating a lack of fluid. Excessive thirst is proof of this.

Methods for determining edema

Swelling may be barely noticeable. In the morning there may be no problems, but in the evening, comfortable shoes begin to press, and a feeling of discomfort appears in the feet.

The first sign of swelling is uneven weight gain, as well as a weekly weight gain of over 300 grams on the scale.

To find out if there is swelling, you should lightly press the skin with your finger. If, after removing your finger, the skin does not immediately become smooth, this is the first alarm bell.

Swelling from week 20 is not normal. Its presence is a signal to draw the doctor’s attention to it.

Causes of swelling

A little swelling is not always dangerous. Another thing is that the condition is aggravated due to the abuse of salty, fried, and fatty foods. In summer the heat is exorbitant. Additional irritants are capable of creating a pathology that requires treatment from a process that is natural to the physiology of a pregnant woman. That is why the diet and lifestyle of the expectant mother should be treated with all responsibility.

There are several main causes of swelling:

• Violation of water-salt metabolism.
• Deficiency of protein intake.
• Loads on the kidneys, constantly increasing with the growth of the fetus.
• Compression of the renal vessels.

What is gestosis during pregnancy

Swollen feet may be a sign of significant pathology. Along with swelling, there is too rapid weight gain. Swelling spreads to other parts of the body and becomes the first source of concern for a woman, not leaving her alone for a minute. With gestosis, you feel heaviness when walking, pressure increases, protein comes out along with urine, blood circulation slows down, and the first organs that suffer from this are the kidneys, liver, and brain.

At an early stage, gestosis reveals itself by the presence of edema, often hidden.

Not all edema is already gestosis, and edema during pregnancy is not always dangerous. The task of doctors is to determine the severity of edema; the task of pregnant women is to draw the attention of attending physicians to changes in their body, even those that, at first glance, seem insignificant and harmless.

There can be no amateur activity in the treatment of such edema during pregnancy. If the disease is present, expectant mothers are hospitalized, since such edema during pregnancy is extremely dangerous.

Swelling of the hands during pregnancy

Excess fluid may accumulate in the wrists and fingers. The volume of fluid gradually increases, resulting in swollen hands during pregnancy.

The expectant mother is subject to modifications at the hormonal level. This is associated with excessive sensitivity, irritability, and illogical mood swings. The hormone progesterone affects not only mood, it can cause fluid stagnation.

Numbness in the hands, discomfort in the fingers and wrists are all the first signs of hand swelling.

Mechanical work, such as knitting or computer work, can also aggravate severe swelling during pregnancy. Therefore, when doing monotonous work, you should do exercises for your hands and warm up your fingers.

Facial swelling during pregnancy

The further away blood cells are, the less salts and protein they contain compared to other tissues. Water actively leaves the blood, which leads to dehydration. In addition, edema during late pregnancy occurs due to compression of the lymphatic vessels and veins by the rapidly growing uterus.

The face becomes unnaturally round in appearance. What to do when edema during pregnancy in the last stages manifests itself with renewed vigor - bring this to the attention of a specialist.

Treatment and prevention of swelling during pregnancy

Light exercise, exercise, being in the fresh air, active life together with a nutritious diet is the best prevention against the appearance of abnormalities, including swelling.

Comfortable shoes and comfortable underwear made from natural fabrics, evening foot massages and baths, and a special cream will come to the aid of expectant mothers and make their condition as pleasant and painless as possible.

Diet and drinking regimen for edema

Salty foods are removed from the diet, including salted mineral water, which it is advisable to exclude completely, as well as various sodas, the harmful effects of which do not at all justify the desire to quench thirst. Plain water, teas, juices, compotes can cope with restoring water balance without causing harm.

It is important to drink 1-1.2 liters of fluid daily. In addition to water, this volume includes food containing water (fruits, borscht, broths, soups, etc.). For swelling, it is recommended to drink water with a slice of lemon, tea with lemon (preferably without sugar), and lingonberry compote.

Kidney and other herbal infusions should never be taken without the advice of a doctor. Diuretic tablets are strictly prohibited for pregnant women.

How to relieve leg swelling during pregnancy

If your legs are swollen during pregnancy, the question is “what to do?” is asked millions of times to doctors. There is often no need to be treated with medication - minor swelling can be easily avoided by following simple rules.

When the legs swell slightly during pregnancy, expectant mothers should lie on their side more often.

Several times a day, experts advise lying or sitting with your legs raised up for 10-15 minutes. For large swelling, this procedure should be repeated every two to three hours. The best effect will be if you first immerse the legs in a bowl of cool water for 20 minutes.

If there is slight swelling, you can lie down with a low cushion under your feet. You can sleep in this position.

Foot massage is useful for preventing swelling - you can rub it with your hands or use a washcloth. After the procedure, anoint your feet with a special anti-swelling gel - the doctor will help you choose the most effective one.

What to do when your hands and face swell

The legs usually swell first. But this swelling is already a signal to remove jewelry from your hands, especially rings, including wedding rings.

A glass of hot milk before bed helps relieve swelling and your face will feel better in the morning.

Drinks made from vegetables, fruits and berries, which have a natural diuretic effect, relieve swelling well.

Folk remedies for relieving swelling

For centuries, mothers have collected folk recipes on how to relieve swelling during pregnancy. When deciding to try one of them, you should definitely tell your doctor about it.

Traditional recipes:

1. Dried apricots are a reliable assistant in the fight against swelling. Recipe: pour boiling water over a handful of dried apricots overnight. In the morning before meals you should drink liquid, after which it is advisable to abstain from food for half an hour.
2. Carrot juice with pulp. Drink freshly prepared half a glass of juice in the morning on an empty stomach.
3. Pumpkin also has diuretic properties and is not harmful to pregnant women. Half a glass of juice once a day will be a tasty salvation from puffiness.
4. Birch sap - drink ½ glass twice a day.
5. Viburnum with honey. Recipe: Grind fresh viburnum berries. Pour 2 tablespoons of the mixture into 250 ml of boiling water and heat in a water bath, without boiling, for 20 minutes. After cooling to room temperature, crush the strained liquid 2-3 times a day, a third of a glass. Before taking, add a little honey to the decoction (at the tip of a spoon).
6. Cranberry with honey. Recipe: Grind the berries with honey (or sugar). Eat 1 tablespoon 2-3 times a day after meals.
7. Oat grains. Recipe: pour 1 tablespoon of oat grains into 1 liter of water. Bring to a boil and simmer for 3 ½ hours over low heat, stirring regularly. Rub the cooled mass through a sieve. Eat the resulting porridge 3 times a day, 1/3 cup.

You should not use several products in one day. You can alternate every other day or weeks. After trying different options, you can choose the most suitable one for yourself.

The individuality of each individual organism cannot be excluded. Some products can cause different reactions, with sensitivity to a particular product. For example, viburnum can cause indigestion in some people.

When it is not possible to relieve swelling with folk remedies, doctors prescribe medications, mainly herbal. Among them, the most often prescribed are:

• Canephron. Containing lovage root, centaury herb, and rosemary leaves, it does not harm the baby and is approved for use in any trimester. The only thing is that it is better to choose tablets than drops, since the latter contains alcohol.
• Phytolysin is an effective remedy based on extracts of parsley roots, pyraeus, herbs “Poultry knotweed”, “Horsetail”, as well as pine, sage, mint and orange oils. Its disadvantage is that it is dangerous in the case of inflammatory processes in the kidneys, so it is prescribed only after a thorough examination.
• Euphilin, with a high content of aminophylline, also has a powerful diuretic effect. Contraindicated for heart patients, pregnant women with low blood pressure, and breastfeeding. Therefore, its use should be stopped before delivery. In addition, you should not take the drug on an empty stomach, as this is more likely to lead to side effects: dizziness, headaches, and intestinal disorders.

It is dangerous for expectant mothers to resort to self-medication without consulting a doctor, and even more so in case of severe swelling.

Swelling in the last months of pregnancy

Most pregnant women are susceptible to edema. But before starting treatment, it is necessary to find out what is the cause of constant swelling. Why pregnant women's legs swell and how to deal with this problem, we will tell you in this article.

Why do pregnant women's legs swell?

Most often, swelling is associated with increased needs for water. The volume of amniotic fluid gradually increases, and more blood is needed. Changed hormonal levels often provoke severe thirst. As a result, a woman is racking her brains, deciding how to get rid of swelling in her legs during pregnancy. As a rule, the body itself retains water, storing it for future use. This is normal. But there are other reasons for which it is necessary to undergo examination:

• Edema can be caused by varicose veins. The uterus grows, putting pressure on large vessels. Therefore, the outflow of blood from the legs is significantly impaired. Overflow of blood in the veins of the legs leads to severe swelling of the feet;
• Kidney diseases also lead to edema. In this case, swelling of the legs can appear at any time. Throughout pregnancy, the kidneys continue to work intensively and do not always cope with the task;
• severe swelling of the legs during late pregnancy can serve as signs of gestosis. Typically, swelling is accompanied by the presence of protein in the urine and high blood pressure;
• Sometimes, during pregnancy, the right or left leg swells. This happens if the uterus puts more pressure on the iliac vein on the right or left side, causing blood to stagnate in the corresponding leg. You should lie more on the opposite side and the swelling will become even.

How to remove swelling in the legs during pregnancy?

The question of how to get rid of swelling in the legs during pregnancy should definitely be asked to your gynecologist. Only he will be able to determine whether swelling is normal or pathological. If a woman is not susceptible to chronic diseases, discomfort can be significantly reduced by using standard recommendations that are useful for any pregnant woman. So, what should you do during pregnancy so that your legs don’t swell so much?

Swelling of the legs during pregnancy- a problem that almost every woman faces while carrying a child. Swelling occurs especially often during late pregnancy. 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. Untreated swelling in the legs can cause a number of serious complications, therefore, this problem cannot be left without due attention.

• 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.
• 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 accompanied by the formation of bruises under the eyes and a decrease in the frequency of urination.
• Uncomfortable shoes and clothes. Tight and constrictive clothing and shoes can interfere with blood circulation in the legs. It is especially not recommended to wear high-heeled shoes during pregnancy.
• Problems with the heart or thyroid gland. They cause not only swelling of the legs, but also of the shoulder girdle and even the tongue. In addition, with such disorders, constipation, fatigue, and constant drowsiness may occur.
• Intestinal problems. With frequent diarrhea, intestinal disturbances are possible, which often lead to swelling in the legs.
• Acute thrombophlebitis. An extremely dangerous disease, one of the signs of which is swelling of the legs. This disease can be recognized by symptoms such as: fever, hyperemia (redness) of the legs, pain.
• A recent viral illness. An infection can cause complications on the kidneys, and they, in turn, cease to cope with their functions.
• Preeclampsia. This condition poses a serious health hazard. Preeclampsia is characterized by swelling not only of the external parts of the body, but also of the internal organs. The placenta also falls under its harmful influence, and this is a direct threat to the life of the unborn baby.

Edema can also occur for reasons such as: joint diseases, venous insufficiency, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, prolonged sitting with legs crossed. To exclude possible diseases, it is necessary be sure to visit a doctor.

Stages of edema. Norm and pathology

In some cases, when edema is caused by pathological disturbances in the functioning of the body, the condition of a pregnant woman may constantly worsen. In this case, swelling will spread not only to the legs, but also to other parts of the body.

There are 4 stages of edema:

1. First, swelling forms in the area of ​​the legs and feet.
2. They are accompanied by swelling in the hips, lower abdomen and lumbar region.
3. Further, the swelling spreads higher, affecting the hands and even the face.
4. General swelling of the body.

During pregnancy, sodium salts accumulate in the mother's body, which tend to attract water. Under the influence of certain factors, physiological edema develops. Such factors may be: eating a large amount of salty foods, high ambient temperatures, excessive physical activity. Physiological edema is a completely natural phenomenon during pregnancy and should not cause concern. If the provoking factors are eliminated, the swelling will easily disappear.

Another thing - pathological edema that arise as a result of diseases. They are usually accompanied by other symptoms: sudden weight gain, spread of edema to other parts of the body, fever, hypertension, weakness, difficulty moving, and more.

What are the dangers of leg swelling during pregnancy and when to consult a doctor?

Greatest danger represent swelling of the legs in pregnant women, which is caused by gestosis. In the initial stage, it leads to the formation of dropsy, which over time can lead to nephropathy - damage to the renal apparatus, and subsequently to eclampsia. Eclampsia is almost incurable and is characterized by frequent attacks of seizures, which can sometimes be so severe that the woman falls into a coma.

Preeclampsia can cause severe disturbances in the blood supply to organs, including the placenta. The fetus ceases to receive enough oxygen and nutrients, as a result of which the normal development of its organs and systems is disrupted. It is in this state that the foundations for future chronic diseases are laid.

Other complications of gestosis may include intrauterine fetal death and premature birth.

You should consult a doctor in the following cases:

• when swelling appears not only on the legs, but also on the stomach, hips, lower back, face or arms;
• if swelling and heaviness in the legs persist even after a long rest or the next morning after sleep;
• if the general condition worsens, high blood pressure and protein in the urine are observed.

How does swelling of the legs manifest in pregnant women?

If the legs are slightly swollen, this does not mean the presence of edema. Often this is simply due to an increase in body weight during pregnancy. Swelling can be detected by the enlargement of the foot, when it becomes difficult to squeeze your foot into your usual shoes.

Swelling can also be determined by how the surface of the leg reacts to compression. For this purpose it is carried out simple experiment: You need to lightly press your finger on the skin of your leg, then release. If the skin immediately evens out, then there is no talk of any swelling. But if after squeezing a small dent remains, it means there is swelling of the leg.

In the evening, symptoms usually become more pronounced because more fluid accumulates in them during the day, after being on your feet for a long time. In the morning, after the pregnant woman has had a good rest and sleep, swelling usually decreases significantly or disappears altogether. If swelling is caused by physiological reasons, it does not cause pain.

Treatment of edema during pregnancy

What to do if your legs swell during pregnancy? How to get rid of edema during pregnancy? For natural causes of swelling in the legs, no special treatment is required. The doctor may prescribe some

means that improve blood circulation- for example, ointments Heparin, Venitan, Troxevasin, Lyoton, as well as creams based on horse chestnut.

In addition, it is usually prescribed special diet and a number of preventive measures:

• Reduce the amount of salt you consume, which prevents the removal of fluid from the body. It is better to undersalt food. In addition, you need to eat as little hot, smoked and spicy foods as possible. The best option is steamed food.
• Reduce the amount you drink, especially in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy. The maximum amount of liquid that should be consumed is one and a half liters per day. This includes not only drinks, but also juicy fruits or vegetables, as well as soups.
• Take vascular-strengthening vitamin complexes. They will help reduce the volume of fluid that leaks from the vessels into the tissue, thereby reducing swelling.
• Herbal teas, which have a diuretic effect, will help remove excess fluid from the body. These include decoctions of rosehip, lingonberry leaves, horsetail, cranberry, bearberry, and dried apricots. For these decoctions to have a positive effect, you need to use them for a month or more. It is strictly not recommended to take any chemical diuretics as they can be dangerous during pregnancy.
• Foot massage helps reduce swelling well, especially if done with jojoba, peach or grape seed oils.
• May have a beneficial effect homeopathic remedies. For example, sodium chloride restores fluid metabolism in the body. Non-traditional treatments such as manual therapy, acupuncture or osteopathy are also often used to improve blood flow in the legs, normalize urinary function and relieve swelling.

If the cause of edema is gestosis, treatment is carried out in stationary conditions. It is rarely possible to completely eliminate this problem, but with the help of properly selected drug therapy, the negative impact of the disease on the body of a pregnant woman can be reduced.

How to avoid swelling

To prevent the occurrence of edema, it is recommended to observe the following: preventive measures:

• Physical activity. During pregnancy, you should maintain physical activity - do exercises every day, take walks, and in the evenings, after a working day, lie down on the bed or floor, raise your legs, resting them against the wall, and lie there for 10-15 minutes. At the same time, the blood will flow down, reducing congestion in the legs.
• Special diet. You should reduce the amount of salt you consume, eliminate carbonated and sugary drinks, and drink less coffee and tea. If you are very thirsty, it is better to eat some juicy vegetable or fruit, and if you drink water, then only mineral water.
• Necessarily include such foods in your diet like: oranges, parsley, lemon, celery, garlic, tangerines, onions. These products have a beneficial effect on the function of the urinary system.
• During sleep it is recommended put a pillow under your feet so that they are slightly above the head.
• Shoes should be comfortable, and the clothes are spacious so that they don’t squeeze your legs.
• Avoid overheating the body– during pregnancy, you should avoid visiting steam rooms and saunas, as well as sunbathing.

Video about swelling of the legs during pregnancy

This video talks about the causes of leg swelling during pregnancy, the symptoms and dangers of this problem. After watching the video, you will find out how to relieve swelling during pregnancy and prevent their occurrence.

To combat edema, many women use folk remedies. For example, compresses made from fresh cabbage leaves applied to swollen legs can have a very beneficial effect. What folk recipes against edema do you know? What helped you cope with this problem? Share your experience in comments.

According to statistics, 7 out of 10 women complain of swelling during pregnancy. Swelling is often accompanied by heaviness and redness of the skin caused by eclampsia or preeclampsia. This is the name for a sharp increase in pressure during late toxicosis due to excess fluid retained in the body. If such swelling occurs, it is recommended to immediately consult a doctor.

The expectant mother has swelling of the feet

More often, severe swelling of the feet is observed at the end of the day and after physical activity. Swelling of the legs during pregnancy occurs in the calf muscle, thighs and lower legs. Swelling usually appears in the heat for no particular reason. When pressed, dents appear that do not disappear within 3-5 seconds.

Legs often swell

Be careful if swelling occurs in late pregnancy. The main reason for the appearance is a dangerous increase in pressure, as a result of which the fetus ceases to receive nutrients due to a slowdown in blood flow to the placenta. Contact your doctor to prescribe treatment.

This condition causes temporary oxygen starvation and can lead to fetal death; monitor the condition of the female body, especially in late pregnancy.

The main causes of swelling of the legs

The main causes of swelling of the legs are:

1. High blood pressure is a dangerous cause of edema that pregnant women face.
2. Reducing the lumen of the pelvic veins of the expectant mother due to the constant growth of the fetus.

In addition to the listed reasons dangerous for the fetus, edema appears due to:

• Hypertension that appeared long before pregnancy;
• Excess weight before pregnancy;
• Chronic kidney disease, bladder disease.

Rest during the day

Relieving swelling at home

If swelling occurs during pregnancy, follow these simple recommendations:

1. Follow your diet. Remove salt, smoked foods, spices and fried foods from your daily diet, and reduce fluid intake. Restrictions allow you to restore the normal water balance of the body, speeding up metabolism, and will help you lose weight, helping to reduce blood pressure. The diet is recommended at any stage of pregnancy.
2. Stay hydrated. Dehydration causes severe swelling of the legs. Drink the required amount of liquid.
3. Physical exercise. Do not forget about the benefits of physical exercise for the normal functioning of the body. Physical education will help get rid of swelling of the legs during pregnancy, eliminate fluid stagnation in the lower extremities, and stimulate the fetus to be active. Changing the baby's position will relieve pressure on the pelvis.

   Lie down more often

4. Good vacation. Rest in a horizontal position is necessary during pregnancy. Place a cushion or a special pillow under your feet, lie down with your legs elevated - this position effectively helps relieve swelling. Get rid of the habit of crossing your legs, especially in the last weeks of pregnancy!
5. Massage. Massaging your feet under running cool water will help reduce leg swelling in early pregnancy.

Prevention of edema

To prevent the consequences of leg swelling (pain and increased sensitivity), prophylaxis is indicated.

The main measure to prevent swelling is proper nutrition and the habit of drinking a lot of water. Excess weight can cause serious difficulties during pregnancy. Limit your intake of salt, smoked meats, spices, sweets and fatty foods. This diet helps with the functioning of the renal system. Don't forget about enough mineral water. Excess fluid will begin to be eliminated from the body. Include more foods in your diet that help remove fluid - citrus fruits, herbs and garlic.

Forget about fast food and processed foods with excess harmful substances. Replace snacks with citrus fruits, peppers, tomatoes, melon, strawberries and types of kale. Eat nuts and vegetable oils with vitamin E.

Smoking can cause serious complications. The habit negatively affects the health of the unborn child and provokes serious swelling of the legs.

Alternative medicine against edema

Alternative medicine helps with edema. On the advice or consent of your doctor, try herbal decoctions and cabbage leaf compresses.

External and internal swelling

Sometimes it is difficult to understand whether swelling is present or not. If in doubt:

1. Look at an engagement ring or other ring. If the jewelry is difficult to remove or the ring is tight, there is swelling.
2. Pay attention to the weight. With normal levels, a woman gains no more than 300 g each week.

Watch your weight

The presence of these signs primarily indicates a violation in the removal of fluid from the body. Hidden swelling is also known - it appears in the evening, mainly on the legs, it happens on the arms, stomach, face and lips.

Diagnosis of leg swelling

To detect swelling in the body, use several methods:

1. Notice your weight gain. If more than 300 g are added in a week, the weight becomes a reason for examination.
2. Calculate the amount of fluid you drink per day and compare it with the amount of urine for the same period. During normal functioning of the body, the water output is ¾ of the total amount drunk. If the amount is much less, the liquid is retained in the soft tissues.
3. Try taking measurements of your right and left legs in several places over a number of days. If the leg measurements are very different, the measurement indicates the presence of swelling.

Swelling is most dangerous in late pregnancy.

Why are leg swelling dangerous?

Many people do not see a reason for concern when edema appears; if there is no protein in the urine, the blood pressure is normal. In this case, there is no need for emergency treatment or prevention.

If there is swelling of the feet or other parts of the legs in the last weeks of pregnancy, get tested to identify the cause. Edema of the placenta and fetal tissue becomes life-threatening for the child and mother.

Comfort and rest are important for prevention

Theraline pillow is considered an ideal assistant in preventing swelling. It helps keep your legs slightly elevated. With the help of a pillow, a pregnant woman will always be in a comfortable comfortable position; thanks to the filling made of hypoallergenic material, it is absolutely safe. Use is necessary for swelling of the legs in late pregnancy!

Edema during pregnancy– a very common occurrence. Swelling occurs from the extra blood that a woman develops during pregnancy.

The growing uterus puts pressure on the pelvic veins, as well as a large vein on the right side of the body, which receive blood from lower parts of the body. As a result, blood circulation slows down; Pressure from trapped blood promotes water retention in the tissues of the legs and ankles. Sometimes pregnant women have excess water that accumulates into swelling.

There are 4 stages of development of edema during pregnancy:

• swelling in the area of ​​the feet and legs (leg swelling);
• swelling of the lower extremities, lower abdomen and lumbosacral region;
• the addition of edema in the hands, the appearance of a pasty face “puffiness”;
• general swelling.

How to tell if you have swelling:

Are your favorite shoes too tight?

Is your wedding ring squeezing your finger?

Have you started to gain excess weight (more than 300 g per week)?

Try it, press your finger on the skin, if the skin quickly evens out, then everything is fine, but if there is a hole left, then most likely it is swelling.

If only your legs (feet and ankles) are swollen, this is natural. Usually, a lack of fluid and constant thirst occurs due to the increased need of the body. They appear in the evening and go away on their own by morning.

However, if swelling of the fingers occurs, swelling on the feet becomes permanent (shoes become tight), swelling of the face is observed, then such swelling can be a symptom of a very serious complication of pregnancy - gestosis (late toxicosis).

There are 4 degrees of severity of late gestosis:

• The first degree of gestosis is “gestational edema”, complaints of fatigue, malaise, signs: edema, or pathological weight gain;
• The second degree of gestosis is pregnancy nephropathy (protein in the urine + swelling + pressure). If all 3 symptoms are present, there is a threat to health. If not, treatment is symptomatic;
• Third degree of gestosis – preeclampsia – nephropathy + brain and signs of disease from the fundus of the eye;
• The fourth degree of gestosis is convulsions. This threatens, first of all, with a transition to a more dangerous degree of late gestosis and “aging” of the placenta and suffocation of the fetus.

The appearance of edema from 20 weeks, of course, should alert a pregnant woman and her doctor. Such a woman needs to be examined to determine the cause of the edema, but it should be remembered that not all edema observed during pregnancy is associated with gestosis.

Swelling during pregnancy in later stages can also occur due to obstruction of the outflow of urine due to compression of the ureters by the enlarged uterus.

If left untreated, swelling can spread throughout the body. Of course, obvious swelling will be noticed not only by your attending physician, but also by you. But there are also hidden edema, or fluid retention in the body, which are not noticeable. They can only be suspected if the expectant mother experiences a large or uneven weight gain.

Most often, edema in healthy pregnant women who do not have cardiovascular or renal pathology appears in the second half of pregnancy.

Usually the legs swell first, then swelling of the arms, abdomen, and face may occur. The latter is especially upsetting for expectant mothers. After all, the eyelids swell the most on the face. This is due to the anatomical features of this area. There is loose fiber located there, which, like a sponge, is ready to retain liquid.

In the morning, swelling in the legs is less noticeable, because at night the fluid spreads evenly throughout the body. But during the day, when you spend more time on your feet, the fluid goes down, accumulating mainly in the ankles, on the back of the feet, and on the shins.

How to get rid of edema during pregnancy?

• Try to move more (a sedentary lifestyle is contraindicated for edema);
• Lie down for 15 minutes every day. per day with legs elevated;
• Foot massage: can be done with a washcloth;
• Bath with sea salt. Water temperature is approximately 30-35 °C;
• Don't limit the amount of fluid you drink. If the body does not receive enough fluid, it tends to retain it. You need to drink up to 3 liters per day;
• Exercise regularly. Do exercises;
• Avoid eating sodium-rich foods (olives, salted nuts);
• Limit your intake of table salt (to 1-1.5 grams per day); in especially severe cases, switch to a salt-free diet. And also exclude spices, spicy foods, smoked foods, which cause thirst and inhibit the removal of fluid from the body;
• Do not abuse sweet and carbonated drinks, which inhibit the removal of fluid from the body;
• Put on high-waisted tights in the morning before you get out of bed. This way, blood will not stagnate in the ankles;
• Try to stay in a hot place as little as possible;
• Use anti-swelling gel.

In consultation with your doctor, you can use the following folk remedies:

1. White birch leaf in the form of an infusion is drunk for difficulty urinating (with prostate hypertrophy), as a diuretic for edema, and much more. other ailments.
Infusion: 1-2 tbsp. spoons of leaves are infused for 1-2 hours in 1/2 liter of boiling water and drunk 1/2-2/3 cup of infusion 3-5 times a day, preferably before meals.

2. The fruits of garden parsley (sometimes roots) in the form of powder or infusion are taken orally for inflammation of the prostate gland, as a diuretic for dropsy, edema of the heart and kidneys. Powder from the fruit is taken 0.5-1.0 g 3-5 times a day before meals, washed down with warm boiled water. Infusion of roots or fruits: 1 tbsp. a spoonful of raw materials is infused for 8-10 hours in 2 tbsp. boiling water and drink tbsp. spoons throughout the day.

3. Bearberry leaves (bear's ear) in the form of an infusion are taken orally as an antiseptic, disinfectant and diuretic for inflammation of the bladder and kidneys, chronic cystitis, stones in them, edema.

Infusion: Art. a spoonful of leaves is infused for 2 hours in a glass of boiling water and drunk according to tbsp. spoon of infusion 3-4 times a day before meals. In some cases, when taken orally, a feeling of nausea and even vomiting occurs.

4. Corn silk in the form of an infusion with honey is taken orally for edema of cardiac origin as an active diuretic.

Infusion: 1-2 tbsp. spoons are infused for 2-3 hours in a glass of boiling water. Filter, add 1-2 tbsp. spoons of honey, stir and take 1-3 tbsp. spoons of sweet infusion after 2-3 hours.

5. Meadowsweet herb in the form of an infusion is taken orally for swelling as a strong diuretic.
Infusion: 1-2 tbsp. spoons of herbs are infused for 2 hours in 2 cups of boiling water and drink 1/2 cup of warm infusion 3 times a day before meals.

6. Orthosiphon herb (kidney tea) in the form of an infusion is taken orally for edema of any origin as a diuretic. Infusion: 1-2 teaspoons of herbs are infused for 2 hours in 2 tbsp. boiling water and drink 1/2 tbsp. warm infusion 3-4 times a day before meals.

7. The herb and roots of Eryngium arvensis in the form of an infusion are taken orally as a diuretic for edema, dropsy, and much more. other diseases.

Infusion: Art. a spoonful of raw materials is infused for 2-3 hours in a glass of boiling water and taken 2-3 tbsp. spoons of infusion 3-5 times a day before meals.

8. Leaves and roots of sageweed in the form of an infusion are taken orally for edema of various origins and diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

Infusion: 2-3 tbsp. spoons of raw materials are infused for 2 hours in 0.5 liters of boiling water and drunk 1/2 tbsp. warm infusion 3-5 times a day before meals.

Definitely see a doctor!

Edema, especially if it appears before 20 weeks of pregnancy, may be a manifestation of some hidden disease. It happens that pregnancy becomes a “impetus” for the detection of a disease, due to the increased load on the diseased organ. It is in this regard that in case of edema in the early stages in pregnant women, it is necessary to undergo a thorough examination, check the kidneys and heart. Swelling of the legs may be associated with varicose veins in the legs.

Are you interested in knowing why your legs swell during pregnancy? How dangerous are swelling of the legs during pregnancy, why do they occur, what is the reason and how to deal with them.

What is edema and the reasons for its appearance

One of the complications of pregnancy is swelling. It affects the legs, arms, face. It happens to almost all expectant mothers after 22 weeks, but it manifests itself strongly by 35.

Why do my legs swell at 38 weeks of pregnancy? The appearance of edema is promoted by an increase in fluid in the body. This is how symptoms of gestosis appear, which can be dangerous in the last trimester of pregnancy. The main causes of disturbances during pregnancy:

1. excess fluid in the body;
2. there are varicose veins on the legs;
3. kidney function is impaired;
4. uncomfortable shoes and clothes;
5. disruption of the thyroid gland and heart;
6. frequent diarrhea;
7. acute thrombophlebitis;
8. gestosis (read the article Gestosis during pregnancy).

Swelling in the legs and arms occurs with joint diseases, with venous insufficiency, if the expectant mother moves little, she is overweight. In any case, you need to visit a doctor.

The cause of swelling is not always clear. The gynecologist will prescribe you to undergo additional examination.

• You will need to have an ultrasound of your kidneys and blood tests;
• The main task of a woman is to count urine output (read also an article on a related topic: Frequent urination during pregnancy);
• It is necessary to record the volume of fluid consumed and the amount of urine excreted. If there is not enough urine, you will be prescribed special therapy.

Swelling may depend on the weather and time of day.

1. If swelling appears suddenly on the face and hands, this is very dangerous. This disrupts the blood supply and increases blood pressure;
2. In addition, the growing uterus puts pressure on the pelvic veins, which leads to stagnation of blood in the lower extremities;
3. Swelling of the ankles and feet during pregnancy can be caused by a lack of potassium when a woman consumes salty foods, canned and smoked foods, and caffeine.

Read all about proper nutrition, about which foods you should definitely eat and which ones you should avoid, in the book: Secrets of proper nutrition for an expectant mother.

This pathology has 4 stages of manifestation:

• first the legs swell;
• then the hips, stomach and lower back;
• face and hands;
• whole body.

In the later stages, when the uterus puts a lot of pressure on the bladder, pathology arises from poor urine outflow.

What are the dangers and is everyone at risk of edema during pregnancy?

Swelling during this period is not always dangerous.

1. At this time, sodium salts accumulate in the body of the expectant mother, attracting water;
2. When certain factors affect the body, physiological edema develops, which is considered a completely normal phenomenon during this period and should not cause concern;
3. If it occurs, you just need to remove the cause.

• Legs swell greatly during pregnancy, when there are disorders in a woman’s body that affect her health;
• In this situation, swelling is accompanied by weakness, high blood pressure, high temperature, and it becomes difficult for the woman to move;
• In this case, the pathology occurs in another part of the body, and not just on the legs.

Attention! Severe swelling is a symptom of preeclampsia, which leads to a sharp rise in blood pressure and rapid weight gain. In severe forms of preeclampsia, vision decreases, irritability and abdominal pain appear, and the head hurts severely.

It can also be a sign:

1. blood clot in the legs;
2. poor circulation;
3. presence of sugar in the blood;
4. heart and kidney failure.

Sometimes accompanied by numbness of the limbs, discomfort and pain.

Pathological edema is associated with a violation of water-salt metabolism in the body, when the outflow of blood and lymph through the veins of the legs occurs incorrectly and, at the same time, the blood thickens.

Important! Ignoring the problem threatens to disrupt the connection between the expectant mother and the baby through the placenta, hypoxia, and termination of pregnancy.

Swelling in different trimesters of pregnancy

In the first trimester, swelling is not visible. In the second trimester, if swelling appeared before the 36th week, then doctors consider this a pathology of early gestation. At this stage, this problem is associated with chronic diseases that worsened during gestation. In this case, the gynecologist sends the woman for an examination of the heart and kidneys.

Legs, in the early stages, may swell for the following reasons:

• initial stage of varicose veins;
• there is a predisposition to kidney problems;
• the woman drinks a lot of fluids;
• abuse of salty foods.

Swelling of the legs during late pregnancy is considered absolutely normal. During this period, swelling occurs in the arms and legs, face, abdomen and neck. In recent months, in severe form, they can spread throughout the body. The provoking factors for the appearance of edema in the later stages are:

1. Multiple pregnancy;
2. Preeclampsia;
3. Chronic diseases;
4. Eating large amounts of sweets and fatty foods.

Of course, this problem in the later stages signals the presence of a serious illness.

To diagnose this disease, the doctor will take blood and urine tests and do an ultrasound. As additional diagnostic methods, it is possible to do Dopplerography and coagulogram. Treatment requires hospitalization. This is important for preserving the life and health of both the baby and the woman herself.

It is quite natural for your legs to swell at 36 weeks of pregnancy. Indeed, under the pressure of the fetus, the vessels of the legs narrow and, as a result, blood flows poorly to the legs. But if the expectant mother suddenly gains weight, then she should be under the supervision of a doctor.

If this problem is not treated, it will lead to impaired blood circulation in the placenta, which can lead to hypoxia in the baby and premature birth.

Know! In the presence of eclampsia and preeclampsia, a pregnant woman experiences leg cramps, which cannot always be eliminated; the woman loses consciousness, and if the situation is advanced, she falls into an eclamptic coma.

How to get rid of swelling

How to get rid of leg swelling during pregnancy? First, you need to determine the cause. It will not be possible to completely remove them, but you can alleviate the condition. The following tips can be applied:

• consume less salt;
• Drink no more than 1 liter of water per day;
• do not abuse fatty and sweet foods (read the article

After fertilization of the egg, the woman’s body goes through a stage of hormonal and physiological changes in order to create favorable conditions for the development of a new life. If a woman is completely healthy, she can easily endure this process for nine months. But if any organs and systems fail, then it is quite natural that various complications arise. One of the frequent companions of pregnancy is swelling of the extremities. In the later stages, slight swelling of the legs does not cause concern and is considered a completely normal and safe phenomenon for a woman. But this symptom often masks more serious diseases. So let's find out why legs swell during pregnancy? How to deal with this? And how to find the line between a normal phenomenon and a life-threatening condition.

Edema is an excess of free fluid in organs and intercellular spaces due to a violation of its outflow. Swelling can be localized, that is, appear in a specific area, or spread widely throughout the body.

During pregnancy, a pathological condition such as swelling of the legs occurs in almost every woman to one degree or another. Slight swelling of the ankles in the late afternoon is a common occurrence in the second half of pregnancy. This is normal physiological swelling and does not require any treatment. This happens for the following reasons:

1. Hormonal changes. The most important guardian of pregnancy is progesterone. This hormone adjusts the female body to the needs of the baby from beginning to end. It directly affects the increase in pressure inside the capillaries, which contributes to the accumulation of excess fluid in a woman’s body, especially if she leads an inactive lifestyle.
2. Decrease in protein concentration in blood plasma. The amount of albumin decreases significantly closer to the third trimester, which often causes physiological swelling of the extremities.
3. Increased blood volume and total circulating fluid. To provide the baby with everything necessary, the amount of a woman’s blood increases by about 40%. In addition, over the course of 9 months, almost 7 liters of additional fluid accumulate in tissues and organs, which does not always spread evenly and “slides” into the lower parts of the body.
4. Stagnation of blood in the pelvic organs. The constantly growing uterus actively compresses nearby internal organs. Blood has difficulty traveling from the legs to the heart. A woman experiences shortness of breath and her legs swell during pregnancy. But the most affected are the veins in the pelvic area, which are squeezed between the large uterus and the spine. In addition to swelling, this causes discomfort and tingling in the pelvic organs.
5. Poor nutrition and inadequate rest. No matter how great the desire of a woman in a delicate situation to eat something salty and spicy, you need to control yourself. Excess sodium in the body binds a huge number of water molecules, which ultimately leads to swollen legs. And if you add a sedentary lifestyle to salty dishes, then severe swelling of the legs during pregnancy is guaranteed.

It’s quite easy to improve your well-being and eliminate fluid accumulation in your legs. As a rule, a woman only needs to slightly replace her daily routine and usual diet with a more acceptable one. But there are times when small swelling of the feet and ankles begins to “spread” up the legs, often reaching the very eyes. At the same time, the woman’s condition sharply worsens, and a threat arises for her and the baby. This situation is already considered pathological and is subject to drug treatment. There are plenty of reasons for this: these are chronic diseases, inflammatory processes and late gestosis.

Pathological swelling of the legs during pregnancy - causes:

1. Preeclampsia. This is the most common cause of water-salt imbalance in the gestational period. Preeclampsia develops in the second half of pregnancy and has the ability to progress. In this case, 4 stages of edema are diagnosed. In the most severe cases, in addition to the legs, the stomach, arms and face swell. The course of the disease is complicated by high blood pressure and the presence of protein in the urine.
2. Diseases of the genitourinary area. If a woman has a history of kidney problems, then after conception she will almost certainly have to deal with leg swelling in the early stages of pregnancy. In pregnant women, the kidneys always work at an increased rate, so if they do not cope well, then all the excess fluid will be localized in the legs.
3. Endocrine disorders. Problems with the thyroid gland can cause severe swelling of the body. Hypothyroidism is especially dangerous. This condition is characterized by reduced activity of the gland, which is not able to independently synthesize the required amount of hormones from iodine. At the same time, the entire body begins to work in a weakened mode.
4. Cardiovascular pathologies. For pregnancy to be easy and successful, a woman needs a healthy heart that can safely pump an ever-increasing amount of blood and provide oxygen to mother and baby.
5. Phlebeurysm. The course of this disease often only worsens after conception. Increased intravenous pressure causes pain and severe physical discomfort to the woman. In this case, the swelling can be asymmetrical, for example, only swelling of the right leg occurs during pregnancy, where varicose veins are more pronounced.
6. Allergy. Sudden swelling on the body, including the legs, may indicate an allergic reaction to some substance or product. If the swelling covers the knee-elbow areas and face, the woman needs urgent medical attention, as this may be Quincke's edema, which is life-threatening.

Edema during pregnancy: symptoms and diagnosis

Mild edema, as mentioned above, is not considered dangerous for pregnancy and cannot be treated. But this does not mean that you should neglect a visit to the doctor when problems with fluid retention appear. Sometimes symptoms of barely noticeable edema in the first weeks of pregnancy may indicate severe heart or kidney defects. Timely treatment of these diseases helps maintain pregnancy.

Swelling does not immediately become obvious to women. Their appearance is preceded by the following symptoms:

• Sudden weight gain (more than 300 g per week).
• Difficulty wearing rings and shoes.
• Minor tingling in the extremities.

Leg swelling during pregnancy, which is common to all women in this position, should not normally appear until the 30th week of gestation. It is localized exclusively in the legs. As a rule, in the late afternoon the feet and legs swell slightly, and by the morning after proper rest the swelling subsides. You can determine excess fluid this way: press your finger on the area of ​​expected swelling and sharply lift your finger. If a hole remains, it means there is swelling.

When a woman consults a doctor about edema, she has to undergo a simple diagnosis:

• Determination of the degree of pastiness. The doctor evaluates the time it takes to restore skin turgor after pressing a finger on the swollen area.
• Weighing. This simple procedure helps determine the percentage of excess fluid in the body.
• Taking tests. The presence/absence of protein in the urine is determined. A general blood test is also studied to exclude inflammatory processes.
• Daily diuresis. A woman will need to calculate the amount of fluid she drinks and excretes by her kidneys.

Based on the research results, the doctor will determine the cause of the disorders and advise the woman how to eliminate swelling of the legs during pregnancy. If a woman's condition worsens, she is hospitalized for more in-depth diagnosis and subsequent treatment.

Important! If you notice swelling in your arms, eyes or thighs, and the condition does not improve after rest, you should consult a doctor for an examination.

What are the dangers of edema during pregnancy?

Any swelling that is accompanied by a deterioration in the woman’s condition carries a potential risk for the baby. Preeclampsia is especially dangerous. It begins with dropsy and can end with eclampsia, which is accompanied by extensive edema, high blood pressure and poor kidney function. This can cause oxygen starvation in the fetus, deficiency of nutrients and severe developmental disorders. Pregnancy often ends in premature birth and perinatal death of the child.

On a note! Sometimes pregnant women complain of swelling of only one limb. This could be for various reasons. For example, if the left leg constantly swells during pregnancy, this may be a signal of heart failure or thrombophlebitis.

How to relieve a woman’s condition with swelling of her legs

Only a gynecologist should determine the cause of swelling and prescribe treatment. Sometimes additional consultation with a highly specialized doctor is required if a woman has more severe diseases that cause complications such as swelling of the legs during late pregnancy.

If there is no reason to worry, and the swelling is purely physiological, the doctor can give some advice to improve the woman’s well-being:

• Vitamin therapy. B vitamins strengthen capillary networks well, which prevents fluid from entering the blood into the intercellular zone.
• Wearing compression garments. Specially made tights or stockings will maintain capillary tone, which will help reduce swelling and heaviness in the legs.
• Cool salt foot baths. 10-minute water procedures will help your legs get into shape faster.
• Diet. To eliminate swelling of the arms and legs during pregnancy, the daily diet should include a sufficient amount of foods rich in protein, fiber and vitamins. Salty and fried foods are excluded. Water intake is limited (up to 1.5 liters per day).
• Light exercise. Your doctor may recommend resting with your legs elevated above heart level. Light exercise for pregnant women or yoga will also help relieve discomfort in the legs.
• Complete rest. A woman suffering from edema should not stand or sit for a long time. Avoid hot rooms and wearing high-heeled shoes.
• Limb massage. Gentle massaging helps restore normal blood circulation.

Drug treatment of edema

If general recommendations do not help a woman get rid of swelling of the feet during pregnancy, then the doctor can prescribe appropriate treatment with ointments and diuretics. True, only if there are no serious reasons for disturbing the water balance. In case of gestosis or other serious complications, treatment is carried out only in a hospital setting.

Important! Independent use of the following medications during pregnancy is unacceptable. The decision to prescribe them is made by the doctor after an in-person examination of the woman.

1. Preparations for external use. Various gels and ointments based on heparin, horse chestnut extract and rutin help to establish the outflow of fluid from the lower extremities. During pregnancy, medications such as Lyoton, Venitan, Heparin Ointment, and Troxevasin are prescribed.
2. Synthetic diuretics. It can be quite difficult to relieve swelling of the legs at 39 weeks of pregnancy before the approaching birth, so it is advisable to prescribe more effective diuretics (Veroshpiron, Furosemide, Hypothiazide).
3. Herbal diuretics. Diuretic herbal mixtures and homeopathic drops help to increase daily diuresis (the amount of urine excreted). A woman is prescribed “Canephron”, “Nephrofit”, “Cyston”.

Unconventional methods of treatment

Among pregnant women suffering from edema, traditional medicine recipes are very popular. If fluid retention does not cause concern to the doctor, then the use of “grandmother’s” recipes to improve a woman’s well-being in most cases is only welcomed by gynecologists. But I would like to draw your attention to the fact that only a specialist can make a decision on how to relieve swelling of the legs during pregnancy using folk remedies. A pregnant woman will still not be able to solve this problem on her own, so it is better to seek help as soon as possible in order to prevent the occurrence of gestosis.

How traditional medicine can help:

• Compresses. Young, pre-cooled cabbage leaves should be applied to the areas of greatest accumulation of liquid. The compress should be kept on the body until the leaves become wet. Then they can be replaced with new ones. After several procedures, the woman will experience no discomfort in her legs.
• Decoction of dried apricots. Dried apricots will help increase daily diuresis. To 1 tbsp. l. dried fruits, you need to add 200 mg of boiling water. The infusion should be left for 10-12 hours. The infusion is taken 45 minutes before meals.
• Contrast foot massage. You need to freeze the herbal decoction (chamomile, sage, calendula) in special ice containers. Then lightly massage your feet with pieces of ice before going to bed.
• Diuretic infusion. You need to mix birch buds, horsetail and knotweed in equal proportions. Take 1 tsp. herbs and brew in a glass of boiling water. Take a teaspoon three times a day after meals. The course of treatment is three weeks.

Preventing leg swelling during pregnancy

It is much easier to prevent edema in pregnant women than to look for ways to eliminate it later. The preventive program includes not only the way a woman lives after conception, but also scrupulous preparation for this event. Ideally, you need to take care of your complete health even before pregnancy and cure all chronic diseases (if any). So, what can a woman do to avoid water-salt imbalance:

• Keep your weight under control. An extra couple of kilograms can, in addition to swelling, provoke attacks of hypertension and gestational diabetes mellitus.
• Eat a balanced diet. Avoid foods high in salt, which retains fluid in cells. Diversify your diet with fruits and vegetables with plenty of vitamin C, A, E. Be sure to replenish your protein supply by eating fish and meat.
• Take more walks in the fresh air and fully relax with your feet on the bolster. This is especially useful starting from the 37th week of pregnancy, when the legs swell most often.
• Try to drink the required amount of drinking water (on average 1.5-2 liters per day) before 7 pm.
• Do light physical activity for pregnant women: yoga, swimming, walking, exercise. This will help improve blood circulation, strengthen capillary walls and prevent the accumulation of excess water in the body.

A healthy lifestyle helps prevent swelling during the gestational period. But this does not always work when a woman has chronic diseases. If a woman, despite an exemplary daily routine and proper nutrition, experiences swelling of her legs during pregnancy, it is better to carry out treatment at the initial stage of the onset of the pathology. This will help avoid many complications in the later stages of pregnancy.

Almost every pregnant woman is aware that the period of waiting for a child is accompanied by swelling of the arms, legs, face and other parts of the body. Statistics say that only 20% of women do not face such trouble at this time. During the normal course of pregnancy, about 7 liters of additional fluid accumulates in the body of the expectant mother, which is distributed rather unevenly: about 5-6 liters are retained outside the tissues, the rest is in the tissues of the body. In recent weeks, about 3 liters of fluid accumulates in the form of amniotic fluid in the placenta and the baby’s body.

The cause of swelling can be both normal physiological processes and the manifestation of such a complication during pregnancy as late toxicosis - gestosis. In order to determine the cause of increased fluid accumulation in the extremities, it is necessary to consult with a gynecologist who “accompanies” the woman during pregnancy.

How to escape from swelling of the limbs?

What to do when your legs swell during pregnancy, because folk remedies should be used with great caution, and it is advisable to abandon them altogether and engage in prevention. Only a doctor should prescribe a diuretic for edema during pregnancy, because self-medication can be dangerous for both the expectant mother and the baby.

There are a number of tips to help a pregnant woman cope with the appearance of edema:

• balanced and nutritious diet, rich in proteins and carbohydrates;
• reducing the amount of salt consumed; at best, it should be completely excluded from the diet for a while;
• you should try to avoid staying in one position for a long time: sitting or standing;
• for edema, doctors also do not recommend walking a lot;
• You should not greatly limit your fluid intake, about 1.5 liters per day will be quite enough, but overuse can lead to the appearance of additional swelling;
• if swelling bothers you in the area of ​​your legs, then in the daytime and evening, place them on a hill for 15-20 minutes and give an energetic massage in this area;
• when the gynecologist has determined that the cause of swelling of the legs is the uterus, which in the third trimester began to compress all internal organs, special gymnastics can help, or rather only a certain position: knee-elbow, in which you need to stay at least 2 hours a day. This time can be divided into 10 approaches of 20 minutes, or at the discretion of the pregnant woman.

Types and causes of edema

If the arms and legs swell, and no protein was found in the urine, and the pregnant woman’s blood pressure is within normal limits, then most likely the reasons lie in slower blood circulation in the extremities. This usually occurs in the second half of pregnancy, after about 30 weeks. When a woman does not control her diet and consumes a large amount of salt and then liquid, the consequence is quite obvious - mild or severe swelling that goes away after a night's rest, but returns during the day. This is not considered a dangerous condition, but it still causes the pregnant woman some discomfort, and therefore requires certain actions to adjust the diet and other preventive actions.

There are 4 stages of swelling:

1. fluid accumulates in the lower leg area;
2. the feet and lower abdomen are connected to the lower leg;
3. swelling of the hands is added to the previous parts of the body;
4. Almost the entire body swells.

There are also hidden swellings that cannot be noticed by the appearance of a pregnant woman. A doctor may suspect them when a woman experiences a sharp jump in weight gain, while her usual diet has not changed much.

Swelling of the legs is especially common among pregnant women who suffer from cardiovascular disease, kidney problems or varicose veins. In this case, the woman’s condition must be monitored by a specialist.

When this problem occurs due to gestosis, the fluid first accumulates in the area of ​​​​the feet, gradually rising up to the face. Sometimes the first manifestations of late toxicosis occur in the form of weight gain of more than 350 grams per week. When swelling begins to appear throughout the body, we can conclude that dropsy in pregnancy has occurred. If protein in the urine and high blood pressure are added to this, then treatment of this condition occurs in a hospital setting. In mild cases, a woman can simply be prescribed a number of medications and sent home, but she will need to see a doctor much more often than usual.