Edema during pregnancy occurs to one degree or another in almost every woman. But not in all cases they indicate pathology and require drug treatment. Before you begin to treat edema, you should identify the cause of its occurrence, whether it is necessary to eliminate the edema, and whether the fight against it could be something worse.

Water as an essential element of pregnancy

As you know, the human body consists of up to 80% water. During gestation, the amount of water increases by 6 - 8 liters, most of which (up to 6 liters) is in an extra-tissue state, and about 3 liters accumulates in the tissues. By the end of gestation, the volume of water increases by another 6 liters, 3 of which are due to the baby, placenta and amniotic fluid, and the rest to the increase in the woman’s circulating blood volume, the growing uterus and mammary glands. This “flood” is a normal state of physiological pregnancy.

The increase in the volume of the liquid part of the blood begins at 8 weeks, while the increase in the number of red blood cells begins at 18 weeks. This is explained by the need to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the fetus - the thinner and more fluid the blood, the faster it delivers.

Mechanism of edema formation

For water to flow to the fetus, it must be in the vascular bed, and not in the tissues or body cavities. The fluid in the blood vessels is held by 2 components:

1. sodium chloride
2. protein (albumin).

The protein albumin maintains oncotic pressure in the blood vessels, and sodium retains water in them. If there is a shortage of these substances, the fluid “leaves” into the tissue, that is, there is increased vascular permeability. Albumin is produced by a woman's liver from those amino acids that come with food, that is, it matters how the expectant mother eats.

Sodium chloride comes from food and is also stored by the kidneys. In addition, salt metabolism is regulated by hormones. Thus, there is a second point in the mechanism of edema - a violation of water-salt metabolism, when sodium accumulates in the tissues and attracts water from the vessels. Since the liquid part of the blood becomes small, it thickens, that is, against the background of visible or hidden edema, the mother’s body experiences dehydration ().

Classification of edema

Edema can be both physiological, that is, those that go away on their own when the provoking factors are eliminated, and pathological, caused by some medical problem. The line dividing edema into “normal” and pathological is quite fluid, and it is very difficult to draw it, and one should take into account not only the gestational age and concomitant pathology, but also the woman’s age, the number of fetuses gestated, her height and constitutional features.

Edema is also classified according to its prevalence:

• I degree – swelling of the legs (most often the feet and legs) and hands;
• II degree – swelling “rises” to the anterior wall of the abdomen and the lumbosacral region;
• III degree - not only the lower limbs and abdomen swell, but also the face;
• IV degree – generalized edema or anasarca.

Depending on the origin, edema is divided into:

• hydremic – caused by diseases of the urinary system;
• cardiac – arise as a result of cardiovascular pathology;
• cachectic or dystrophic due to exhaustion;
• inflammatory arise as a result of the formation of a focus of inflammation (traumatic, allergic, neurotic and toxic);
• congestive edema appears with venous diseases (varicose veins, thrombosis and thrombophlebitis).

Causes of edema

Physiological edema may appear for the following reasons:

• hot and muggy weather;
• excessive physical stress on the legs (prolonged standing, walking) or on the arms (working at the computer, writing);
• flat feet;
• wearing tight shoes or high heels;
• prolonged sitting on soft and low seats;
• the habit of crossing your legs when sitting;
• errors in diet (excessive consumption of salty and spicy foods);
• overweight;
• large volume of the uterus (in late gestation or during multiple pregnancy) - the uterus compresses the inferior vena cava and disrupts blood flow in the lower body and legs;
• short stature;
• physical inactivity.

Pathological edema appears in the presence of a number of diseases and/or as a complication of pregnancy:

Varicose veins of the lower extremities

In this case, edema appears due to a violation of the outflow of blood through the veins, its stagnation in the veins, which provokes an increase in hydrostatic pressure in them. First, the pressure increases in large venous vessels, and then in small ones, and fluid is “squeezed out” from the vessels into the interstitial space with the formation of edema. This group also includes other venous diseases, which can be either a complication of varicose veins or an independent disease (thrombosis, phlebitis, thrombophlebitis). In this case, in addition to the described mechanism of edema development, there is also an inflammatory moment.

Cardiovascular pathology

Heart diseases (congenital heart defects, etc.) lead to the development of cardiovascular failure, one of the manifestations of which is edema. Fluid retention in the body is caused by an increase in central venous pressure, as the internal organs do not receive oxygen-enriched blood, as well as sodium retention by the kidneys. As central venous pressure increases, hydrostatic pressure in the capillaries increases, which “squeezes” water into the tissue. Pregnancy increases the load on the heart, which further causes edema.

Kidney pathology

Nephrotic syndrome, which is characterized by edema, is usually observed with glomerulonephritis. The mechanism of edema formation has several aspects. Firstly, protein is lost in the urine due to normal or frequent urination, which leads to a decrease in oncotic pressure in the blood vessels and an increase in their permeability, and, consequently, the occurrence of edema. Secondly, with reduced urination, sodium is retained in the tissues, which draws fluid from the blood vessels. Thirdly, the filtration function of the kidneys is disrupted (sodium retention) and water-salt metabolism is disrupted (the production of aldosterone increases, which also retains fluid in the body).

Allergic reactions

Quincke's edema - one of the severe manifestations of allergies is associated with generalized swelling of the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract and skin and develops due to the penetration of an allergen (antigen) into the body. The allergen promotes the production of inflammatory mediators: serotonin, histamine and others. In turn, inflammatory mediators increase the permeability of the vascular wall, and fluid from the blood rushes into the tissue, forming edema. Read more about.

Preeclampsia

Thyroid diseases

How to determine swelling

Edema, by definition, is the accumulation of an excess amount of fluid outside the vascular bed, and in the tissues and cavities of internal organs (cardiac sac, pleural sac, etc.). Edema is divided into hidden and visible. Hidden edema can only be suspected by a doctor based on the following signs:

Weight gain

A pregnant woman experiences pathological weight gain, which after 30 weeks is more than 300 grams in 7 days. Or the total increase in body weight over the entire gestation period is more than 20 kg. However, one should take into account the type of constitution and height of a woman and distinguish between pathological weight gain that occurs due to hidden edema or due to the accumulation of subcutaneous fat.

Daily diuresis

To determine it, the amount of liquid drunk (together with soups and watery fruits) and excreted is taken into account. Normally, their ratio is 4/3 (with about 300 ml of fluid released through sweat and breathing). If daily diuresis is negative, that is, the amount of fluid drunk significantly exceeds the volume excreted, this indicates hidden edema.

Nocturia

The woman notes that the volume of urine excreted at night is much greater than during the day. Moreover, the urge to urinate becomes more frequent at night. But it should be remembered that after 37 weeks, this symptom may also indicate impending labor (the head is pressed against the entrance to the pelvis and compresses the bladder).

McClure–Aldrich test

0.2 ml of physiological sodium chloride solution is injected intradermally into the forearm area and the time of resorption of the resulting blister is recorded. Normally, it should disappear after 35 minutes or more. If its resorption time is shortened, we can safely talk about hidden edema.

Visible swelling can be determined by the pregnant woman herself based on the following symptoms:

• Ring symptom - swelling of the fingers is indicated by a characteristic sign: the wedding ring does not come off the finger or is difficult to remove.
• Shoes - familiar and worn-in shoes suddenly become tight and tight, which indicates swelling of the feet.
• Socks - after the expectant mother takes off her socks, she notices that the marks, even pronounced indentations from their elastic bands on her legs do not disappear for a long time.
• Symptom of a “pit” - when pressing with a finger on the shin (in the place where only the skin covers the tibia), a characteristic depression remains, which does not go away for some time.
• Ankle volume- when measuring the circumference in the ankle area and increasing it by 1 cm or more per week, it speaks in favor of edema.
• Signs of generalized edema- with anasarca, not only the legs swell, they are also accompanied by swelling of the arms, labia, anterior abdominal wall and face (lips, eyelids and nose swell). A dangerous symptom is the inability to clench your hand into a fist or bend over and fasten your shoes. Such severe swelling during pregnancy may indicate developed gestosis.

Symptoms of various types of edema

Edema of different origins also differs in symptoms:

Cardiac edema

Swelling in the early stages begins from the legs, spreading to the thighs and above, symmetrically. In an upright position of the body, only the legs swell. In a horizontal position, the swelling is redistributed to the sacrum and lower back, and disappears after sleep (in the early stages). The swelling is quite dense, the “pits” do not disappear for a long time. The skin in the area of ​​edema is bluish and cold. Later, the swelling of the subcutaneous tissue is accompanied by the accumulation of fluid in the cavities (pleural, cardiac, abdominal). In addition, there is shortness of breath, fatigue and general pallor.

Renal edema

Edema of renal origin is characterized by its appearance from above, and it spreads downwards. Such swelling, on the contrary, appears in the morning and disappears by evening. They are loose and do not retain pressure marks for long. Appear on the face, where the subcutaneous tissue is looser - the eyelids swell. Edema is prone to migration - it moves easily when changing body position. The skin in areas of swelling is pale, warm and dry. Other symptoms also occur: headaches, high blood pressure, urine the color of “meat slop” (gross hematuria).

Edema in diseases of the veins of the lower extremities

With varicose veins of the lower extremities, edema develops gradually and is associated with prolonged stay in an upright position. Swelling appears in the evening, accompanied by a feeling of heaviness, hyperemia of the feet, swollen veins, and pain may appear. The skin over the swelling is warm, sometimes with a cyanotic tint. As a rule, such swelling is not symmetrical (appears only on one leg). In the case of thrombophlebitis, edema is accompanied by inflammatory signs: hyperemia, heat, pain along the vein, as well as upon movement or touch.

Physiological edema

Usually their severity is insignificant; they appear more often on the shins or fingers (after prolonged work). They go away on their own, after sleep and exclusion of provoking factors.

Preeclampsia

Swelling during gestosis always begins in the feet and ankles (in some cases, the fingers “swell” at the same time). As the condition worsens, the swelling rises and spreads to the thighs, labia, and anterior abdominal wall. A doughy pillow appears above the pubis, which makes it difficult or impossible to bend forward (to tie shoelaces). Then swelling of the face occurs, its features become coarser, the eyes look like slits due to swollen eyelids. After sleep, visible swelling “disappears” and is redistributed throughout the body. Even significant swelling is accompanied by a satisfactory condition of the pregnant woman, but nevertheless requires treatment. Prognostically unfavorable signs are increased blood pressure (especially diastolic) and the appearance.

Measures to combat edema

What to do if edema occurs during pregnancy. First of all, put aside panic and calm down. You can deal with small, physiological swelling on your own, but in case of significant or permanent swelling, you should consult a doctor who will tell you how to get rid of the swelling:

Diet

In the diet, it is recommended to limit the consumption of table salt (but not eliminate it altogether). Drink at least 2 - 2.5 liters of fluid per day in small sips and constantly. As for drinks, preference is given to herbal teas with a soothing effect (mint, lemon balm), fruit drinks and still mineral water.

Walks

It is recommended to take regular walks of 1.5 - 2 hours at a leisurely pace in a forested area, which will help disperse “stagnant” blood, raise general tone and prevent not only the appearance of excess fat deposits, but also swelling.

Herbs with diuretic effect

Decoctions and infusions of medicinal herbs with a weak diuretic effect are prescribed only by a doctor. Their use is especially indicated for diseases of the urinary system. Similar medicinal plants include: bearberry, lingonberry leaf, parsley. They have weak diuretic, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties. Take with caution in case of edema caused by gestosis (in this case, diuretics are contraindicated).

Drugs that increase vascular tone

Local anticoagulant and vascular wall-strengthening agents () will help remove swelling (especially in diseases of the veins of the lower extremities). Such drugs are prescribed by a doctor. It is allowed to rub Lyoton-gel, Venitan, heparin ointment, Essaven gel into the skin of the feet. It is also recommended to take orally ascorutin, aescusan, and venoruton, which strengthen the vascular wall and reduce its permeability.

Wearing compression garments

Wearing special compression underwear (stockings or tights), which is especially recommended for pregnant women with varicose veins, will also help relieve swelling during pregnancy. It is necessary to put on stockings/tights while lying down in order to evenly distribute the pressure on the lower limbs.

• Avoid being in hot places
• Avoid prolonged standing or sitting.

In case of severe condition, in case of development of gestosis or worsening of chronic extragenital diseases (pathology of the kidneys, liver, heart), the pregnant woman is hospitalized.

Question answer

I swell (during pregnancy). What exactly can and cannot be eaten?

It is recommended to exclude strong tea (including green) and tea from drinking, which act as a stimulant and provoke the appearance of edema, as well as sweet carbonated drinks and juices (cause thirst). You should not give up salt consumption, but you should exclude, or at least limit, the consumption of highly salted, spicy and pickled foods (pickles, sauerkraut, nuts and chips, etc.). Adhere to the rules of a healthy diet, refuse to eat smoked foods, sweets and baked goods. It is advisable to steam, stew, bake or boil food, but under no circumstances fry it. The daily diet should contain a sufficient amount of protein, both animal and plant origin (lean meat, offal, cottage cheese, cereal porridge). Also consume fresh vegetables and fruits daily as sources of vitamins, and lactic acid products as a source of calcium. Fish and seafood, vegetable oils, which contain large amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids, are useful.

What are the dangers of edema during pregnancy?

Any swelling, unless, of course, it is physiological, poses a threat not only to the woman, but also to her unborn baby. A woman, as a rule, knows about extragenital pathology even before pregnancy, on the eve of which and during pregnancy she is prescribed appropriate treatment. A serious complication of pregnancy is edema caused by gestosis. If left untreated, a preconvulsive condition (preeclampsia) and a seizure disorder (eclampsia) may develop. Signs of preeclampsia include confusion or an excited state, swelling of the nose during pregnancy, which is manifested by congestion or a sudden runny nose, flashing spots before the eyes, tinnitus, etc. Failure to provide timely assistance leads to convulsions, which can result in the death of the pregnant woman.

How can you relieve swelling at home?

Minor swelling of physiological origin will help eliminate the following measures:

• lying on the left side (reduces pressure from the uterus on large blood vessels, improves blood circulation in the kidneys);
• sleep or rest with your legs elevated (place a small pillow under them);
• cool foot baths, rubbing feet with ice cubes;
• gymnastics and foot massage;
• give up heels, preferring shoes with low heels and loose ones;
• in case of prolonged forced position (sitting at a desk), give your legs a rest (raise them on a chair, walk a few steps);
• Avoid wearing tight and constricting clothing (elastic bands, belts, tight collars and socks).

How do I know if I am at risk for developing edema and gestosis?

This group includes pregnant women with the following factors:

• young (under 17) and late (over 30) age of a woman;
• gestosis suffered during previous pregnancies (especially eclampsia and preeclampsia);
• pregnancy with more than one fetus;
• presence of arterial hypertension before pregnancy;
• bad habits (both before and during pregnancy);
• and other endocrine pathologies;
• severe early toxicosis;
• presence of industrial hazards;
• detected hidden edema.

Edema in pregnant women is a very common phenomenon. About half of all pregnant women experience swelling around the ankles, especially during the last few months of pregnancy. This problem also often manifests itself in the toes and shins.

The worst usually happens towards the end of the day, especially if you spend a lot of time on your feet.

Causes of edema during pregnancy

Leg swelling during pregnancy occurs because your body contains more fluid than usual. Increased pressure in the leg veins and pressure from your growing baby on the large veins in the groin also add to the problem. The whole point, surprisingly, is the force of gravity, which seems to concentrate the liquid at the lowest points of your body.

Some doctors associate swelling with the production of a special hormone that impairs the elasticity of blood vessels. Also, the cause may be excess sodium in the body, since it delays the removal of fluid from the tissues.

The following factors increase the severity of edema:

• smoking;
• hot weather;
• physical exercise;
• an abundance of spicy and salty foods;
• fatigue.

The main signs of leg swelling during pregnancy

Leg swelling can vary in severity, and sometimes you may not even notice it. But this does not mean that they should be ignored, otherwise they can develop into more serious diseases. Moreover, their external expression can also mean internal changes, which is much more serious. If your shoes or rings on your fingers begin to press on you, if you begin to gain weight quickly or unevenly (more than 300 g per week), this is a sign of edema.

« Normal" edema in a healthy woman:

• appear in the third trimester of pregnancy;
• usually localized in the area of ​​the legs and feet after an active day, in the late afternoon;
• after rest and some procedures, which we will discuss below, they decrease or disappear altogether;
• are not accompanied by pain and swelling in other places, or a general deterioration in health.

Such swelling of the legs during pregnancy does not need to be treated.

Dangers of edema

We don’t want to scare you, but it’s better to consult a doctor immediately if you notice the following symptoms:

It’s better to play it safe and go to your doctor again, especially since the lives and health of two people are at stake.

When will the swelling go down?

Within about 24 hours after giving birth, most women will already notice that the swelling has decreased. Don't worry if it takes a few days for the swelling to subside, this is normal: your body needs time to recover and get back into shape after prolonged stress. Keep following the tips to reduce swelling and things will get better soon.

How to reduce the severity of leg swelling?

You cannot stop the swelling process, but you can limit and reduce its manifestation. So, what do experts advise to prevent leg swelling and reduce its severity?

If you want to reduce swelling, follow these simple rules:

In general, every expectant mother quickly determines which method is right for her. Some people benefit from active pastime, others from maximum rest, others from group yoga or gymnastics classes.

Traditional methods of treating leg swelling in pregnant women

By “treatment” we mean reducing the severity of the manifestation, since edema in a healthy woman is a normal and harmless physiological phenomenon that does not require full, serious treatment.

What does traditional medicine offer us?

You can place green or white cabbage leaves on swollen areas to “draw out” excess fluid and reduce discomfort (heaviness). There is no need to wash the leaves; you can cool them in the refrigerator (but not in the freezer), it will even be more pleasant for you. Wrap the cooled leaves around the most swollen parts of your legs and feet to make a compress. Wait until they are damp and then repeat with fresh leaves. Repeat this several times until you feel more comfortable.

Herbal remedies are usually diuretics that remove fluid from the body. However, you should not overuse this method, as you can overdo it and remove too much fluid. This can be dangerous. Therefore, we strongly recommend using herbal teas and tinctures only after consulting a doctor!

Here are some common recipes:

Myths about edema during pregnancy

Myth No. 1. If you limit your intake of liquids and salty foods to a minimum, swelling will quickly subside.

This is wrong. We have already written that salty foods can only serve as a provoking or additional factor in the appearance of edema. A lack of fluid in the body can lead to dehydration and danger to the baby’s health. A complete restriction of salt and water is dangerous, so listen to your needs and simply do not overindulge in such foods.

Myth No. 2. Diuretics will quickly remove swelling.

This myth can be dangerous, since uncontrolled use of such drugs can lead to dehydration. Therefore, as we already wrote above, do not overdo it with diuretic teas - this, one might say, is an extreme case. And frequently running to the toilet is a rather tiring activity for women in the last months of pregnancy.

Myth No. 3. If your legs are swollen, you should not play sports.

In fact, any sports activity that you can do will strengthen your body muscles and maintain tone, so that it will be easier for you to give birth. Here, as in other matters, you cannot be too zealous. The following sports are recommended: cycling, swimming, gymnastics, yoga.

Myth No. 4. Swelling in the legs is a sign of gestosis.

This is not so, edema itself does not indicate gestosis (“late toxicosis”, preeclampsia - complications at the end of pregnancy). Only in combination with high blood pressure, impaired kidney function, loss of consciousness, and convulsions can edema be a symptom of this disease. It seems that you and your doctor will not miss such signs and will take action in time.

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?

By morning, as a rule, they go away and if this problem is regulated by diet, then there is no particular reason to worry. But such symptoms are the beginning of very serious complications. If they are associated with varicose veins, renal and heart failure, gestosis. If you have these diseases, you should consult a doctor before becoming pregnant, as pregnancy can complicate the disease.

Causes

Swelling is the concentration of excess fluid in the tissues or the restructuring of the entire body to retain fluid. Inflammation, bites, and injuries lead to some swelling. General edema changes the condition of the entire body.

First of all, the face and legs swell, then sometimes the stomach and arms are added. Most women are familiar with edema and consider it normal during pregnancy. Then why are doctors so attentive to edema? They prescribe diets and monitor tests.

Why are they so dangerous? It depends on the causes of edema.

• normal edema (changes in a pregnant woman’s body cause an additional need for water)
• varicose veins (changes in the uterus disrupt normal blood flow in the extremities, which leads to the formation of nodes, swelling, pain in the legs)
• renal failure (causes swelling in any trimester, the load on the kidneys increases and they cannot always withstand it)
• gestosis (late toxicosis, diagnosed by a combination of three signs: edema, high blood pressure and protein in the urine)

How do you know if you have swelling? Symptoms, signs of edema

Obvious swelling

Swelling on the face
Manifestation of edema: the face becomes rounded, the eyelids swell, the nose swells. Loose fiber, like a sponge, retains liquid.

Hormonal changes also cause a runny nose. The mucous membrane of the nose swells, breathing becomes difficult. Rhinitis appears at the same time of day and at a separate stage of pregnancy, but can accompany the entire period. With the termination of pregnancy, it disappears without a trace. Its danger is that a child with breathing problems may experience a lack of oxygen.

Nasal swelling can be a symptom of allergies, analyze all possible sources: indoor plants, detergents, pets

Swelling of the hands
The hands are much more likely to suffer from this disease. There is tingling, burning, and numbness in the limbs. The most famous symptom is the ring: if previously it was loose, now it is difficult to remove.

Women who work a lot on the computer, do needlework, sculpting, or any monotonous repetitive work are prone to such swelling. Do exercises for your arms; periodic rest won’t hurt either. If these symptoms are combined with swelling of other parts of the body, you need medical advice.

Swelling of the legs
Swelling of the legs is the most common phenomenon due to the force of gravity. The legs are noticeably enlarged, there is a mark from socks on the ankle, it is impossible to wear the same shoes. As a rule, such swelling appears in the third trimester.

If such swelling does not go away by the morning, and other parts of the body swell along with the legs, then it is necessary to be examined; perhaps this is a manifestation of late toxicosis - a dangerous phenomenon for mother and child.

How to detect obvious swelling?
If you press on a part of the lower leg where there are no muscles, a dent will remain on the skin that will not disappear after 10 seconds. If the swelling has spread throughout the body, the dent will remain on the sacrum. There is a rubber band mark on the ankle, the shoes are too small.
Swelling of the hands: the ring that was free before pregnancy now does not rotate; you can try the first method on your hands.

Hidden swelling

Such edema may be indicated by an abnormal increase in body weight (more than 300 g per week), provided that over the entire 9 months the pregnant woman should gain no more than 12 kg, the rest is always excess. The doctor may prescribe monitoring of fluid intake and urine output.

If the difference is more than ¼ plus weight gain, a McClure-Aldrich test is performed to check for tissue pastiness. Sodium chloride is injected under the skin. A blister forms at the injection site and usually lasts for an hour. With hidden edema, the blister does not appear at all or will disappear earlier.

How dangerous (and is it dangerous?) edema during pregnancy?

If you have physiological edema, which can be eliminated by restoring your normal routine and diet, then you can get by with prevention. If you wake up in the morning with swelling all over your body, you should urgently go to the antenatal clinic.

Edema is dangerous not just because of physical and aesthetic discomfort. Often these are symptoms of serious illnesses. In any case, only after the examination the doctor will make a final conclusion: is your swelling “normal”?

Rapid weight gain of more than 20 kg (300g per week) will also be a serious reason, so you need to constantly monitor your weight. Even with normal health, ignoring swelling threatens to disrupt the connection in the “mother-placenta-fetus” system with possible fetal hypoxia and the threat of pregnancy.

Treatment and prevention

First you need to identify the true cause of the swelling. Sometimes it is enough to reduce salt intake, reduce physical activity, limit exposure to the sun, and ensure normal rest.

First trimester

When edema is detected, blood tests are checked every week and blood pressure is measured. This will help the doctor monitor the development of nephropathy. Treatment depends on the stage of pregnancy and the location of the swelling. At the first stage, you can get by with outpatient treatment, in the future - only hospitalization.

During a severe stage of pregnancy and the development of nephropathy, fetal hypoxia (oxygen deficiency) may occur and serious treatment cannot be avoided. The doctor prescribes medications to improve blood flow, metabolism, lower blood pressure, and herbal diuretics.

If the swelling is not physiological, then at the beginning of pregnancy they are clearly associated with disturbances in the functioning of the heart or kidneys. Cardiac edema appears if a woman has heart problems and they are localized exclusively in the lower part of the body - legs, lower back. Shortness of breath, tachycardia appear, the liver is enlarged, and the lips may turn blue.

Unlike cardiac edema, renal edema can be everywhere: start from the face (“panda effect”), later move to the arms and legs. The reason is worsening kidney disease. The sooner you seek help, the smoother the birth will be.

Second and third trimesters

Often, late edema is a clear symptom of gestosis (late toxicosis). The less attention you pay to such swelling, the more problems you and your child will have. You see only the external manifestations of the problem, without thinking about what is inside.

With gestosis, all tissues swell, including the placenta, uterus, liver and brain of a woman. This is a direct threat to pregnancy

Magnesium, vitamin E, and lipoic acid are usually prescribed for treatment.. It improves blood circulation, as well as the functioning of the kidneys and heart. Diuretics are rarely used (due to toxic effects on the fetus). In any case, such treatment can only be entrusted to a specialist, taking into account both the potential risks and benefits.

One and a half liters of water (can be with lemon), excluding other liquids- the norm for an expectant mother. Drink water often: 8 glasses daily help eliminate sodium and other waste, poisons, and toxins that affect swelling. Harmful, maybe berry juice.

The main treatment is a balanced diet– up to 3500 kcal per day (120 g protein, 350 g carbohydrates and 80 g fat). You can take prenatal vitamins.

Eat less salty foods, spices, carbonated drinks and foods containing sodium, avoid heavy gastronomic delicacies. Do not sit in one position for a long time, elevate your legs while sleeping, and do not neglect walks. Facilitates kidney function for 5-10 minutes.

If you spend the day on your feet, take breaks, wear comfortable shoes, avoid tight tights - allow blood to circulate freely.

10 hours of sleep required, daytime rest, limit emotional overload. Food should be protein with a minimum of fats and carbohydrates. Hot spicy foods increase capillary tone, thereby complicating the disease.

Practice fasting days once a week, consuming only one product during the day (in 5-6 doses). apple day(1.5 kg apples), curd(800g cottage cheese and 500 ml water), kefir(1.5 liters of kefir). Watermelon also works during fasting days, as it has an excellent diuretic effect.

Exercise is especially important for edema. Walking, running, swimming, etc. will be helpful. Be sure to discuss your choices with your doctor.

In folk medicine there are many means of combating edema.

Lingonberry berries and flowers, hawthorn, bear's ears, bearberry leaf, horsetail, cherry stalks are excellent diuretics. The norm is a glass of decoction per day for a month. You can try an infusion of dried apricots: steam it overnight, eat it all in the morning before breakfast.

Cool foot baths help relieve swelling: the water should be comfortable (don’t catch a cold!). Hold your legs for 15 minutes, rest on your left side with your legs elevated. It's good to massage your feet.

Don’t get carried away with diuretic tablets, and you need to be careful with herbal medicine; consulting a doctor won’t hurt

Instead of a conclusion

There are four degrees of the disease:
1. Dropsy of pregnancy– swelling, weight gain, weakness, fatigue.

2. Nephropathy in pregnancy– protein is also added to the urine, blood pressure rises, if all three signs are present at the same time – a threat to pregnancy.

3. Preeclampsia– changes in the brain and fundus of the eye are added to nephropathy.

4. Eclampsia- convulsions begin - an extremely dangerous condition for mother and child.

Pregnancy is a crucial period in a woman’s life. While the child grows and develops, his life and health are completely in your hands. Follow the correct diet and rest, attend antenatal clinics on time and motherhood will only delight you.

There is no doubt that pregnancy is the most wonderful and exciting time for every woman. It is not possible to describe the state and sensations of a woman in whom a new life is being born; it can only be felt. However, pleasant expectations are often overshadowed by unpleasant problems. One of these problems can be safely called swelling of the extremities. Actually, we are interested in swelling of the legs. Doctors state that or left under certain conditions can be considered a normal phenomenon. Although it is more correct to consider swelling of the legs during pregnancy as an unpleasant and quite dangerous symptom. Let's figure out together why pregnant women's legs swell, how you can independently determine the swelling, and what treatment helps eliminate this problem.

Why do my legs swell? Causes

It is rare to find a woman preparing to become a mother who does not complain of swelling in various parts of the body, especially in the later stages of pregnancy. Yes, this phenomenon is very common. But in order to successfully deal with such a problem, you should first find out: is this condition a sign of some pathology or not? It is worth mentioning here that pregnancy for a woman is quite a difficult test, and if everything is not in order with health, if some organs do not function as expected, then edema, in particular, swelling of the right leg during pregnancy may be a consequence of exacerbation of somatic diseases. These can safely include the following:

. Inflammatory processes and infections of the urinary system;

Diseases of the cardiovascular system;

Kidney diseases (pyelonephritis, nephrosis);

Malfunctions of the endocrine system.

As you can see, there are a sufficient number of reasons that cause swelling of the limbs, face, and neck, and only an experienced specialist should determine what caused swelling of the legs during pregnancy. Often, edema in pregnant women can appear due to an increase in the amount of blood that appears in women during pregnancy. As the baby grows, the uterus grows along with it; more nutrition and oxygen are required for the growing body, which is delivered to the child precisely by this additional blood. As pregnancy progresses and the uterus grows, pressure on the pelvic organs and the vascular system that pumps blood from the lower parts of the body increases. On the right side of the pelvic region there is a large venous vessel, which becomes compressed in the later stages of pregnancy. The result of this process is stagnation of blood in the lower parts, water retention and, as a consequence, swelling of the right leg during pregnancy.

Stages of development of edema

Doctors, as a result of many years of observation, have identified four main stages of development of swelling of the legs during pregnancy. These include:

. Swelling of the feet and legs;

Complete swelling of the legs;

Swelling of the lower abdomen and sacral region;

The appearance of swelling in the hands and puffiness on the face.

These stages end with general swelling of the body. In the offices of a gynecologist during pregnancy, you can often hear such a common question: How to determine the presence of edema? We immediately draw attention to the fact that it is impossible not to notice the symptoms of edema. Women usually notice that by the end of the day or even in the morning, their favorite shoes become unbearably tight. When standing on your feet, you feel a tingling sensation under the skin, and bursting pain occurs in your ankles and legs. If you put pressure on your feet in the ankle area, swelling will leave a hole left by your toe, and it will level out only after some time.

It should be said that swelling of the legs during pregnancy is normal, but if some other parts of the body begin to swell (arms, stomach, face, lips and eyelids, fingers and toes), then you should immediately consult a doctor. Such swelling can be a symptom of pregnancy pathology - late toxicosis. Late toxicosis is also called gestosis.

What should you do to reduce or completely eliminate swelling?

Agree, it’s not very pleasant to feel like a bloated, watery bladder. But this feeling covers almost every woman when she is visited by edema during pregnancy. Reasonable questions arise here: Is it possible to eliminate swelling in any way? What should you do for this? We immediately draw attention to the fact that the main way to reduce swelling is movement. A pregnant woman needs to move more, walk in the fresh air, dance the waltz, in general, give up a sedentary or lying down lifestyle. To reduce swelling in your legs, take fifteen to twenty minutes several times during the day to lie down with your legs elevated. Do a foot massage, foot baths with sea salt, drink as much liquid as you want.

The daily consumption of ordinary water for pregnant women is at least three liters. Do physical exercise, limit your intake of table salt and other foods high in sodium (olives, olives, salted nuts). Remember that a balanced diet rich in vitamins is extremely important for a pregnant woman. Naturally, the main suppliers of vitamins and enzymes are vegetables and fruits. The main thing is that they are not subjected to prolonged heat treatment, during which more vitamins are lost.

If you need to undergo a thorough, comprehensive examination or receive the right treatment, the best thing to do is to use the services of specialists from our specialized treatment and diagnostic center. Our institution employs the most highly qualified specialists; powerful, modern diagnostic equipment is installed and operates. The laboratories in our center are equipped with the latest instruments and apparatus. The most important thing is that when you come to our center, you will be able to undergo all examinations and take all tests without leaving the building. The prices set in our center pleasantly surprise all patients, as well as the highest level of service. Your health is our concern!