Treatment of edema during pregnancy: we eliminate a dangerous condition. Edema during late pregnancy: causes, treatment

Almost every woman is looking forward to the birth of her own child. That is why pregnancy becomes one of the most long-awaited and joyful events in life, gradually changing the whole life and even the worldview.

However, any joy of future motherhood is easily disrupted by persistent health problems, such as morning sickness, mood swings, and other disorders. One of these complications, which can easily ruin everything, is edema. Usually they appear after the fourth month, making the last months simply unbearable.

Usually, such problems are only physiological in nature, and therefore, if you make an effort, then this problem can be quite simply eliminated. Below you will learn about how you can easily cure swelling that occurs during this period, not only with the help of drugs, but also with simple folk methods.

During this period, especially the last three months, edema is considered quite common. This happens because of the body's reaction to the formation of a child and, as a result, a violation of water-salt metabolism.

However, determining their presence is quite simple and there are several ways to do this:

1. The simplest and safest way is simple pressure. Just press on the skin with your fingers and see if they leave a hole. If the skin quickly became smooth, then you have no problems with swelling. But if there is unevenness, then most likely there is a problem of puffiness;
2. McClure-Aldrich test. If you have no problems with injections, then you can use it. To do this, you will be injected with a special saline solution subcutaneously and the time it will take for it to resolve will be recorded. If it takes more than 35 minutes, then you have a swelling problem;
3. Very often, swelling is completely impossible to see with the eye, so if it seems to you that there is a problem, then in order to diagnose it, you should look very closely at weight gain. As a standard, it should not exceed 400 grams per week. If it is more, then there are edema. Of course, this is only valid if you continue to eat standard food;
4. The method of studying diuresis is one of the most popular for detecting edema. For this, the entire amount of water that the woman's body received per day with urine is compared. The norm is the allocation of only ¾ of the volume consumed.

Types and causes of edema during pregnancy, why they are dangerous

At its core, pregnancy cannot be called a disease. However, during this period, the woman's body undergoes quite strong changes compared to its initial state.

That is why very often a sufficiently large amount of liquid is retained. In fact, this process is quite natural and begins almost from the very beginning of pregnancy.

So the body gradually begins to store water, which is necessary for the formation of the child, as well as the functioning of the placenta and amniotic fluid. At the same time, water is also necessary for the normal functioning of the female body.

However, there is a possibility that such a volume of liquid will become larger than required. This is the main reason for the appearance of edema. However, there are other reasons:

• overweight;
• changes in water-salt balance and thyroid disease;
• kidney failure;
• disruption of normal blood circulation in the body;
• varicose veins.

Only a doctor can determine the cause of such a problem. Therefore, you should immediately make an appointment, because it may happen that you have not only a physiological problem, but also a pathological one.

At the moment, the classification by type will distribute them according to severity:

• swelling on the leg;
• swelling of the feet or lower abdomen;
• swelling of the face and hands;
• dropsy, that is, pathological edema.

Below we will look at how to proceed with each of them.

How to quickly get rid of puffiness during pregnancy

For the fastest disposal of edema, there are several fairly simple means.

However, each of them must be pre-approved by a doctor.

How to quickly relieve swelling during pregnancy? Will help:

1. Diuretics, or diuretic tablets, are a very effective, but at the same time rather harmful substance for the female body. It is best to choose them in the form of tablets, not syrups, because they contain alcohol, which even in such a tiny amount the unborn child does not need at all;
2. Special ointments and gels, which, thanks to the substances they contain, rutin and heparin, help to quickly relieve swelling.

Applying first steps at home

Of course, when edema appears, it is better not to self-medicate and turn to professionals, that is, doctors. However, there are several emergency measures that will help with the solution.

1. For example, one of these options may be a fasting day. They should be carried out only after agreement with the doctor and no more than a couple of times a month, otherwise you can harm the unborn child. Such a day is best spent on an apple or kefir diet. Of course, porridge for breakfast is also allowed, because the fruit will also require nutrients. As a drink, you should drink rosehip tea without sugar or plain green.
2. The second emergency way to get rid of edema will be physical activity. Pregnant women should not do any complex procedures and the usual light gymnastics will suffice. There are specially designed exercises that are aimed at getting rid of all excess fluids in the body. They are usually done in the supine position and should be kept short. It is advisable to sign up for this period in the pool or in a special aqua aerobics group;
3. Diuretic decoctions will become the remedy when the first two do not help. There are not only herbal decoctions, but also special medicines that will help with this problem. Usually they are prescribed only on the advice of a doctor and must be of plant origin. That is why during this period, in no case should you self-medicate.

Edema in the legs during pregnancy: solutions

Swelling in the legs is the most common problem among almost all women. It is in this zone that edema begins its initial procession through the body.

This happens due to a strong increase in pressure in the veins that are located in the legs. As a result, stagnation appears in the body, which leads to the formation of a problem.

Despite the fact that these are the mildest edemas in severity, they should not be ignored, because the most severe complications can occur.

The question of how to relieve swelling in the legs during pregnancy should be given to you by a doctor. He is obliged to determine the cause of the origin of the disease and the simplest and most effective methods of curing them.

At the moment, for the treatment of this problem, it is best to use special gels and ointments:

• Essaven;
• Troxevasin Neo;
• heparin ointment.

Their use will help strengthen the capillary system of the legs, if applied externally to the site of swelling 2-3 times a day. At the same time, due to external use, these ointments usually do not have any special contraindications.

However, there are some folk remedies that will help with the treatment of puffiness. Eg:

1. Contrast baths will help not only with fatigue, but also with swelling. Just keep your feet in hot water (for 5 minutes), then in cold water (10 seconds). It is desirable to make a bath with the addition of salts;
2. Foot massage after the evening shower will be an indispensable tool. It can be done either with the help of a special ball, or simply by stretching the legs with the help of the hands from the toes to the thigh. You can also use ice cubes for massage. Just make them from herbal decoctions, for example, eucalyptus or mint;
3. If you have varicose veins, then steamed elderberry leaves can be applied to your legs.

Of course, this is not a complete list of home remedies for the treatment of leg swelling, but they are the most harmless.

How to relieve swelling of the hands during pregnancy

Most often, the problem of puffiness of the hands manifests itself in those whose work is connected precisely with such activities as sewing, modeling, knitting, or spending a lot of time at the computer. It is quite easy to notice such a disease, because even the very shape of the fingers often changes, so it becomes very difficult to put on rings.

This problem occurs due to the following reasons:

• hormonal problems, that is, changes in the endocrine or thyroid system;
• a sharp increase in blood circulation;
• gestosis.

As you can see, any of these reasons are significant enough to visit a doctor.

Diuretics such as Phytolysin will also help. However, most often, a simple normalization of the drinking regimen and gymnastics are suitable for solving the problem. However, there are some popular methods. For example, this is the use of lingonberry and cranberry fruit drinks. Salt should also be completely eliminated from the diet.

Swelling of the face and nasal mucosa during pregnancy: causes and treatment

In fact, swelling of the face and nasal mucosa during pregnancy for a woman becomes not only a nuisance that it is desirable to get rid of quickly, but also an aesthetic problem. When a face begins to swim slowly, it simply shocks any woman, so she thinks little about the medical side of this problem. And in vain.

This usually indicates problems with the kidneys and, in general, a danger to the normal course of pregnancy.

Usually such swelling begins with the eyelids, and then it flows to the nose. This is how the mucosal edema gradually occurs, which is accompanied by a runny nose and constant sneezing. This all leads to the fact that the baby may begin to experience a lack of oxygen.

In addition to the use of diuretics, such as Canephron tablets, Furosemide may be prescribed. However, diuretic teas and ointments, such as those made on horse chestnut, are usually used for treatment.

There are also simple folk methods that help to quickly make the face more pleasant.

1. The simplest method is regular ice. It should be packed in polyethylene and applied for 30 minutes to the edema;
2. Cucumber mask is also an excellent decongestant. Even a simple imposition of circles of this vegetable on the problem area will help here;
3. A compress with a decoction of calendula should be applied for only a few minutes on the swelling and moistened again. Repeat the procedure 4 times;
4. A mask made from potatoes or honey can also help. In addition to removing edema, they will also have a tonic effect.

Features of the treatment of edema in the later stages of pregnancy

In the last months of pregnancy, the amount of accumulated fluid reaches a maximum, so there is a possibility of internal edema. It is during this period that gestosis is most likely to appear, which can lead to death, both for the mother and the child.

During this period, the use of drugs can have a very bad effect on the child, so diuretics are usually prescribed only for inpatient mothers. They are prescribed only by prescription with the least number of side effects. Decoctions of birch leaves and parsley can also be prescribed.

Prevention of edema

Despite the fact that puffiness can be expected by any woman, there are measures that will help get rid of them quickly enough. Of course, it is even desirable to simply undergo prophylaxis, which will solve this problem from the root.

There are a few simple rules that will help you quickly get rid of their presence:

1. Pregnant women from the first months should forget about a sedentary lifestyle. This is what can lead to stagnant water. Therefore, move a lot and exercise;
2. During the rest, be sure to make some kind of elevation for the legs. Leave your legs in this position for at least a quarter of an hour a day. This will not only help get rid of leg swelling, but also cope with fatigue;
3. When you take a shower, be sure to intensively massage the body with a washcloth, pay special attention to the legs;
4. Carefully monitor the diet, during this period it would be better to give up fatty and sweet;
5. You should drink at least 2 liters of water per day, but it is better to listen carefully to the body;
6. Get a special decongestant gel, for example, Trombless Plus.

So, adhering to these simple rules, you will quickly release any swelling.

In no case should you leave the problem of edema without the attention of your doctor. The period of pregnancy itself is very responsible, so you should be very careful not only about your health, but also about the future child.

However, if you follow all the instructions correctly and engage in prevention, then you can easily avoid this trouble.

For more information about leg swelling during pregnancy, see the following video.

The treatment of edema during pregnancy occupies an important place in obstetric practice, since a violation of the lymphatic circulation can cause serious disorders in the female body. And this, in turn, can pose a threat to the health of an unborn baby. Only a small percentage of women are able to go through the entire period of gestation without swelling of the arms or legs, for most pregnant women this problem remains relevant.

Follow these simple tips to avoid swelling:

• Control, as rapid weight gain negatively affects the condition of the expectant mother and her child.
• Drink at least 2 liters of water per day to stimulate the kidneys to excrete fluid.
• During the day, allow yourself to lie down to rest, while placing a roller under your shins.
• Do not stay in one position for a long time, alternate between sitting, standing and walking.
• Give preference to shoes with low, stable heels.

If you follow these rules, then you can never find out what edema is for the entire pregnancy. If the measures taken are ineffective, contact your gynecologist.

Edema during pregnancy accompanies a large number of women, so the relevance of the question of how to treat them remains high. Swelling of the extremities may indicate not only fluid retention, but also the development of severe toxicosis in the later stages. Therefore, if lymph stagnation occurs, consult a doctor with this problem to determine the cause of this condition.

Useful video about swelling during pregnancy

I like!

swollen ankles during pregnancy

Edema during pregnancy what to do

One of the least attractive and at the same time the most common side effects of pregnancy is leg swelling. According to statistics, edema causes discomfort for at least 75% of pregnant women. Soft swelling of the legs and ankles, which makes themselves felt by an increase in the volume of the foot and pastosity, is most disturbing at the end of the working day or during the summer heat season. Their presence forces us to purchase appropriate comfortable shoes, suffer from a feeling of heaviness and pain in the legs, but in most cases, swelling is absolutely safe and disappears immediately after childbirth. Only in some cases, spreading to the hands, face and abdomen, edema can become pathological, causing serious deviations during pregnancy.

What is swelling of the legs during pregnancy and why they occur

With the onset of pregnancy, our body turns into a zealous host, constantly creating reserves of nutrients, oxygen and water, accumulating them in internal tissues. The extra fluid accumulated in the tissues is required, in part, to soften the skin and joints suffering from weight gain, to prepare the pelvic floor organs for childbirth, and also to ensure the timely delivery of nutrients to the baby and mother. The body will need fluid reservoirs in the first days after childbirth to ensure the process of producing mother's milk.

swelling in the legs during pregnancy arising, as a rule, after 30 weeks are provoked by a combination of fluid accumulated in the tissues and increasing pressure of the body of the uterus on the inferior vena cava, as a result of which the outflow of blood to the heart is difficult and fluid accumulates in the legs and ankles.

How to relieve swelling during pregnancy

Fortunately, the discomfort caused by swelling of the legs can be easily eliminated by following a few simple recommendations.

Positions

Pregnant women who have swollen legs during pregnancy, should follow a few general rules: do not get up when it is possible to sit and not sit when it is possible to lie down. Whenever possible, lie on your left side to increase blood flow to the mother, and therefore to the baby.

1. Elevate your legs when you lie down to help reduce swelling 2. When you go to bed, be sure to place a pillow under your feet to ensure a good drainage of stagnant fluid. 3. Do not cross your legs when sitting, even crossing ankles can interfere with healthy blood flow. Try not to stay in one position (sitting or standing) for a long time

Cloth

Choosing the right clothes will allow you to eliminate the discomfort that causes leg swelling during pregnancy. Choose comfortable shoes and avoid tight-fitting clothing. Be sure to use elastic tights and stockings that maintain a constant blood flow and improve circulation.

Diet

Proper nutrition is one of the most effective ways to remove swelling during pregnancy.

1. From the diet, it is necessary to eliminate foods high in sodium, which increases water retention in the body, as well as most foods with the presence of preservatives, such as sausages, canned food, factory juices, etc. 2. Preference should be given to fresh foods, especially vegetables and fruits. 3. Foods with a high amount of salt should be excluded from the daily diet. Given that salt contributes to the accumulation of water in the tissues, it is a good idea to keep its consumption to a minimum. 4. Drink at least 8/10 glasses of liquid per day. . Increasing potassium and adequate protein intake will also help reduce swelling.

Active lifestyle

The correct alternation of rest with a little physical activity will eliminate the stagnation of fluid in the tissues. Aerobics, swimming and walking will be very effective. When walking in the park, it is recommended to wave your arms, as well as clench and unclench your fists, which will ensure the correct distribution of the liquid.

Severe swelling during pregnancy, what to do As a rule, although swelling that causes discomfort, it is not dangerous, with rare exceptions. If they do not decrease after a long night's rest, they spread to the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe arms, abdomen and face and increase in size. If, in addition to edema, you begin to worry

Headache

Pain in the ribs

Dizziness and vomiting

blurred vision

Seek medical attention immediately, because in this case, edema threatens both you and the child and requires special treatment and medical care.

In all other cases, do not worry, swelling in the legs during pregnancy is a temporary phenomenon that quickly disappears after childbirth.

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Pregnancy Swelling: 11 Ways to Relieve Swelling

During pregnancy, a woman is especially attentive to her health, and the appearance of edema during pregnancy can cause concern. You should know the causes of this common problem, and how you can alleviate the condition.

As a rule, the ankles and legs swell first, but swelling of the hands and face is also possible. Almost 75% of women experience edema of varying degrees during pregnancy.

What is the cause of edema during pregnancy?

“... almost 75% of women experience edema of varying degrees during pregnancy ...”

Causes of edema during pregnancy:

is an excess of fluid in the tissues of the body. During pregnancy, the volume of fluid circulating in the body, including blood, increases by up to 50%.

Sometimes the growing uterus begins to put pressure on the veins, which leads to a violation of the outflow of blood from the lower extremities, a violation of the normal blood circulation in the body. Because of this, during pregnancy, the feet, ankles and legs begin to swell.

At the same time, swelling during pregnancy can be caused by hormonal changes in the body.

What should expectant mothers expect?

Basically, edema is caused by an increase in the volume of fluid in the body of a pregnant woman.

The liquid softens the tissues, which allows them to expand and move for comfortable development and growth of the baby.

The extra fluid also helps strengthen the pelvic joints and tissues, preparing them for childbirth.

Most often, edema occurs in the third trimester of pregnancy.

Sometimes the swelling increases during the day, reaching its most severe condition in the evening.

Hot weather, a sedentary lifestyle, and fatigue usually exacerbate the condition.

However, remember that pregnancy swelling is only a temporary condition. It will pass as soon as you give birth.

When should a pregnant woman worry?

Despite the fact that swelling during pregnancy is a normal option, there are conditions that require immediate medical attention. Pay attention to whether you have the following symptoms.Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any worrying symptoms!

Severe swelling of the legs, fingers and the area around the eyes can be a symptom of preeclampsia in pregnant women.Preeclampsia is a serious health complication in late pregnancy.With gestosis, the work of the kidneys, blood vessels and brain of the expectant mother worsens. Its most characteristic signs are an increase in blood pressure, swelling and the appearance of protein in urine tests, as a sign of impaired kidney function.

If one of the legs swells more, and the swelling is accompanied by pain in the thigh and lower leg, then thismay be a sign of thrombosisand requires immediate medical attention.

Excessive swelling of the arms and hands can be a symptom of carpal tunnel syndrome. Edema squeezes the nerve endings of the hands.

“...signspreeclampsia - this is an increase in blood pressure, swelling and the appearance of protein in urine tests in a pregnant woman ... "

11 tips to reduce swelling during pregnancy and alleviate the condition of a woman

Most likely, you will not be able to completely get rid of edema during pregnancy, but you can definitely reduce unpleasant symptoms with the help of 11 simple rules:

1. Move!

Try not to sit or stand for long periods of time.

• If you have to stand for a long time, be sure to take breaks and sit down.
• If you have to sit for a long time, get up and walk around.
• Don't sit cross-legged.
• During breaks, do simple exercises for the arms and legs.

2. Sleep on your left side.

When you sleep on your left side, the load on the vein that carries blood from the lower extremities to the heart is less.

• Position your feet on a raised platform, such as using a pillow. This will reduce pain and visibly reduce swelling in the legs.

3. Eat right.

Compliance with a balanced and avoiding unhealthy foods will help reduce pain and swelling.

• Eat more vegetables and fruits.
• Limit your intake of salt, sugar and fatty foods.
• Avoid convenience foods and fast food.
• Do not eat canned foods, they contain a lot of salt, vinegar and preservatives.
• Increase your daily dose of vitamins C and E (be sure to check with your doctor first).

4. Drink water.

Medical experts call 8-10 glasses of water a necessary norm for pregnant women.

• Water helps to remove toxins and toxins from the body, and also lowers the level of salt in the body.
• Sufficient water intake reduces swelling, as the body stops retaining water as a reserve.

Important! Drink plain water. Juices, carbonated drinks, sweet teas contain a lot of sugar, which will have a bad effect on swelling during pregnancy.

5. Sports are useful for pregnant women.

With the approval of your doctor, you can do special exercises for pregnant women, stretch, swim. Daily walks in the fresh air also accelerate blood circulation throughout the body and cheer up.

In the absence of contraindications during pregnancy, water sports are especially useful: swimming and water aerobics.On the one hand, this is an active movement, good physical activity, on the other hand, water puts pressure on the skin, preventing the vessels from expanding and the legs from swelling.

6. Lymphatic drainage massage of the legs during pregnancy.

If there are no contraindications during pregnancy, you can do lymphatic drainage massage of the legs (pressotherapy). Massage can be done by a specially trained massage therapist, or on your own with the help of special pressotherapy devices with cuffs on your legs.

• Pressotherapy naturally removes excess fluid from the bodyand metabolic products (slags and toxins).
• Pressotherapy eliminates skin laxity and, by activating the body's resources, naturally improves its condition, making the skin smoother and more elastic.

7. Choose comfortable shoes.

Some moms-to-be have a foot that expands during pregnancy, and their usual shoes are no longer comfortable. And tight lacing of boots can impair blood circulation.

• Choose light, comfortable shoes without a heel.
• Some doctors also recommend orthopedic shoes and insoles. It is believed that such shoes help relieve pain, swelling, and even relieve back pain.

8. Avoid tight clothing

Clothing should not squeeze the ankles and wrists.

• Loose clothing does not interfere with the circulation of blood and other body fluids.
• Wear compression stockings or special tights for pregnant women, which do not squeeze the stomach and promote normal outflow of blood from the lower extremities.

9. Try folk methods and home therapy

After consulting with a specialist, you can:

• Gently massage your feet using massage oil. Movements should be soft and directed from the bottom up.
• Make foot baths from infusions of cypress, lavender and chamomile.
• Drink herbal teas.

10. Relax in the water

Soak your feet in a cold water bath. Water compresses the tissues of the body, and you experience relief from pain and heaviness in the legs. Coolness brings relief.

11. Do not smoke and reduce your coffee intake.

Always remember that pregnancy swelling is only temporary and will disappear as soon as your baby is born.

Take care of your health, be attentive to yourself, take care and maintain a good mood!

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Chief Surgeon of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Academician of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Professor, Savelyev V.S.

Apparatus for pressotherapy Lymph E: professional devices that are widely used in medical institutions of the Russian Federation. CJSC MIC "Akvita"included in the Moscow City Register of Recommended Suppliersproducts according to the city order. Certificate No. 65 dated December 16, 1998

The first cry of the baby, the first tears of joy of the mother, and it was all the same that it was unbearably painful, hard, uncomfortable. For the sake of this cry and a small blue swollen face, mother is ready to go this way more than once. This is all ahead, but for now you are a woman waiting for her child, and you will know all the delights associated with bearing on yourself. Edema during pregnancy is an integral part of your situation, from which you can’t get away and you simply won’t be able to simply give up on them, since their manifestation and character can tell a lot.

Why is swelling an integral part of pregnancy?

As you already know, your body is now working for two and the mechanism of its work is very different from the original state (before pregnancy). Since nature thought and put only smart processes into the human genome, the female body also tries to adapt to both the mother and the fetus. True, everything does not always work out perfectly and the violation of water-salt metabolism, which is caused by your position, leads to edema.

Puffiness is the concentration of fluid in the tissues, and since right now the body "urgently" produces the hormone progesterone (hormone of pregnant women), which does not allow the body to remove sodium and, as a result, excess water, it accumulates not only in the amniotic fluid, but also in throughout the body.

In addition to a malfunction in water-salt metabolism, the appearance of swelling in different parts of the body of a pregnant woman is affected by an increase in blood volume and the inability of the circulatory system to transport it in time, the walls of the vascular system change their structure, the outflow of blood is disturbed, lymph enters the bloodstream, spreading throughout the body. These factors make themselves felt in the form of puffiness.

What types of edema can occur in a pregnant woman?

For each woman, puffiness appears at different times; for some, they are already noticeable in the first trimester, for others, they appear only by the 8th month. Their appearance may be influenced by such factors:

• season - in hot weather, pregnant women consume more fluids;
• food - salty and sour retains water in the body;
• heredity - if before pregnancy you noticed swelling in your arms or legs, then during pregnancy it will be your constant companion.

Doctors distinguish four main types of edema:

Swelling of the legs (feet, lower legs). This is the most common type and is present to some degree in 100% of women.

Edema in the pelvic region. Such edema appears when there is already a tummy. Fluid accumulates in the tissues of the lower abdomen, in the lumbosacral region.

Swelling of the upper limbs. Hands swell, this becomes immediately noticeable to women who wear rings. In such cases, it is better to remove the jewelry in order to facilitate the patency of the blood flow. There may be swelling on the face, it becomes "puffy".

General swelling. Such cases are considered exceptional (neglected), as doctors try not to bring to such a state.
If you want to check right now if you have puffiness, then press your finger on the skin at the site of the alleged swelling. If the skin immediately took its original position, then it is too early to talk about the problem, and if a dent from a finger has formed at the site of pressure, then you should be wary. You should not immediately panic, because, as mentioned earlier, swelling during pregnancy is an integral part of bearing a child.

The danger of edema during pregnancy, where is the truth, and where is the lie?

The Internet is rippling from the terrible consequences of puffiness for pregnant women, you should not believe everything, take care of your health, because you will soon become a mother. Let's better understand what is the danger of edema during pregnancy, and from what they simply inflate a far-fetched problem.

In Europe, gynecologists generally argue that if the tests do not show increased protein in the urine and the pregnant woman's pressure is normal, then swelling should not be given importance, since this is a normal physiological phenomenon. Our experts say that if there are edema during pregnancy, then protein in the urine and pressure will appear after them. So let's try to figure it out.

Whether there is a danger in the swelling of the body or not directly depends on the reasons for which the swelling appeared. They are even conditionally divided according to the types of puffiness:

• normal - as mentioned above, this is a standard gestation process and swelling on the legs is present in the early stages due to changes in the body, and at a later date they appear both on the hands and in the hip area;
• swelling accompanied by varicose veins is not as scary as it sounds, more than half of pregnant women face such a diagnosis. This happens due to "global" changes in the uterus, which disrupts the overall circulation, especially in the legs. Also, a rapid increase in the weight of the pregnant woman and blood volume gives an unbearable load on the legs and, as a result, on the skin of the legs, the pregnant woman may notice prominent veins, a vascular network, protruding nodes, swelling accompanied by pain in the legs;
• kidney failure - such swelling can already be considered dangerous. Such edema during pregnancy is caused by the inability of the kidneys to cope with the load placed on them. They can occur at any time during pregnancy and can also be triggered by fetal position (when the embryo traps the ureter or renal vein/artery). The gynecologist who leads you will definitely notice such a deviation from the tests and, most likely, will send you for an ultrasound scan in order to check the condition and functioning of the kidneys. If the diagnosis is confirmed, he will have to prescribe harmless diuretics and drugs that support or facilitate the work of the kidneys;
• preeclampsia (arterial hypertension of pregnant women) - edema provoked by preeclampsia is the most dangerous edema during pregnancy. According to statistics, it is because of them that pregnant women die in developed countries without becoming mothers. You should not be afraid of this, because the treatment started on time minimizes the development and transition of gestosis to a more difficult (life-threatening) stage.

In order to eliminate the danger of edema during pregnancy, go to the antenatal clinic, do not miss appointments and take all the necessary tests.

How to deal with swelling during pregnancy? Required Rules

As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. Therefore, knowing that edema is an integral part of gestation, a woman can independently minimize their manifestation, eliminating all provoking factors. We will show you how to do this.

Rules for the prevention of swelling in pregnant women:

Drink only clean water. The amount of water is 1–1.5 liters per day. It is ideally absorbed by the body and does not linger in the tissues. Forget about coffee and sparkling water, drink only natural freshly squeezed juices.

Limit your salt intake. Although pregnant women want salty, it is better to refuse it, and if it’s completely unbearable, then the portion should be limited to the most minimal values. Eliminate fried, smoked, spicy foods from your diet.

Do fasting days. Eat apples and cottage cheese once a week, this will not only help in the fight against puffiness in pregnant women, but also help "not feed" the child living inside you. Follow a diet for pregnant women, thanks to it you will reduce the possibility of normal edema to go into varicose veins by 60%.

Rest more often. Enter the habit of lying down with your legs raised up for at least 15-20 minutes 4 times a day. You can do yoga or gymnastics for pregnant women. Also avoid walking in the heat.

Spend more time outdoors. Take evening walks. In the summer at this time it is already cool, but in the winter it is calm. Take your husband by the arm and the whole family is healed into the air.

Drink in small sips. When you take small sips, you signal to your brain that you are drinking a lot of water, when in fact you are drinking much less.

Shoes should be comfortable. You have already forgotten about heels, but low-speed shoes should be preferred not for beauty, but for convenience.

If puffiness has already manifested itself, in addition to the above preventive actions, you can use the following auxiliary actions:

foot massage - lying on your back, put a pillow under your feet and let the husband massage the feet and lower legs with smooth smoothing movements;

cool baths - water at room temperature will help fight swelling. If they are on your feet, you can use cold water foot baths;

folk remedies - this point should be approached carefully "so as not to harm." You can use a decoction of dried apricots, it helps to remove fluid, while saturating the body with essential vitamins and minerals.

In conclusion, about swelling in places of localization

As for edema during pregnancy, you already have the necessary information. I would like to finally inform about the localization of swelling in different parts of the body.

Swelling of the legs. This is the most common manifestation of puffiness, in addition to all of the above reasons, the force of gravity acts on the body and nothing can be done about it. Usually, swelling of the legs appears in the evening, and by the morning they are already gone.

Swelling of the hands. Basically, such swelling appears in the third trimester due to a lot of pressure on the internal organs. The fluid collects in the upper extremities and catches the nerve endings, so often the hands become insensitive.

Swelling of the face. Hormonal restructuring is manifested in the swelling of the oval of the face, eyelids, nose. Since the skin is no longer so smooth, due to the lack of nutrients (everything is now divided into two), the skin cells on the face become looser and saturated with moisture, which is retained to manifest as swelling.

Edema in the hip area. The belly grows, the skin on the belly is stretched, the cells are not elastic and absorb moisture like a sponge. In addition, the pressure exerted on the internal organs contributes to the manifestation of swelling.

Dear expectant mothers, follow the regimen and the above rules, and such a nuisance as swelling during pregnancy will not cause you a lot of inconvenience, but will remain one of the symptoms of approaching motherhood.