Swollen legs during pregnancy, what to do. What to do if your legs are swollen during pregnancy. Causes of swelling of the legs
Most women carrying a child experience swelling of the lower extremities. This can occur under the influence of many factors, some of which necessarily require treatment to avoid complications. To prescribe adequate therapy, it is necessary to find out what caused the problem.
Why do your feet swell during pregnancy?
Possible causes of edema:
- Excessive fluid intake. This condition is not pathological, but requires observation.
- Excess body weight. In some cases, with an unbalanced diet, weight rapidly increases, which in turn increases the load on the legs and provokes their swelling.
- Varicose veins of the lower extremities. The uterus increases in size, putting pressure on the vessels, and the veins, overflowing with blood, cause swelling.
- Late toxicosis. This is a dangerous condition in which blood pressure rises and protein is present in the urine test.
- Impaired kidney function. The load on this organ doubles during pregnancy, so problems often arise that should be under the supervision of the attending physician.
Factors that provoke swelling
There are factors that increase the risk of edema. These include:
- long stay in the heat;
- lack of potassium in the body of a pregnant woman;
- standing or sitting for long periods of time, wearing uncomfortable shoes;
- Frequent consumption of drinks that contain caffeine.
Types of swelling during pregnancy
Edema can be obvious or hidden:
- Obvious swelling immediately makes itself felt: the usual shoes become small, the shin increases in girth, the elastic of the socks leaves a strong mark on the skin.
- The latent form is revealed when a woman comes to the doctor to be weighed. If there is a sharp jump in a pregnant woman’s weight, the gynecologist may suspect hidden edema.
What to do if your legs are swollen
- Change your body position as often as possible: long standing, sitting, lying down will adversely affect the condition of your legs. Walking must be replaced by rest, all loads must be distributed correctly. At the end of the day, it is useful to do an exercise: lie on the floor, raise your legs up for 10 minutes, you can lean them against the wall. After this, perform a small foot massage. Place a pillow under your feet while you sleep to help drain blood from your extremities.
- Shoes should be soft, comfortable, without heels. Also choose clothes that are comfortable and do not compress blood vessels.
- The nutrition of the expectant mother is of great importance. It is worth putting a taboo on visiting fast food restaurants and limiting your consumption of sweets, salt, smoked meats, spicy and fried foods. Fruits, vegetables, steamed, stewed, boiled dishes will be useful.
- Ensuring a full supply of fluid to the body will have a positive effect on the body and prevent the appearance of edema, but you need to keep in mind that in the evening the amount of water you drink is reduced. Avoid soda and very sweet drinks, as they interfere with fluid removal.
- A cold water bath to which you can add sea salt can relieve fatigue and swelling.
- Only strictly as prescribed by a therapist or gynecologist, drugs that have a diuretic effect, drugs, and vitamins that help strengthen blood vessels help in the fight against edema.
If edema occurs, you should never self-medicate to avoid consequences. Only a doctor can conduct a competent examination and treatment.
The period of pregnancy is one of the most exciting and responsible in the life of every woman. Responsible expectant mothers try to eat right, lead a healthy lifestyle and follow all doctor’s recommendations. But there are complications that are very difficult to insure against. One of them is swelling of the lower extremities. About 80% of women face this problem, and not everyone experiences it as a dangerous symptom. Therefore, it will be useful for expectant mothers to know why pregnant women’s legs swell and how to deal with it.
Causes of leg swelling in pregnant women
Most expectant mothers experience physiological edema, which is considered normal during pregnancy and does not cause significant harm. They are usually caused by increased fluid intake, as pregnant women often suffer from thirst due to increased weight and changes in hormone levels. But swelling is not always so harmless.
There are many different causes of leg swelling in pregnant women:
- Uncomfortable clothes or shoes. Sometimes simply tight shoes or tight elastic bands on stockings or socks can provoke poor circulation and the appearance of edema.
- Pressure of the uterus on the vessels. The growing uterus can put pressure on blood vessels and cause circulatory problems. If more blood enters the lower extremities than is returned, this can lead to congestion of the veins, varicose veins and swelling of the legs. . During pregnancy, the amount of fluid in the body, including amniotic fluid, increases greatly. The kidneys often cannot cope with such volumes of work, and excess water is retained in the body. This leads to the appearance of bags under the eyes, as well as swelling in the legs and arms. Often this phenomenon is accompanied by urination problems.
- Malfunctions of the cardiovascular system. The heart also experiences increased stress during pregnancy. This can provoke the appearance of edema.
- Thyroid dysfunction. Today, all pregnant women are recommended to undergo an ultrasound of the thyroid gland, because disruptions in its functioning while expecting a baby are fraught with fetal pathologies. In parallel, a decrease in the activity of the thyroid gland can provoke weakness, drowsiness, irritability and the appearance of edema in a woman.
- Preeclampsia and eclampsia. Previously, this condition was called gestosis or late toxicosis. Modern doctors have abandoned the use of this name, but they still cannot explain the essence of the phenomenon. Eclampsia is a very dangerous complication that often leads to the death of mother and child. One of its most obvious signs is the sudden appearance of edema and increased blood pressure. At the same time, the internal organs, placenta and brain of the woman also swell, causing convulsions. With preeclampsia, women also have swelling and high blood pressure, but there are no cramps.
It is very important for the expectant mother to regularly examine herself for the appearance of edema. If there is anything alarming about the condition of your legs, it is better to consult a doctor. It is important to pay attention to the degree of edema:
I degree- swelling of the legs and feet. Usually they are physiological and do not require special treatment.
II degree– swelling of the feet and legs, as well as the pubic area and abdomen. Such swelling requires observation.
III degree swelling of the lower limbs, hands and face. In such a situation, you should immediately consult a doctor.
Self-diagnosis of edema
When the swelling is so great that it becomes noticeable to others, it is, of course, very unpleasant, but this is not the worst thing. Much more dangerous are hidden edema, which a woman may not notice and ignore for a long time. If you notice that your favorite shoes are too small or the strap of your sandals has to be loosened, it may be swelling.
Excessive weight gain can also be explained by edema. If you are eating normally and your weight is increasing very quickly, bring this to the attention of your doctor.
Normally, swelling appears in the late afternoon, and in the morning it is almost invisible. This is due to the fact that during sleep, fluid is evenly distributed throughout the body, and during the day, when a woman walks a lot, it accumulates in the lower part of the body, especially in the limbs. If you notice a slight increase in the leg or ankle in the evening, but feel normal, there is no need to worry; such swelling should go away on its own before the morning.
If the situation has not changed in the morning, try clicking on a suspicious place. When there is swelling on the body after pressing, a hole appears, and the skin is too slow to even out and return to its previous shape. At the same time, the surface of the skin looks pale and tense. The appearance of such swelling is not a reason to panic, but a consultation with a doctor will still be required.
There are several real reasons for concern and immediate contact with a medical institution:
- The appearance of painful swelling in only one leg. This may be a sign of venous thrombosis, which requires immediate, thorough examination and treatment.
- Sudden onset of severe swelling. They may be a sign of preeclampsia.
Methods for medical diagnosis of edema
If a woman notices swelling in herself, she should definitely tell the doctor about it. He orders additional tests:
- Regular weighing with recording of results. This will allow you to track the dynamics of weight changes and draw conclusions about the physiology of the increase and the possibility of hidden edema.
- Study of daily diuresis. During the study, the amount of fluid consumed per day and the volume of urine excreted are recorded. Ideally, approximately three-quarters of the volume drunk leaves the body. The rest is excreted in the form of sweat and breathing. If the volume of urine is less, this indicates fluid retention in the tissues.
- Analysis of urine. The presence of protein in it informs about impaired kidney function and the possibility of edema.
- Regular measurement of calf volume. If it increases by more than 10 mm per week, it indicates fluid retention.
- Carrying out a blister test. During the test, the nurse injects 0.2 ml of saline solution into the skin of the inner surface of the forearm. The resulting blister should resolve within an hour.
- Constant monitoring of blood pressure. Hypertension usually accompanies edema.
- A blood test to determine your risk of blood clots.
- Examination of the heart and kidneys.
Preeclampsia is one of the most dangerous causes of edema
One of the main signs of preeclampsia is the sudden appearance of excessive swelling. They may also be accompanied by:
- Strong headache;
- Visual disturbances, such as flashing spots, increased sensitivity to light, blurred or blinking eyes;
- Pain in the hypochondrium;
- Nausea and vomiting.
With preeclampsia, placental blood flow is disrupted, so not only the mother, but also the baby suffers. Therefore, if swelling suddenly appears, you should immediately consult a doctor.
Risk factors for developing preeclampsia:
- the age of the expectant mother is over 40 years old;
- 10 or more years between pregnancies;
- obesity in women (BMI 30 or more);
- cases of preeclampsia in the family of the expectant mother;
- hypertension in women;
- multiple pregnancy;
- kidney dysfunction.
Doctors' attitude towards swelling of the legs
More recently, when edema appeared, doctors immediately recommended limiting fluid and salt intake or even prescribing diuretics. But serious clinical studies have proven that approximately 80% of women experience edema during pregnancy. However, most of them are healthy and give birth without complications. The fear of edema was due to the fact that they are one of the symptoms of gestosis or late toxicosis, as preeclampsia was previously called. Controlling edema was thought to help prevent eclampsia.
Almost all modern schools of obstetrics have recognized that swelling of the legs is not the only and not the main sign of preeclampsia and eliminating them with diuretics does not prevent the development of this complication.
If swelling of the legs is not accompanied by hypertension and the appearance of protein in the urine, it is considered physiological and is not treated. The use of diuretics during pregnancy is not justified, as they have too many side effects. It is much more important to monitor blood pressure and urine tests.
Swelling of the legs in pregnant women - what to do?
First of all, you need to try to optimize your lifestyle. If you spend a lot of time on your feet, you need to ensure that you get regular and proper rest. To do this, you need to periodically sit or lie down, keeping your legs elevated. If you have to sit a lot, for example at work, try to take breaks every 45-90 minutes and walk for 15-20 minutes. While sitting, you should try to keep your legs straight.
Any restrictions on fluid intake during pregnancy are not recommended, especially in hot weather.
A woman needs to eat properly and variedly. It is not advisable to limit salt intake if its volume does not exceed the recommended standards. The use of diuretics is strictly prohibited, except in particularly difficult situations when treatment is carried out in a hospital. “Harmless” herbal teas are especially dangerous in this regard. The effects of most medicinal herbs on pregnant women have been studied very poorly, or not at all, so their use is too risky.
Many doctors recommend wearing special elastic stockings or bandages to prevent varicose veins and edema; most expectant mothers confirm their effectiveness. The only drawback of such clothes is that they are hot and uncomfortable in summer. In addition, experts advise taking warm (but by no means hot) baths. It also helps remove excess fluid from the body and eliminate swelling.
Exercise to reduce swelling
Not too intense regular exercise will not only improve the health of the expectant mother and help avoid excess weight gain, but will also reduce swelling in the legs. The simplest and most accessible exercise is leisurely daily walks. You can give yourself an hour before bed or in the morning to take a walk and get some fresh air. In addition, they help prevent swelling:
- Swimming. Water pressure on swollen tissue has a compressive effect.
- Water aerobics. Helps increase the heart rate, which, coupled with the compressive effect of water, effectively eliminates swelling.
- Bending and straightening the legs. Helps speed up blood and lymph circulation and thus reduce swelling. Rotating your legs has a similar effect.
Such exercises help not only reduce swelling, but also prevent cramps. They also increase vitality and lift your mood.
Proper nutrition
Of course, a healthy diet will not completely prevent swollen feet, but it will be a good addition to other methods. The main principles of healthy eating:
- At each meal, you should eat some lean protein, such as lean meat, eggs, and beans.
- Every day you need to eat at least 5 servings of vegetables and fruits.
- Do not exceed the permissible limits of salt, sugar and fat.
- Maintain proper drinking regimen - about 2–2.5 liters of water daily. This will help remove toxins from the body and reduce swelling.
- Consume foods that improve kidney function. Such natural diuretics include watercress, celery, parsley, citrus fruits and apples.
- Avoid pickled and canned foods that contain too much salt and other additives.
- Include more foods rich in vitamin C in your diet - tomatoes, cabbage, melon, red peppers, strawberries, citrus fruits.
- Take special vitamins for pregnant women.
- Stop smoking. It not only harms the baby, causing oxygen starvation, but also contributes to the development of edema.
Anti-swelling cream for pregnant women
Swelling of the legs causes great discomfort, and expectant mothers are trying to find effective ways to eliminate this problem. One of the easiest solutions is to use a special anti-edema cream. Modern cosmetologists and pharmacists offer a huge number of good products. Of course, you shouldn’t expect a miracle from them - you won’t be able to completely eliminate severe swelling with cream alone, but they can reduce the discomfort.
There are several types of foot swelling remedies that can be used by pregnant women:
- Cream for tired legs, reducing heaviness and swelling;
- Cream for varicose veins and swelling of the legs;
- Anti-edema cream;
- Universal cream for heaviness in the legs, varicose veins and swelling.
Depending on the purpose of the products, their composition may vary greatly, but there are components that are included in most creams and have proven themselves well among consumers:
- Horse chestnut extract. A substance that is harmless to the unborn baby, strengthens blood vessels and eliminates blood stagnation. It helps eliminate swelling and prevents varicose veins.
- Hazel extract. Reduces swelling and saturates the skin with beneficial substances.
- Menthol. Soothes and creates a pleasant cooling effect, relieves fatigue and reduces swelling.
- Vegetable oils such as shea, jojoba, olive and almond. They help soften and strengthen the skin, saturate it with vitamins.
Choosing an anti-edema cream during pregnancy on your own is not the best solution. It would be better to consult your doctor. If this is not possible, you should give preference to a product developed specifically for expectant mothers, which has passed dermatological control and contains a maximum of natural ingredients.
In fact, there are not so many really good creams for pregnant women. Information about them is easy to find on the Internet. Expectant mothers often share their experience of using such products on thematic forums. The most popular are:
Cream-balm for feet Mama Care
It is designed specifically to eliminate swelling in the legs of expectant mothers and prevent their occurrence. This cream contains an innovative omega complex designed to care for the skin of pregnant women. Mama Care is suitable for sensitive skin, does not cause allergies and does not contain preservatives or dyes. This cream eliminates swelling well, improves skin tone and improves its condition. It is suitable for relieving fatigue and for preventing varicose veins. The cream improves vascular tone and removes excess fluid and toxins. Immediately after application, the product is quickly absorbed, and the skin becomes smooth and velvety. The cost of such a cream is about 250 rubles.
Cream-balm for leg swelling Mama Comfort
This remedy helps eliminate swelling and has an anti-varicose effect. It carefully and effectively cares for the skin of expectant mothers and makes it smooth and elastic. The special formula of the cream helps strengthen blood vessels, which prevents the appearance of characteristic nets and stars on the legs. At the same time, Mama Comfort cream has a cooling effect, eliminates pain and tension in the legs. Its highlight is the extract of leeches in its composition. It improves blood flow and lymphatic drainage, which makes it possible to eliminate swelling even more effectively. The cost of this product is about 350 rubles.
Anti-edema cream Sanosan
This product contains exclusively natural ingredients. Natural vegetable oils effectively nourish the skin and do not interfere with its breathing. Natural ingredients are suitable for pregnant women, they help improve lymph flow, have a refreshing effect and relieve fatigue. They also fight edema quite effectively. The cost of the cream is about 340 rubles.
Cream Guam DUO
This product has a pronounced refreshing and cooling effect. It helps relieve pain and fatigue, reduces swelling. It can be applied as many times during the day as you like. This should be done with massage movements from bottom to top. This will enhance the effect and help get rid of swelling faster. If you use it regularly from the very beginning of pregnancy, the likelihood of swelling will be significantly reduced. The cost of such a product is about 2000 rubles.
The most popular products today are Mama Comfort and Sanosan. They are one of the best in terms of price and quality. The use of such remedies, of course, will not completely solve the problem of edema, but in most cases it significantly alleviates the condition of the expectant mother and makes pregnancy simpler and more enjoyable.
Swelling of the legs during late pregnancy: what is dangerous and how to treat
The last months of pregnancy create a feeling of immediate happiness, but the elevated mood from hormones can be overshadowed by a serious problem. Swelling of the legs in pregnant women in late stages– this is not such a rare occurrence. The growing fetus requires more space in the abdomen and displaces internal organs, causing swelling in various parts of the body. They can be a physiological norm or, conversely, dangerous for the child and require treatment.
- Why does swelling occur?
- Attention! Summer
- How to relieve swelling in the heat
- What can cause swelling in pregnant women?
- Consequences
- Swelling of the hands
- Swelling in the legs
- Facial swelling
- Pastiness of the genital organs
- Drinking regime
- Treatment
- Local therapy: gels, creams for swelling during pregnancy
- Treatment in hospital
- Therapeutic diet and sample menu
- Exercises and gymnastics for home
- Treatment with folk remedies and recipes
- Diagnostics
Causes of edema, what is wrong with the pregnant body
Edema appears due to a sharp enlargement of the uterus: water accumulates in the body, internal organs, nerves and blood vessels are compressed, the passage of oxygen to the extremities is blocked, the outflow of urine is disrupted and stagnation occurs in the bloodstream.
Most edema occurs in women bearing a child for the first time, but the first child is not the main cause of pathology.
During gestation, progesterone levels increase. Its main effect is relaxation of smooth muscle muscles. And this type of muscle tissue is present in most internal organs:
- in the vascular wall of veins and arteries;
- in the esophagus, intestines, stomach, gall bladder, bile ducts;
- uterus;
- in the ureters and bladder.
Progesterone is the main cause of edema. All others are secondary or dependent on the influence of this hormone. It is because of it that heartburn, constipation and swelling occur during pregnancy.
Other causes of edema in pregnant women:
- Chronic diseases: cardiovascular (increased load), endocrine, genitourinary systems, vascular diseases - or deep vein thrombosis.
- Uncontrolled consumption of salty foods.
- Tight clothes and uncomfortable shoes: leggings,...
- Protein deficiency (hereditary or due to poor nutrition or loss of proteins due to gestational nephropathy).
- – toxicosis in pregnant women. In addition to edema, hypertension (increased blood pressure) appears. Adult women at risk: (from), pregnant with twins or triplets, smokers, suffering from episodic seizures or with chronic diseases of the cardiovascular system.
Fluid accumulation occurs from bottom to top, so the first swelling appears in the legs. Pasty feet look like thickening of the skin, swelling of the subcutaneous layer of fat. Easily distinguishable, since the protruding veins on the leg are completely closed, folds may form. Usually the swelling looks like in the photo.
To check whether there is an accumulation of sweaty plasma on the lower extremities, you need to press the soft tissue with your thumb to the tibia. This bone is located on the front surface of the lower leg. If after pressing for 3-5 seconds a depression remains, this is swelling. Moreover, the degree of swelling is higher, the higher the pressure remains on the hole.
Preeclampsia is dangerous because it causes swelling of internal organs, including the placenta, which can impair the exchange of oxygen between mother and fetus. Late gestosis is a threatening condition for both. Therefore, the woman and the obstetrician-gynecologist should be wary in his presence. If the condition is confirmed in severe cases, the pregnant woman is hospitalized and intensive treatment is prescribed.
Attention: summer and heat
When talking about the reasons for the development of edema syndrome in a pregnant woman, it is necessary to mention the time of year. In summer, especially in the heat, swelling develops faster, stronger and more difficult to remove. This is due to the physical effect of heat, which has a relaxing effect on blood vessels:
- blood flow slows down;
- perfusion pressure in the vessels increases;
- more fluid sweats into the intercellular space.
Therefore, if the 3rd trimester of pregnancy occurs during the hot season, your actions should be aimed in advance at preventing the appearance of edema.
What can you do in the summer to alleviate the condition?
You can remove or alleviate swelling with a contrast shower for your feet. The temperature difference will allow the vessels to “play” and return to tone. Such hardening exercises are the best way to prevent swelling of the lower extremities in the third trimester.
What can cause swelling in pregnant women?
In addition to the feet, the hands and fingers, face, mucous membranes of the nose, mouth, and genitals are susceptible to swelling. Hidden edema is the most dangerous during pregnancy. They are distinguished by the absence of external symptoms: the body does not get tired, muscles do not ache, skin thickening is invisible, but weight is rapidly gained. Therefore, in the antenatal clinic where you are being observed, before visiting the obstetrician-gynecologist, they must carry out a control weighing.
Since edematous fluid accumulates in the intercellular space of internal organs, a chronic disease can determine which part of the body is in greatest danger. Mothers with cardiovascular disease are more likely to have swelling in their legs, lower back, and feet. In women with kidney disease, any organ can be affected, including the face and hands.
The average period for the occurrence of edema during pregnancy is . But later swelling is also possible, and even. And the early ones - from .
What are the dangers of edema in late pregnancy?
Edema in the last month of pregnancy associated with chronic diseases causes rapid weight gain (about 300-400 g per week) and is dangerous if it quickly spreads throughout the body. Swollen organs compress blood vessels, sodium and oxygen metabolism is disrupted, the baby does not receive enough nutrients and may be born premature. To exclude such consequences, pregnant women are constantly monitored in the hospital.
Significant risks to the fetus arise only when the woman does not report swelling and allows it to progress.
Swelling of the legs during pregnancy
The most common location for swelling during pregnancy is the legs. Fluid accumulates in the body and, under the influence of gravity, falls down to the ankles.
At night, when a woman lies in a horizontal position, the fluid moves higher up her legs and the swelling may decrease in the morning. This condition is normal for pregnant women. Slight tingling and short-term numbness of the extremities are possible. Exercise also helps with morning pastiness.
You can reduce mild swelling on your own. During sleep, it is recommended to elevate your legs - place them on an additional pillow.
You need to be less in an upright position without moving, wear comfortable shoes (especially if flat feet are diagnosed to any degree), do foot massage or exercises, wear compression stockings and drink 1.5 liters of fluid a day in small portions.
If the swelling remains the same size in the morning or other parts of the body begin to swell, you should inform your gynecologist. Swelling of the legs during pregnancy can be an indirect sign.
Swelling of the hands in pregnant women
There are two ways to determine whether there is swelling of the hands during pregnancy or not:
- In the morning, put the ring on your finger; if there is swelling, by the evening swelling will form around the ring, and the jewelry itself will be more difficult to remove;
- take a tight elastic band and put it on your hand; when there is swelling, after a few minutes the skin under the elastic band is pressed in, and after removing it, a dent is still visible for some time.
Swollen hands usually do not cause discomfort. Your fingers hurt if you type on the keyboard for a long time. To avoid swelling when working at the computer, just place your elbows on a flat surface, preferably with a soft pillow, and give your hands a rest every 10-15 minutes.
Simultaneous swelling of the arms and legs is a sign that the cardiovascular system, along with the lymphatic system, cannot cope. In late pregnancy, the heart experiences increased stress, and venous blood is poorly “pumped” from the extremities to the heart. Due to high pressure, the walls of the veins expand and small holes are formed through which fluid leaks into the intercellular space. At the same time, thrombophlebitis worsens. Inflammation of the veins can be suspected if one leg is swollen more than the other.
If swelling of the fingers does not go away on its own, the doctor prepares a strict diet and monitors the fluid entering the body. In advanced cases, medications that increase blood flow in the kidneys and vitamins B, E and A are prescribed separately.
Facial swelling
Facial swelling appears later than anything else, sometimes before childbirth. In the morning, slight swelling of the eyelids is noticeable. In severe cases, the area under the eyes constantly swells and the contour of the face changes.
In the early stages, a runny nose or nasal congestion develops, which sometimes accompanies the pregnant woman until the very beginning. The face often swells when the salt load increases at night. You should avoid eating salty, spicy foods.
Swelling of the face is dealt with in the same way as swelling of the arms and legs: a strict diet, fluid control, baths, moderate physical activity.
Swelling of the labia
Swelling of the genitals at 9 months is not always dangerous; more often the fatty tissue increases to make it easier for the child to pass through the birth canal. But such enlargement of the labia is not accompanied by a constant feeling of discomfort.
If, along with swelling, the vagina constantly itches or the discharge takes on a green or yellow tint, then we can talk about infection and infection. In this case, additional laboratory and instrumental diagnostic methods are individually prescribed, then medications are prescribed.
If the swelling causes discomfort, but the discharge is normal, a general diet, drinking regimen and a warm bath are prescribed.
Drinking regime for swelling
In the third trimester, blood circulation increases by about 40%, which is why the body requires more fluid - about 1.5 liters per day, including first courses, juicy fruits and vegetables. Moreover, during a full lunch, it is important to reduce the amount of salt to 1.5 g, it has the property of retaining liquid. In the morning and evening you should drink a glass of kefir or. and it’s better to drink hawthorn infusion or kidney tea. If it is difficult to adhere to the drinking regime, and the body constantly requires more water, you need to drink; you cannot starve yourself with thirst during pregnancy.
You need to know that fluid in the body retains not only salt, but also sugar. Therefore, the diet also includes the exclusion of sweet foods. But most of all, the formation of edema in pregnant women is influenced by the sugar-salt complex. These two products potentiate each other in the development of edema syndrome.
To get rid of edema during pregnancy, it is forbidden to take diuretics (diuretics) on your own. If you choose the wrong drug during pregnancy, the body will begin to remove beneficial substances, depriving both the child and the mother of macroelements. Only a doctor can prescribe a diuretic based on tests.
Treatment: medications and rules of administration
During pregnancy, the following medications are allowed to be taken under medical supervision:
- Triampur (for heart, liver and kidney diseases) – 2 tablets/day. morning and evening for 20 days;
- Canephron – 1 tablet 2 times a day before meals for 15 days;
- Eufillin – 0.15 g, 2 times a day;
- Hofitol (organic preparation based on artichoke) – 3 tablets/day. before eating;
- Furosemide – 1-2 tablets/day.
Excess medication in the 3rd trimester affects the baby. The exact dosage can only be prescribed in a hospital. Any of the drugs is supplemented with diuretic products: oatmeal, eggplant, celery or. In severe cases, only medications help.
Local medications to relieve swelling
Local remedies - heparin-based gels and creams - help fight edema syndrome. It improves the rheological properties of blood, prevents the formation of blood clots and restores the vascular wall, thereby helping to avoid swelling in pregnant women on the legs, arms and under the eyes on the face.
Treatment of edema in late pregnancy with creams and gels without the consent of the doctor is prohibited!
Treatment of edema during pregnancy in a hospital
In case of severe edema syndrome, hospitalization of the pregnant woman in a permanent hospital or day hospital may be recommended.
In the hospital, if necessary, vascular drugs are prescribed and administered through a drip. Treatment with Pentoxifylline and Eufillin is carried out in this way. In short, these drugs will help the kidneys filter out excess fluid accumulated in the expectant mother’s body and cope with edema.
Previously, the drug magnesium sulfate (magnesia) was prescribed for this purpose, but progressive specialists are gradually “moving away” from it. Its effect is insignificant and questionable in terms of fetal health.
Diet
The table shows acceptable dishes for each meal; the diet is compiled based on the preferences of the pregnant woman.
Table 1.
Breakfast | Dinner | Afternoon snack | Dinner | Before bedtime |
Muesli with milk, or boiled eggs, or 100 g of cottage cheese; Juice and apple or berries |
Vegetable or seafood soup or beef soup 100 g vegetable salad or rice side dish. 2-3 slices of black bread, cucumbers. Drink juices or compotes. |
Apple, pear, assorted berries, a piece of watermelon or melon, dried apricots (your choice). Kidney tea | Rice side dish with cutlet or boiled fish. Treatment of edema in late pregnancy with folk remediesFolk remedies will also help cope with swelling; they can be taken along with a course of medications, but it is important to notify the doctor about this. The course of folk herbal medicine includes various tonics and sedatives:
Diagnosis of pastosity: how to determine whether there is fluid retention or notTo identify edema during pregnancy, doctors prescribe the woman a daily amount of water and monitor the amount and condition. By comparing the rate of consumption and output, one can conclude how much fluid remains in the tissues, and therefore predict the appearance of edema. Pastosity in a progressive form affects the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx and throat, a constant runny nose occurs, turning into rhinitis (inflammation of the nasal mucosa). Rhinitis in pregnant women does not require treatment. A blister test is used: injection of 0.2 mg of saline into the forearm. The greater the body's edematous readiness, the faster the blister resolves. Urinalysis according to Zimnitsky (normal in brackets) shows the average volume of urination (60-300 ml), the ratio of daytime and nighttime diuresis (3:1), the ratio of excreted to ingested fluid (75-80%). For analysis within 24 hours, a urine sample is taken every 3 hours 8 times, starting at 9:00. The first portion is flushed down the toilet, the rest are collected each time in a separate jar, stored in the refrigerator and taken to the hospital in the morning. Diuretics should not be used during the analysis. If a pregnant woman’s body is predisposed to edema, then it will not be possible to avoid it, but it can be prevented and recognized in time by undergoing examinations in the hospital, especially in the 3rd trimester. It is not the swelling that is scary, but the lack of desire and desire to treat it. During pregnancy, a woman’s body adapts to the changed state. This process is considered natural. Now let's look at this in more detail. Causes of edema during pregnancyAs a result of changes, a lot of fluid accumulates in the expectant mother’s body. Its volume at week 8 can reach 6-8 liters. It is necessary for:
However, often the amount of fluid created by the body exceeds the required volume. In this case, swelling may appear. They are especially unpleasant in late pregnancy and can lead to health problems for both mother and baby. Swelling of the legs can also appear as a result of a number of other reasons, the list of which includes:
The reasons leading to edema are individual in each case. The problem may arise due to a sedentary lifestyle, joint diseases, or prolonged sitting with crossed legs. To accurately determine the cause of swelling, experts advise visiting a doctor. Swelling of the legs during pregnancyIf edema is caused by pathological changes occurring in the body, the condition of a pregnant woman may constantly worsen. Gradually, the problem will become noticeable not only on the legs, but also on other parts of the body. Experts distinguish four stages of edema:
If a girl is pregnant, a lot of sodium salts accumulate in the body. They have the property of attracting water. Under their influence, edema is formed, which is classified as physiological. Factors leading to the problem may include:
Physiological edema is considered normal. If this phenomenon occurs during pregnancy, it should not cause concern. If you get rid of the provoking factors, the problem will instantly disappear. Pathological edema differs from physiological edema. They appear due to the presence of diseases. Usually the problem is accompanied by additional symptoms:
It is much more difficult to get rid of such swelling. Only a doctor can determine the type of problem and develop a plan to combat it. If a girl notices increased swelling, she should immediately consult a specialist. Self-treatment can lead to additional health problems. What are the dangers of edema during pregnancy?The danger posed by edema directly depends on the cause that caused its appearance. A problem caused by physiological factors should not be a cause for concern. It is easily eliminated if the cause of its appearance is removed and subsequently no longer bothers you. The greatest concern during pregnancy should be the swelling that appears due to gestosis. In the initial stage, the disease leads to the formation of dropsy. Over time, the problem can cause the appearance of nephropathy - damage to the renal apparatus, and in the future - to. This disease is practically incurable. It is characterized by frequent seizures. Sometimes they can be so strong that the girl risks falling into a coma. Preeclampsia often causes severe disruption of the blood supply to internal organs. The problem can also affect the placenta. As a result of exposure to the disease, the child no longer receives oxygen and nutrients in sufficient quantities. This will affect the development of the internal organs and systems of the fetus. The condition can later lead to the development of chronic diseases in the child. Due to gestosis, premature birth or even fetal death may occur. Experts advise immediately contacting a doctor in the following situations:
A girl should be able to distinguish swelling from other problems. If the legs are swollen, this does not mean that swelling is occurring. This phenomenon is often observed due to an increase in total body weight during pregnancy. The appearance of edema can be noticed by the enlargement of the foot. The expectant mother will no longer fit into the shoes that she previously wore all the time. You can also distinguish swelling from other problems by the reaction of the foot to pressure. To do this, experts advise conducting a simple experiment. Apply light pressure to the skin in the area where there is swelling with your finger and then release. If the cover is immediately leveled, there is no swelling. If a small dent appears after exposure, there is a problem. Symptoms usually become more noticeable in the evening. This happens because a lot of fluid accumulates in the legs during the day due to exercise. The problem usually goes away the next morning. Such swelling is caused by physiological reasons. The problem is not painful and should not cause concern. In other situations, you should immediately consult a doctor. What to do? First measuresA girl can independently get rid of leg swelling during pregnancy if the problem is caused by physiological reasons. In this situation, it does not require special treatment. They can help in the fight against it:
If the presence of pathology has led to the problem, treatment should be carried out strictly under the supervision of a specialist. So, gestosis is treated only in a hospital setting. Properly selected drug therapy will reduce the negative impact of the disease on the body of the expectant mother and child. Self-use of drugs leads to an increased risk of problems with
More than a third of pregnant women experience swelling, which can be localized to the face or arms, but the majority suffer from swelling of the legs. Women rarely take this problem seriously, perceiving it as a normal condition. However, this may indicate diseases that threaten the normal course of pregnancy, and sometimes the health of the mother and fetus. That is why it is necessary to be able to distinguish physiological swelling of the legs during pregnancy from pathological ones.
In most cases, edema can be treated, but to do this it is necessary to identify the cause that caused it. Causes of edemaLegs swell during pregnancy quite often, since they bear a lot of stress. Edema is usually caused by a large amount of fluid accumulated in the tissues of the body. Often this condition is associated with physiological changes during pregnancy. In most cases, edema occurs after 28-30 weeks; it is during this period that the fetus develops intensively. The enlarged uterus puts pressure on the greater vena cava and pelvic veins, which interferes with the flow of blood from the legs to the upper body and to the heart. There are other reasons caused by lifestyle or external factors:
Nicotine can also provoke the formation of edema, because it has an extremely negative effect on blood vessels. Therefore, it is better to get rid of a bad habit as soon as a woman finds out about pregnancy. Video: Obstetrician-gynecologist on the causes and prevention of edema during pregnancy
Dangerous conditionsIf all factors have been eliminated, but the pregnant woman continues to be bothered by excess fluid accumulation, it is worth visiting a doctor who will prescribe an examination to check the functioning of all organs and systems:
These conditions during pregnancy pose a health hazard, so when the first symptoms appear, the woman is admitted to a hospital for observation. When to sound the alarmSwelling is not always a cause for concern. If they appear after a long stay on your feet in a stuffy room or after drinking a lot of liquid, go away after rest, while your health remains normal, then there is no need to panic. It is enough to establish a rest and nutrition regime for everything to return to normal. In case of prolonged swelling and in the presence of other alarming symptoms, you should not delay visiting a doctor: swelling can be not only external. Finding no way out, the fluid begins to accumulate in the muscles of the internal organs, including the muscles of the uterus, which leads to difficulty in delivering oxygen to the fetus. Swelling of the legs during pregnancy often indicates the onset of a serious disease such as gestosis, or late toxicosis. This condition leads to increased blood pressure, which causes disruption of placental blood flow and fetal hypoxia. With gestosis, not only swelling of the legs is observed, the hands and face also swell, and protein appears in the urine. Preeclampsia in its severe manifestations is an indication for treatment of pregnant women in a hospital setting. Video: Signs, prevention and treatment of gestosis
How to prevent edema during pregnancyWhen it comes to gestosis, you should not self-medicate, as the consequences can be quite sad. Physiological edema can be prevented. Nutrition during pregnancy plays a huge role: it is what prevents you from gaining extra pounds, which aggravates the pressure on the lower extremities. In addition, proper nutrition can improve the functioning of the urinary system. The diet must include foods with sufficient vitamin C content, vegetables and fruits, among which preference is given to oranges and lemons, greens - celery and parsley, green onions. Garlic is included in the menu; it has a positive effect on the circulatory system. But it is better to avoid fatty, spicy, sweet and salty foods: such foods retain liquid. Particular attention is paid to the drinking regime. Many pregnant women suffering from edema try to reduce their water intake. And this is a serious mistake. The fact is that the body experiences stress from a lack of fluid, starting to store it for future use, which leads to the formation of even greater edema. Pregnant women are recommended to drink at least 1.5 liters of liquid per day, and it is better if it is purified water without gas. We must not forget about special vitamin complexes that strengthen the walls of blood vessels and improve microcirculation. These are medications, so they should be taken only after consultation with your doctor. In addition, doctors will recommend wearing compression stockings. They significantly alleviate the condition during pregnancy, removing part of the load from the legs, thereby reducing swelling. Folk remedies for swelling of the legsFolk remedies against swelling of the legs during pregnancy are no less effective. Often even doctors recommend them to women: 1. Cabbage leaf has excellent anti-edematous and anti-inflammatory effects. The upper, dark green leaves are well cooled, lightly beaten to release the juice, and applied to the swollen area. When the sheet heats up, it is replaced with another, cooler one. 2. Herbal teas recommended during pregnancy have a mild diuretic effect and allow you to remove excess fluid. You cannot use synthetic drugs with a pronounced diuretic effect: since trace elements, especially potassium and magnesium, necessary for the functioning of the heart, are removed from the body along with urine. A deficiency of these or other substances can negatively affect the development of the fetus. 3. An infusion of dried apricots will not only replenish the lack of vitamins, but will also remove excess liquid. To prepare it, pour a handful of dried fruits with half a liter of hot boiled water (not boiling water, so that the vitamins contained in the product do not disintegrate) and leave for 2-3 hours. After this, the infusion is divided into 4 doses and drunk per day. 4. Massaging your feet with peach oil will help improve blood circulation. It is better not to use essential oils, as the pungent odor can cause severe allergies, even if such a reaction was not observed before pregnancy. Massage improves blood circulation and relieves tension. During pregnancy, the legs swell due to uncomfortable posture. It is unacceptable to cross your legs, as this position interferes with normal blood circulation in the pelvis and legs. On the contrary, correct body position can not only relieve fatigue, relax tense muscles, but also restore the outflow of fluid from the lower extremities. After a long walk, it is advisable to raise your legs up so that your feet are above hip level. You can lie on the bed and put a voluminous pillow. The so-called knee-elbow pose helps. To do this, you need to get on all fours, leaning on your arms bent at the elbows and legs bent at the knees. It is recommended to stand like this for 10-15 minutes several times a day. In this position, the pregnant woman provides rest to the kidneys, which are freed from the weight of the fetus, their blood circulation and function are improved. Sleeping in late pregnancy is only allowed on your side to relieve the pressure on the inferior vena cava. Rest on the back is extremely undesirable: this will cause the fetus to compress the large arteries even more. Swelling of the legs during pregnancy causes a lot of anxiety for the expectant mother, especially if it does not go away by following all the recommendations. After childbirth, the functioning of the kidneys and other organs and systems is restored, and swelling, as a rule, no longer bothers you.
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