Swelling in pregnant women

Edema in pregnant women is in vain considered an inevitable and typical phenomenon accompanying the period of pregnancy. Just like edema in women who do not plan to give birth, in men who do not plan to become fathers, edema in a pregnant woman is a sign of uncharacteristic changes and possible diseases in the body.

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When does swelling appear in pregnant women?

Edema in pregnant women, which appears at the end of the second and during the third trimester, is a standard symptom. If a woman does not suffer from kidney pathology or cardiovascular diseases, then edema during this period is not an indicator of any health problems. Most often, the legs are subject to swelling due to their vertical position, natural blood and lymph flow to the extremities. Then the face and abdomen may swell. These parts of the body are subject to fluid accumulation due to the anatomical features and structure of the subcutaneous tissue. Fiber absorbs and retains the liquid environment, preventing it from moving through the tissues. As soon as a woman takes a horizontal position for at least two to three hours. Edema in pregnant women begins to decrease, and in the morning it often disappears completely.

Should you be concerned about swelling during pregnancy?

Edema in the second half of pregnancy is accepted as an acceptable physiological phenomenon all over the world. Edema during this period is considered normal provided that urine indicators are absolutely clear (no protein) and blood pressure corresponds to the woman's status. If there are the slightest deviations from the norm, edema in pregnant women can be recognized as dropsy, which in turn can provoke gestosis. Timely therapeutic medicines help to reduce the overall edema of the body, reduce blood pressure that is elevated above the norm and neutralize possible risks, including the threat of miscarriage.

How to determine that swelling in pregnant women has not exceeded all norms?

• If in the morning a pregnant woman cannot put on shoes, her ankles and feet are so swollen;
• If swelling of the legs occurs in the afternoon;
• If you cannot wear your usual jewelry (rings) due to swelling of your fingers;
• If a woman's weight increases rapidly, exceeding the permissible limits (more than 300 grams per week), provided that she is following a diet;
• If the face swells not only after sleep, but also in the evening;
• If unusual spider veins appear on your legs.

Edema in pregnant women can be obvious or developing latent, slowly. Obvious edema in pregnant women is noticed by the woman herself, hidden symptoms are noticeable only to a specialist who should regularly examine and monitor the health of the expectant mother. It is the doctor who will be able to determine the so-called pastosity. It is characterized by puffiness of the face, swelling and looseness of the legs and hands. Such edema in pregnant women occurs due to excessive accumulation of fluid in the body. Excessive weight gain while following the usual diet can indicate pastosity.

How is edema diagnosed in pregnant women?

• Regular weighing, monitoring body weight dynamics;
• Examination of the urinary system – assessment of diuresis (how much is drunk and excreted in urine). Norm: 1000 ml drunk, 750-800 ml excreted;
• Measurements of leg, arm and abdominal circumferences. Dynamic monitoring and observation;
• Blister test. A small amount of physiological solution is injected into the inner area of the forearm. The blister that forms should normally disappear and dissolve within 1-1.5 hours. If the body retains fluid in excess of the norm, the blister dissolves within half an hour. This is called edematous readiness.

What are the ways to reduce swelling in pregnant women?

• Reduce the amount of salty food consumed or give it up altogether, limit the body’s intake of salt, but in moderation;
• Eliminate smoked, spicy and pickled foods from your diet. Steam your food;
• Monitor fluid intake; the norm should not exceed 1000 ml per day;
• Take a course to strengthen the vascular system (vitamin-mineral complex);
• Use diuretic herbal teas in moderation, only on the recommendation of your doctor.

Edema in pregnant women should not be a cause for concern, because it is very important for the expectant mother to maintain an emotional mood and calm. That is why at the first signs of excessive swelling it is better to immediately consult a doctor, perhaps he will dispel false alarms or prescribe adequate therapy in time.