What causes edema in pregnant women? What to do about edema during pregnancy

Many mothers who have given birth or are pregnant should know that some pregnant women will experience edema during pregnancy, with their arms and legs swollen all over the body, but few people know the reason. So we need to understand what causes edema in pregnant women? What should we do about edema during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, due to the influence of hormone levels, water and sodium are retained in the body, so pregnant women will have some mild edema, which is often concentrated in the feet and ankles. Sometimes there will be a feeling of swelling in the hands in the morning. This situation is a normal phenomenon during pregnancy and does not require special treatment. However, some pregnancy complications may cause edema in pregnant women, so this situation should be taken seriously. The most common disease that causes edema during pregnancy is gestational hypertension, which is manifested by hypertension, proteinuria and edema. In addition, liver and kidney function damage may also occur. If the weight gain during pregnancy is too fast, if the weight gain exceeds one pound per week, be careful about whether there is hidden edema. In addition, clinical examinations can be performed. If there is pitting edema in the lower limbs in front of the tibia and it gradually spreads upward, reaching the thighs or even the abdomen, be careful of pathological edema. Pathological edema should actively find the cause to avoid serious complications.

1. Reduce swelling by heating and keeping warm. When the blood circulation is not smooth when soaking your feet in hot water, it will be difficult to discharge the excess water in the body. Especially in winter, soaking your feet in hot water will feel warm. After the foot bath, dry your feet and massage them for better results.

2. Get enough rest. If you want to eliminate edema, you must rest quietly. This is because when the human body is resting, the burden on the liver, internal organs, heart and other organs will be reduced, so the edema will also be reduced or disappear.

3. Wear appropriate clothes. Pregnant women should choose clothes that fit them well during pregnancy. Do not wear clothes that are too tight, otherwise it will lead to poor blood circulation in the body and may cause edema.

4. Eat low-salt meals. Pregnant women with edema should pay more attention to their diet, eat more fruits and vegetables, and strictly control their salt intake, generally below 10g per day. This is because the body's regulation of salt and water is reduced, and reducing salt intake can also help eliminate edema.

5. Wear elastic pants or socks. For some pregnant women who need to stand or sit for a long time, they can choose to wear elastic pants or socks during pregnancy, which can help reduce excessive blood accumulation in the lower limbs and cause edema.

1. Edema occurs in the morning, fingers swell, and rings are difficult to take off.

2. The legs are severely swollen, and there is a noticeable indentation when pressing with fingers. Raising the legs for an hour does not improve the condition.

3. Abnormal diet.

4. Rapid weight gain (weight gain of more than 500 grams within 1 week) and high blood pressure.

5. Excessive urine protein in urine test.

6. Feeling of numbness on the outer thigh, tingling in the fingertips, or no feeling.

The main reason for edema is that the enlarged uterus increases the pressure in the pelvis, compressing the veins of the lower limbs and causing poor blood flow. When a pregnant woman is seven months pregnant, the baby has basically taken shape and the belly has basically reached its largest size, so after that, the mother's chance of edema will rise sharply. Expectant mothers will find that the shoes they used to wear can no longer be worn, and it takes a while for the flesh on the feet or hands to recover after being pressed. Generally, pregnant women may have swollen feet in the middle and late stages of pregnancy. Many pregnant women will experience edema, but the degree varies. Some people have swollen feet in March and April, while others will not have swollen feet until birth. 80% of pregnant women will experience edema in the late stages of pregnancy. Some not only have edema in the calves, thighs, abdomen, face, but even the whole body.