When does swelling start during pregnancy?
During pregnancy, many women suffer swollen feet. Because
the body stores extra fluid to protect and support the growing fetus, swelling
is normal during this time.
Swelling of the feet occurs later in pregnancy when the
uterus and fetus exert additional pressure on the legs and feet. This pressure
can promote edema by reducing circulation and increasing fluid storage.
We'll look at some of the things women can do at home to
minimize swelling. We also go over the indicators that could signal something
more serious and when you should see a doctor.
Swelling in specific areas of the body is a common
occurrence during pregnancy. It usually happens when the body produces excess
fluid to support the fetus's growth. Additionally, circulation slows, which can
contribute to fluid buildup.
Because the uterus swells with the growing fetus, the feet
and ankles can swell, putting extra strain on the lower body's veins.
Swelling in the feet occurs most frequently in the third
trimester of pregnancy. This is because the fetus is larger, putting additional
pressure on the legs and feet.
The swelling in the feet of pregnant women usually looks
like this:
- Progressively develops
- When the weather is hot
- Towards the end of the day, it looks even worse
- When patients lie down or raise their feet, the intensity of the pain decreases.
- Both feet are equal
Home
remedies for swollen legs during pregnancy
Taking the following steps at home may help women reduce
edema in their feet during pregnancy:
- Avoid standing for long periods of time, as this might increase leg and foot pressure and induce swelling.
- Elevating the feet to enhance blood flow to the heart by sleeping with the legs propped up on pillows
- To enhance circulation in the legs by wearing supportive tights or compression stockings
- Keeping moving all day with small walks or mild exercise
- Restricting salt consumption
- Keeping hydrated by drinking 8–10 glasses of water
- Each day, drink a reliable source of hydration to prevent the body from retaining excess water.
- Caffeine should be avoided since it is a diuretic, meaning it encourages the creation of more pee.
- apparel that is relaxed and comfortable
- Wearing comfortable shoes and loose socks
- Avoiding long hours of sitting
- In hot temperatures, keep cool by spending limited time outside.
- Sleeping on the left side of the body can help the heart receive more blood.
- To enhance circulation, consider massage or reflexology.
Exercises
When you're relaxing, you can boost your circulation by
doing foot exercises.
Pregnant women might attempt flexing one foot up and down 30
times before repeating the movement with the opposite foot.
They can then lift one foot off the floor and twist it
clockwise and anticlockwise eight times. They should then do the same thing
with the opposing foot.
Medical
treatment
Swollen feet are a typical side effect of pregnancy, despite
their discomfort. Medical therapy is unlikely to be required, and many women
find that home remedies can help them relieve swelling.
If a woman's swollen feet are caused by an underlying
ailment, she will need medical attention.
Complications
Swelling during pregnancy might occasionally indicate a
health problem. If a woman notices a sudden or rapid rise in swelling, she
should call her midwife, doctor, or healthcare team right away.
Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia can be identified by a sudden increase in foot
swelling. A puffy or swollen face, edema around the eyes, or abrupt swelling in
the hands may also be noticed by women.
If the swelling in the feet is severe, pressing down on the
skin for a few seconds may leave an indentation. There may be some decolorization
in the legs as well.
Preeclampsia is a medical disease that can develop during or
after pregnancy. Preeclampsia is a condition that affects pregnant women and
causes high blood pressure and organ issues.
To lower blood pressure, a doctor may prescribe
antihypertensive medications. Healthcare providers may advise delivering the
baby early if the pregnancy has progressed to 37 weeks or more.
Thrombosis
of the deep veins
Deep vein thrombosis, or a blood clot, can cause uneven swelling
in the feet or legs (DVT).
Women who are pregnant or who have given birth in the last
three months have a higher risk of DVT than women who are not pregnant. Blood
clots more easily during pregnancy in order to prevent excessive blood loss
during labor and delivery.
The weight of the fetus on the legs increases, which can
impair circulation. Blood flow in the legs might be reduced by being less
mobile than usual during pregnancy and the recovery time following delivery.
To prevent or treat blood clots and DVT, a doctor may
prescribe a medication called low-molecular-weight heparin. The medicine will
be injected beneath the skin.
When
should you see a doctor?
If women are concerned about their swollen feet during
pregnancy or are unable to alleviate unpleasant sensations, they should speak
with their healthcare professional about treatment alternatives.
If they observe any of the following symptoms, they should
immediately contact their doctor or midwife:
- an unexpected increase in foot swelling
- Swelling of the hands, cheeks, or eyes that occurs suddenly
- A violent headache or a mild headache that persists
- Seeing "stars" or flashing lights, or having blurred vision
- Significant pain in the belly or below the ribs, especially on the right side
- Nausea, vomiting, or general malaise
- The swelling is present at the start of the day and does not go away.
- When lying down or lifting the feet, improve
The symptoms listed above could all be markers of preeclampsia, and pregnant women should seek medical help right soon to avoid the disease worsening.
Women should also immediately call their doctor if they
notice:
- One leg or foot is swollen more than the other.
- In the calf or elsewhere in the leg, there is pain or heat.
- Leg skin that is reddened or discolored
DVT can be identified by uneven swelling or pain in the leg.
DVT, if left untreated, can cause a blood clot to migrate to the lungs and
cause a pulmonary embolism. It's critical to seek medical help right away if
you have:
- Breathing problems
- Chest pain that gets worse when you cough or breathe deeply
- Blood is coughed up
- A faster or more erratic heartbeat
Summary
Swelling in the feet is a common symptom of late pregnancy
and is usually not cause for concern. During pregnancy, the body retains extra
water. Additionally, the fetus's pressure might restrict circulation in the
legs, causing swelling in the feet.
Elevating the feet when sitting and wearing flexible,
comfortable shoes are two home cures for swollen feet during pregnancy.
Drinking plenty of water, getting regular mild movement, and avoiding prolonged
standing could all help.
If a pregnant woman notices a rapid rise in swelling in her
feet, hands, or face, or around her eyes, she should seek medical attention
immediately.
Preeclampsia, a disorder that requires medical care, can
cause sudden swelling. Uneven swelling, pain, redness, or warmth in one leg in
pregnant women should be reported to their doctor right soon, as these symptoms
could suggest DVT.
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