How to remove swelling in pregnant women. The cause of edema during pregnancy and will folk remedies help? Why leg swelling is dangerous and when to see a doctor

Many expectant mothers face swelling during pregnancy. Mostly they appear shortly before childbirth. It becomes more difficult for women to move because of pain, discomfort in the legs. Swelling of the legs during pregnancy indicates dangerous pathologies for the mother and her fetus. Therefore, it is so important to establish the cause of the problem in order to take the right measures to help the patient.

Leg swelling in pregnant women is a natural physiological condition. This is due to the hormonal changes that occur in her body. This pathology is a large concentration of water in the tissues. It manifests itself in the form of an increase in the volume of different parts of the body, but mainly the lower extremities. Because the increased volume of the uterus exerts pressure on the vessels of this part of the body. Sometimes swelling appears only on one leg. This happens when the pelvic vein is squeezed on the left or right side.

Pathology is not only an aesthetic problem, but also a dangerous symptom. Developing pastosity in the mother can cause fetal hypoxia. Therefore, the removal of fluid from the body is the main task for each patient.

Why do legs swell during pregnancy

Swelling of the legs during pregnancy develops as a result of a slowdown in the circulation of fluid and its retention in the tissues. A growing fetus, an enlarged uterus, amniotic fluid, create an additional load on the legs. In the body of a pregnant woman, the fluid content increases due to changes in the volume of blood, amniotic fluid. But when the amount of water exceeds the norm, then pastosity develops. It is considered the most dangerous in the last weeks of pregnancy, because it can harm the health of the mother and child.

Some diseases of internal organs and the negative effect of external factors contribute to the development of pathology. Among the common causes of swelling of the legs is wearing tight, uncomfortable clothes, shoes. Things that squeeze the body lead to impaired blood flow. High heels for expectant mothers are prohibited. Uncomfortable shoes cause fatigue and pain when walking.

The main causes of edema include: obesity, the habit of sitting cross-legged. Contribute to the development of pathology inactivity and a sedentary lifestyle. The problem appears when you stay in a room with poor ventilation for a long time. Eating smoked, fried and salty foods contributes to water retention in the body. Therefore, during pregnancy, the use of these products should be minimized.

Bad habits such as smoking and drinking during pregnancy are especially dangerous. They provoke the development of various pathologies, including swelling.

Experts in a medical institution will be able to accurately determine the cause of the problem based on the results of laboratory tests.

Many women develop or worsen varicose veins during pregnancy. With this pathology, irreversible lengthening and expansion of the veins occurs. The problem develops as a result of changes in the valve apparatus and venous walls. The progression of varicose veins provokes swelling of the legs during pregnancy. This problem is indicated by an increase in the volume of the ankles, lower legs, numbness of the limbs and the appearance of goosebumps. During pregnancy, with varicose veins, the lower limbs swell at the ankles.

Varicose veins in most pregnant women are diagnosed during pregnancy, and not before. The first signs of the disease appear in the third trimester. At the very beginning, pathology does not cause problems, except for aesthetic discomfort. Expectant mothers develop hematomas, bruises on their legs during pregnancy. After childbirth, the symptoms of the disease disappear. Sometimes the venous network on the legs is preserved.

Not all pregnant women get sick so easily. Some of them develop fatigue, a feeling of heaviness, a feeling of fullness and fullness in the lower extremities. After physical exertion and in the afternoon, the symptoms intensify. In this case, you must immediately undergo a medical examination. Because only a qualified specialist will be able to determine the severity of the disease and choose the right treatment.

The main cause of varicose veins is family predisposition. During pregnancy, its development is facilitated by an increase in body weight, the amount of circulating fluid and squeezing of the veins by the uterus.

During pregnancy, all diseases are exacerbated. The probability of progress of cardiological diseases is especially high. They entail a decrease in cardiac function, due to which there is a violation of blood circulation and in pregnant women the legs swell. It also reduces blood flow to the tissues of the placenta and internal organs of the mother and fetus. Heart failure develops when the heart is overloaded, against the background of the pathology of large vessels and the heart.

The following factors can provoke heart failure:

• severe gestosis;
• coronary insufficiency;
• heavy bleeding;
• heart diseases.

Mostly puffiness is symmetrical, edema begins to develop from the feet. But many women are interested in whether one leg can swell. In some cases, the ankle of the left limb is enlarged, or the right leg swells at the ankle.

The main symptom of heart failure is an enlarged liver. You can find out about the problem by aching pain and a feeling of heaviness in the right hypochondrium. Some patients feel bitterness in the mouth, they develop shortness of breath, dry cough. When probing, the edges of the liver are determined below the line of the ribs.

Edema can appear not only on the legs. In some cases, they are diagnosed on the hands, neck. In order to prevent large edema, expectant mothers should take care of their health. First of all, they need to undergo an ultrasound scan, and then undergo the treatment prescribed by the doctor. Women should remember that pregnancy with cardiac diseases does not always have a favorable outcome for themselves and their fetus.

kidney disease

A common reason why edema occurs during pregnancy is kidney failure. A symptom of the disease is swelling of the eyelids and face, which mainly occur after a night's sleep. The danger of the disease lies in the fact that it is rapidly developing and can threaten the mother and child.

Impaired kidney function provokes fluid retention in the body. Patients can self-diagnose this disease by swelling of the feet that appeared during pregnancy. This condition should cause concern in women and serve as a reason to visit a doctor. Therefore, if their left or right leg swells during pregnancy, they must undergo a medical examination.

Renal and heart failure have the same symptoms. Establish a diagnosis based on the results of tests and examinations.

Preeclampsia

Many women who have swollen legs in the last month of pregnancy are diagnosed with preeclampsia. With this pathology, the appearance of protein in the urine and the development of arterial hypertension are noted. As a result of such changes in the body, the water-salt balance is disturbed.

As the pathology develops, the permeability of the walls of the vessels increases, the liquid part of the blood begins to penetrate into the soft tissues. The fluid that accumulates in the tissues of the placenta can cause oxygen starvation of the baby in the womb. In addition to the fact that the pregnant woman's legs swell, she has convulsions, headache, impaired consciousness, nausea, and blood pressure rises. The development of pathology is accompanied by frequent diarrhea. In advanced cases, eclampsia develops.

Often provokes gestosis late toxicosis. After childbirth, it disappears on its own. This disease is considered very dangerous. Ignoring the symptoms of preeclampsia can lead to the death of the mother and fetus. But the problem is that it is insidious, it may not appear for a long time. A woman learns about the presence of a problem only after the onset of itching, when the swollen limb itches strongly. Specialists take measures to prevent the disease. Therefore, expectant mothers who regularly visit their doctor are much less likely to encounter such problems.

Physiological edema

Edema can be provoked by physiological causes. These factors include the effect of weather conditions, increased physical activity and many other reasons. So in pregnant women, the legs swell greatly in the heat. In the body of a pregnant woman, a natural physiological process occurs - an increase in progesterone. This leads to a retention of sodium and potassium in the kidneys, which attract water. Water is unevenly distributed in the body, mainly accumulates in the lower extremities. In people with increased body weight, pathology develops much more often. Because being overweight puts extra stress on your legs.

A characteristic feature of physiological edema is the defeat of the lower extremities. They cover the ankles and feet, especially if you have been on your feet for a long time.

Why leg swelling is dangerous and when to see a doctor

Minor edema in the first trimester, appearing in the last stages of pregnancy, does not pose a threat to the mother and fetus, and therefore does not require treatment. But in cases where edema has appeared during pregnancy and the legs hurt, emergency measures are necessary. This is the time to seek professional help. After the examination, the doctor will determine the cause of the edema, which happens to the baby and mother.

You should not take this problem lightly, because few people know what its danger is and how edema is dangerous during pregnancy for the mother and her child.

There is a risk of preterm birth. Swelling of the legs and a hardened abdomen during pregnancy may indicate swelling of the tissues of the placenta.

Violation of the functions of internal organs, provoking edema, can also threaten the life of the child.

Stages of edema norm and pathology

Each patient will be able to determine the pastosity independently. To do this, she needs to lightly press her finger on the affected area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe body. If the dent from pressure does not go away for a long time, then the diagnosis is confirmed.

The pathology in which the legs swell during pregnancy has 4 stages:

• swelling of the legs, feet;
• pastosity of the legs, lower abdomen, lower back;
• distribution of puffiness to the hands and face;
• an increase in the volume of the whole body.

The patient's condition, when edema is irregular, the physiological nature of development, is considered normal for the expectant mother. After the elimination of provoking factors, they will disappear. But there are conditions of patients when it is impossible to do without professional help. In addition to everyday problems, women suffer from a deterioration in well-being, fatigue and pain in edematous parts of the body.

How swelling of the legs manifests itself

The manifestation of edema depends on the reasons that provoked them. Women during pregnancy need to know how to determine swelling in the legs in order to prevent the development of complications. Because the development of the disease becomes dangerous, both for the expectant mother herself and for her child.

Edema can lead to a slight increase in leg volume. This condition is typical for trimester 1 and 2. In the later stages, the problem may have more pronounced symptoms. But if during pregnancy the legs swell strongly, then many patients give in to panic and do not know what to do. Large puffiness can cause the appearance of trophic ulcers and erosions.

Treatment

Every woman during pregnancy wonders how to relieve leg swelling. You can get rid of the problem yourself, but you just need to know what therapeutic measures you need to take. Pastosity therapy provides for complex treatment. Depending on the causes of the problem, the elimination of leg edema can be performed at home or in a hospital, using various therapeutic methods.

Medical treatment of edema

During pregnancy, drug treatment is carried out under the strict supervision of the attending physician. Therefore, the patient needs to consult a doctor in order to know how to remove swelling of the legs during pregnancy. He will assess the condition of the woman, and then tell you how during pregnancy, what to do when the legs swell very much. Any pills and medicine are taken under the strict supervision of a physician.

In most cases, they use a cream for swelling of the legs during pregnancy: troxevasin, heparin ointment. It increases the elasticity and tone of blood vessels, which helps to eliminate pastosity. Instead of ointments, you can use a gel for swelling of the legs during pregnancy. Diuretic drugs can be used: eufillin, kanefron, lipoic acid.

Treatment of edema with folk remedies

An effective way to relieve swelling of the legs during pregnancy at home is traditional medicine. Many doctors practice different methods of treatment with folk remedies, believing that they are able to eliminate the problem without harming the body.

Cabbage leaf has a good decongestant effect. It is applied to the affected area of ​​the body and fixed with a bandage. Such a compress for swelling of the legs helps to quickly eliminate the symptoms of pathology. The leaves of this plant cool, relieve pain and fatigue.

Another good remedy for swelling during pregnancy is sea salt. It is dissolved in warm water and therapeutic foot baths are made. Regular use of such water procedures during pregnancy will eliminate the need to look for an answer to the question of how to reduce leg swelling.

Diet for edema

For many expectant mothers, the question of how to treat swelling of the legs during pregnancy is relevant. The disease negatively affects the quality of life of the patient. Nutrition during pregnancy plays an important role. Because it is food that contributes to weight gain, an increase in the load on the legs. Pregnant women need to be careful about their diet. Nutrition should be balanced, containing vitamins and other nutrients.

Fresh fruits, herbs, and vegetables have a beneficial effect on the patient's condition. They contain a large amount of vitamins, minerals, which will saturate the body with all the necessary substances. A powerful weapon against edema is garlic, which has a positive effect on the circulatory system.

Women who control the amount of salt intake rarely wonder during pregnancy how to get rid of swelling in their legs.

To improve the condition, patients are arranged fasting days. They can be done no more than once a week. But this is enough to get rid of excess fluid. Equally important is the drinking regimen. The optimal amount of fluid for a pregnant woman is 1.5 liters of water per day. This will replenish water reserves and prevent swelling.

Prevention

The most effective means of combating edema is prevention. Compliance with simple recommendations during pregnancy can prevent severe swelling of the legs. Pregnant women should rest more often, but at the same time do not forget about physical activity. After an active working day, you can get rid of edema by lifting your legs up. Stimulate blood circulation walking, daily exercise.

Preparation for pregnancy is considered an effective preventive measure of the disease. Playing sports, giving up bad habits, healthy eating will strengthen the body and prepare it for pregnancy and childbirth. During the period of gestation, if any negative symptoms appear, you should seek professional help. Timely treatment will quickly get rid of the problem.

Conclusion

In late pregnancy, only physiological edema can be easily eliminated. Pathology that has arisen against the background of complications of pregnancy, or diseases, is more difficult to treat. But if all the recommendations of the doctor are followed, the future mother will be able to avoid health problems. Therefore, it is better for pregnant women to be under constant medical supervision.

Edema is an excessive accumulation of fluid in the interstitial space of any part of the body. During pregnancy, the amount of fluid circulating in a woman's body almost doubles, as it is contained in the amniotic fluid, the placenta, and is also needed by the growing baby and its circulatory system. At the same time, the water-salt metabolism changes (sodium accumulates in the vessels, which delays the excretion of fluid), and the growing uterus puts pressure on the vessels and organs, which slows down blood circulation and contributes to fluid retention. In addition to all this, the change in hormonal levels during this period causes a feeling of thirst, which also leads to swelling.

Edema as a syndrome accompanies many diseases of various organs and systems of the body: endocrine, cardiovascular, renal and other inflammatory processes.

Edema (especially large ones) is not just a symptom that looks unaesthetic and causes discomfort. They can be quite dangerous. Due to the strong swelling of the mother, the child may experience hypoxia (oxygen starvation), and the expectant mother herself may suffer from swelling of the internal organs and, as a result, disruption of their work. Edema can also be one of the symptoms of preeclampsia - a condition that, if severe, may even raise the question of early birth. Therefore, the appearance (and even their possible appearance) is important to track at the earliest stage.

However, sometimes even severe swelling does not bother a pregnant woman, and her health remains satisfactory. Even in such a situation, it is better to consult a doctor, since in more than 90% of such cases the condition worsens (protein appears in the urine, pressure rises) and passes into preeclampsia.

As a rule, edema begins to bother the expectant mother from about the 30th week (and with preeclampsia - from the 20th week) of pregnancy.

Severe edema may accompany pregnant women, expecting twins, or simply bearing a large fetus.

Hidden swelling during pregnancy - what is it?

It seems that puffiness is always an obvious problem. However, this is not entirely true. In addition to obvious edema, there are so-called hidden edema (swelling of internal organs and tissues). An obstetrician-gynecologist observing you can help to detect them by conducting several examinations:

1. Regular weighing. Very often, latent edema is indicated by too much weight gain - more than 300 g per week.
2. Regular measurement of leg circumference. Complicated latent edema is indicated by an increase in the size of the circumference of the leg by 1 cm or more (measurements are taken once a week).
3. The study of indicators of daily diuresis. Diuresis is the volume of urine produced in a given period of time. It compares the amount of liquid that was drunk with the amount of urine excreted. Normally, 3⁄4 of all the liquid you drink is released per day (this includes water, other drinks, fruits, and soups).

As a rule, the doctor can find out whether a woman is prone to edema already in the first weeks of pregnancy. He receives data about this from examining the patient, studying her constitution, heredity, medical history, as well as from a blood test for biochemistry. The sooner you know if you may have edema, the sooner you can take steps to prevent it.

Physiology and pathology of edema during pregnancy

Edema can be physiological and pathological. Physiological edema usually does not cause complications and gives the pregnant woman only a feeling of dissatisfaction with her appearance. Their origin is due to the fact that the growing uterus compresses the vessels - this prevents the normal outflow of blood. The uterus also presses on the ureters, which causes fluid retention during pregnancy and, as a result, swelling. Edema of the physiological type can also be associated with the constitution of the pregnant woman herself - in women of short stature and with increased body weight, they occur more often.

Pathological edema, as a rule, accompanies preeclampsia (late toxicosis) - a complication of pregnancy that can occur in the third trimester. Its symptoms are high blood pressure, excretion of protein in the urine (it is normally absent), nausea, vomiting, headaches, convulsions (eclampsia), fever, drowsiness, or, conversely, severe arousal, plus severe swelling. However, preeclampsia may not be accompanied by edema, and such a “dry” preeclampsia is considered a more severe case. Also, preeclampsia is not necessarily accompanied by all of the above symptoms. The most dangerous thing is the presence of seizures. In any case, preeclampsia almost always requires the help of a doctor and the presence of a pregnant woman in a hospital. The sooner you start treating him, the less likely he is to go into a severe form.

Swelling of the legs during pregnancy

Swelling of the legs during pregnancy is the most common type of edema. They especially bother those who spend a lot of time on their feet, or just after a long walk. Edema is usually noticeable on the feet and legs. At the same time, favorite shoes become small or press heavily. It is important to choose one that will not cause discomfort, made of well-stretched materials, so that it is comfortable to wear in the afternoon. It is also worth abandoning high heels, preferring low and stable ones. If you are concerned about swelling of the legs during pregnancy, try to avoid long walks, do not stand on your feet for a long time, take a supine position at home and raise your legs up, and regularly massage your feet.

Swelling of the hands during pregnancy

Swelling of the hands during pregnancy, as a rule, appears in those women who work at a computer, do needlework and any other monotonous work - fluid stagnation is formed due to monotonous movements. In this case, you need to regularly do gymnastics for the fingers. Also, starting from the second half of pregnancy, doctors advise not to wear rings on your hands. If you do not remove them in time, you can wait for such a degree of swelling, in which it will be very difficult or impossible to remove them.

Facial swelling during pregnancy

Swelling of the face during pregnancy is easy to notice - the face becomes round and puffy. Swelling of the eyelids causes particular discomfort, bags appear under the eyes. This is due to the specific anatomical features of the eyelids - in this area there is loose fiber, which strongly absorbs liquid. You can reduce swelling on the face by following the general rules for the prevention of swelling of the body.

Nasal swelling during pregnancy

The nose may swell as a result of general swelling of the face, as well as due to possible allergic reactions, which are greatly aggravated during the period of expectation of the child. It is advisable to prevent nasal congestion and swelling, because breathing problems make it difficult for oxygen to reach the child. You can eliminate swelling with the help of drops, but do not forget that pregnant women are forbidden to use a number of the usual drugs, so it is better if the medicine is prescribed to you by a doctor who knows exactly what drugs are allowed.

Prevention and treatment of edema during pregnancy

Pregnant women with edema are given increased attention at the stage of management in the antenatal clinic. The expectant mother is regularly weighed, her blood pressure is measured, and her kidney function is monitored with urine tests. Everything is aimed at the prevention (prevention) of complications. Advice given by doctors:

1. Set up nutrition. Exclude fried and smoked foods (food cooked in such ways has a bad effect on blood vessels), boil meat and vegetables, steam, bake. Food should contain a sufficient amount of protein (to avoid its lack, which can occur with preeclampsia). It is also better not to eat fatty, spicy, pickled, sweet foods, muffins. But low-fat broths, cereals, fruits and vegetables should be eaten regularly. For the prevention of puffiness, it is useful to spend fasting days, but without getting carried away, no more than once a week and always after agreement with the doctor.
2. Limit your salt intake (ideally to 1-1.5 grams per day). It contains sodium, thanks to which it retains fluid in the body. It is important not only to under-salt (or not to salt at all) food during cooking, but also to remove pickles, sauerkraut, herring, chips, crackers, sausages and canned food from the diet.
3. Drink more. A sufficient amount of fluid will speed up the water-salt metabolism in your body. If you drink little, you can bring the body to dehydration, which is no less dangerous. It is worth drinking up to 1.5 liters of water a day (not counting soups, compotes), and drink most of the liquid before dinner, leaving less for the evening. It is better to drink not in large glasses, but in small sips, often, but little by little. However, you should not abuse the liquid either - this is fraught with the appearance of even more puffiness. You can drink not only water, but also juices (preferably unsweetened and freshly squeezed), fruit drinks, tea with milk. At the same time, it is better not to get carried away with black tea and coffee, they can affect blood vessels and pressure. Green tea is also not as healthy as many people think: it contains a large amount of caffeine and can also affect the state of blood vessels. You can drink no more than two cups per day. Forget about soda, especially sweet ones. In addition to fluid retention, it also provokes heartburn. If you are going to start drinking the so-called diuretic teas, be sure to consult your doctor - not all such drinks can be beneficial, and you need to take them very carefully.
4. Move and do gymnastics according to your strength. With active movements, the risk of edema is reduced by half. Do special gymnastics for pregnant women, yoga, visit the pool. The main thing is not to overdo it and do it to the best of your ability. The load must be uniform and dosed.
5. Let's rest our feet. Try not to stand still or walk for too long. If you are sitting, place your feet on a footrest or stool. At the same time, it is absolutely impossible to sit with one leg thrown over the other. When sitting for a long time, do foot exercises about once an hour - twist them in different directions. Get up alternately on your heels and toes. Don't sit in one position for a long time. Lying down, put a roller under your feet. Do cool foot baths and massages.
6. Try not to stay in hot or stuffy rooms for a long time.
7. Wear special compression underwear as recommended by your doctor. Swelling of the legs may be accompanied by varicose veins. The phlebologist should deal with the treatment of this problem, he will also prescribe you underwear of the required degree of compression. The main thing is to choose it in size, it should not press.

Edema is a symptom that accompanies almost every pregnancy. Small swellings are almost inevitable, but there is nothing dangerous in them. Therefore, there is no need to worry. The main thing is to show responsibility in time and not to forget about the rules for their prevention, so as not to bring them to a severe degree. At the same time, after childbirth, edema disappears quickly enough, because the woman's body leaves about 8 liters of excess fluid. And you will quickly forget about this problem.

Signs of edema: when to see a doctor

The easiest way to determine if you have swelling or not is to press your finger on the skin. If there is no edema, there will be no trace left on the skin, if there is, you will see a hole that will level out rather slowly, and the skin itself becomes pale and tense with edema.

A slight puffiness will not harm the pregnant woman, however, there are signs, noticing which it is better not to hesitate to consult a doctor:

• Sharp weight gain. If you gain more than 300 g per week, this indicates severe swelling and a large amount of excess fluid in the body.
• The manifestation of edema in the morning. As a rule, puffiness is temporary and intensifies in the evening, and in the morning there are no traces of it. If she has been bothering you since the morning, then she can go to a dangerous degree.
• Burning, tingling of toes and hands, their numbness. This is due to nerve compression. With severe swelling, difficulties may also appear in bending the fingers, and it becomes painful to step on the legs.
• The shoes are tight and tight, the rings are difficult to remove from the fingers or not removed at all.
• Great rounding of the face, swelling of the nose and lips.
• Palpitations, shortness of breath, increased pressure.

How to get rid of edema during pregnancy? A question that is asked by almost all women in recent months. Edema reactions are caused by changes in the hormonal background, a growing fetus that presses on the internal organs and an increased volume of blood circulation. For these reasons, blood flow slows down, water accumulates in tissues, which can lead to hypoxia in a child.

How to determine swelling during pregnancy

To determine swelling during pregnancy, it is enough just to observe the changes that occur in the body of a woman. The fluid accumulates mainly in the limbs, the legs and arms become puffy.

In the third trimester, the feet become "swollen", if you lightly press your finger on the skin, then a notch will remain at the site of pressure for a while. Shoes of the right size are difficult to put on and press, it becomes uncomfortable.

On the hands, edematous reactions can be recognized by the rings. The fingers, due to the collected liquid, become larger, the jewelry begins to put pressure on the skin. This situation occurs in the evening and indicates the accumulation of water in the tissues.

Edema during pregnancy - what to do?

Edema in pregnant women can occur for various reasons, and depending on this, subsequent therapy is built. With latent edematous reactions, doctors can diagnose preeclampsia, kidney failure, or cardiovascular disease.

If edema is caused only by a growing fetus inside the womb, then this condition does not require special treatment. Here are some tips to help you deal with water build-up:

1. Massage will help reduce tissue swelling. Every evening, lightly pressing, rub the feet with smooth movements. On the hands, it is necessary to knead the fingers, clench and unclench the fists, try to "drive" the liquid, starting from the fingertips, further down the arm.
2. It is enough to do moderate gymnastics so as not to swell during pregnancy. You can go to the pool or to fitness classes, as a sedentary lifestyle provokes water accumulation.
3. In the heat, the body is most susceptible to swelling, but you should not drink less liquid, for the reason that this will provoke a backlash, the tissues will begin to store water for the future.

Severe edema rarely occurs in the first trimester, more often the 3rd trimester is caused by accumulations of fluid. You can use folk remedies, medicinal herbs and a special diet. These methods effectively fight edema, keeping the health of the mother and baby in perfect order.

How and how to relieve swelling during pregnancy?

In pregnant women, the question often arises: “if you swell during pregnancy, then how to quickly remove swelling at home?” The answer lies in the use of decoctions, which act as a diuretic, and certain dietary rules should be followed.

The diet is based on the principles of healthy eating:

• fractional nutrition will help relieve swelling and speed up metabolic processes;
• eating a lot of fiber - vegetables and fruits;
• exclude salt, fried, smoked and canned;
• cook food only by steaming or by boiling.

You can relieve swelling by taking foot baths with warm water and sea salt. After this procedure, lie down and raise your legs above the level of your head, this position helps to distribute the liquid, preventing it from accumulating in one place.

What to drink with edema during pregnancy?

To remove swelling of tissues during pregnancy, you can use folk remedies: decoctions, infusions, fruit drinks and juices. Drinking edema requires a large amount of water, contrary to popular belief that fluid should be limited. Less consumption will be perceived by the body as a signal to save "in reserve", therefore, in addition to the liquid from the main food, you should drink as much water as required.

From diuretics based on medicinal herbs, you can prepare decoctions and drink from edema:

• fruit drink based on lingonberries and cranberries;
• decoction of rose hips;
• infusion of birch leaves or bearberry;
• Dill water;
• kidney tea.

Such drugs, in addition to the diuretic effect and removal of excess water, will help strengthen the immune system, have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. The body is saturated with a large number of vitamins and trace elements that are found in medicinal herbs and fruits.

Severe swelling caused by pregnancy is treated in a hospital of a medical institution. In the 3rd trimester, drugs can be prescribed that improve uteroplacental blood flow (magnesia, Magne B6, Magnerot). Drugs that help reduce capillary permeability (canephron), diuretics (phytolysin) and other drugs that can treat swelling and improve the functioning of internal organs.

Almost every woman during pregnancy is faced with the concept of puffiness. This is due to the fact that twice as much fluid circulates in the body as before, and this factor, in addition to a visual change, entails other health problems. Consider how dangerous edema is during pregnancy, which affects their occurrence, prevention and control measures.

Causes of edema in pregnant women

Edema occurs not only due to water changes in the body, but also due to the fact that the outflow of blood slows down significantly and enters various parts of the body at an unusual pace, especially to the lower extremities. There are several types and stages of swelling during pregnancy.

Swelling of the lower legs

More often most pregnant women experience swelling of the legs in the area of ​​​​the feet and ankles, this is due to the fact that water and blood are least supplied to this part of the body, the woman in this case experiences a constant feeling of thirst, and from the fact that she He drinks a lot, his face and hands begin to swell in parallel.

Shoes no longer fit on the leg, it becomes tight and small, in summer it is easier to pick up new, comfortable shoes, in winter, of course, it is more difficult, and it seems that it will be convenient only in galoshes or felt boots.

According to the standard, puffiness appears closer to the 20th week of pregnancy and can persist until the birth itself.

Causes of edema:

1. The uterus increases simultaneously with the growth of the fetus, thereby putting pressure on the organs and vessels that surround it. Because of this, it is difficult to excrete fluid from the body, especially if the uterus presses on the ureters.
2. Preeclampsia - late toxicosis, poses a threat to the pregnant woman. In this case, the outflow and supply of blood through the vessels is significantly worsened, blood pressure may increase, and the worst thing is that tissue death may begin. Therefore, if after 20 weeks you observe nausea, vomiting or the urge to it, you are overcome by general weakness, you need to urgently see a doctor, and hospitalization is most likely necessary.
3. Glomerulonephritis- a pathological, inflammatory disease of the kidneys, very often women learn about the diagnosis during pregnancy, since, before it, the inflammatory process occurs quite slowly and asymptomatically, aggravates with uterine pressure on the kidney vessels. In this case, additional medical supervision and medical support will be required.
4. Diseases of the cardiovascular system.
5. Varicose veins in the legs or hips.
6. Insufficient amount of protein in the body with food.

Swelling of the legs is not always scary and unsafe, often mild forms of edema can be observed with excessive fluid intake, fatty or overly salty foods.

Swelling of the hands

Before the start of the third trimester of pregnancy, women are advised to remove all rings and jewelry from their hands, as they can stick into the skin, it will be problematic or almost impossible to remove them, in which case the swelling will increase and will be constantly present.

Causes of edema:

1. Changes in the hormonal plan, with which the body of a pregnant woman releases more progesterone, which causes water retention.
2. Fingers and hands can also swell with viral and infectious diseases, colds, flu, etc.
3. Allergic reaction to household chemicals or food.
4. Overwork, the wrong regimen of the day, in which the pregnant woman spends a lot of time in a standing position, or overstrains the muscles of her hands.

When observing swelling of the hands, you should immediately take a urine test and a general blood test.

swelling of the face

This refers not just to swelling of the nose, but to a noticeable roundness of the entire face, as well as painful sensations of the skin when touched.

Causes of edema:

1. Dehydration of the skin.
2. Excessive pressure on the veins and lymphatic vessels.
3. Water-salt imbalance.
4. Extremely hot weather.

With this type of swelling, it is usually enough to follow a special diet and light medication without hospitalization.

Symptoms of edema during pregnancy

The most common symptoms of edema are:

These are a number of the main and most common symptoms that a pregnant woman experiences during swelling, but each of them can manifest itself individually and to varying degrees.

What is dangerous swelling during pregnancy

In 80% of cases, pregnant women experience and edema is observed physiological nature, which are easily eliminated by diet and special medications, this type of edema does not pose a threat to the health of the expectant mother and baby.

If the problem lies deeper, then this is already an alarming signal, and failure to provide proper medical care can lead to the fact that insufficient oxygen is supplied to the fetus, oxygen starvation occurs, which threatens the fetal fading with abortion or the onset of premature birth.

Therefore, do not neglect planned trips to the doctor with whom you are registered, as well as in case of a sharp deterioration in health and well-being, call an ambulance and do not refuse hospitalization if there are indications for this.

How to remove swelling during pregnancy

Drug treatment is used only as prescribed by the attending physician, after preliminary testing and an accurate clarification of the cause of edema. Most often, treatment can be done at home, with a short course, after which a second test will follow.

Drugs used to treat and prevent edema in pregnant women

Kanefron

Combined preparation consisting of rosemary leaves, centaury grass and lovage root. It happens in the form of drops based on alcohol, and in the form of dragees (a more suitable form of release for pregnant women).

The drug strengthens the capillaries and vessels of the kidneys, improves their basic functions, has a slight (sparing) diuretic effect, and also has anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and antiseptic effects.

Important! During treatment with Kanefron, it is necessary to drink at least one liter of pure water during the day.

Phytolysin

Paste for internal use, consisting of five plants and four natural oils, fragrant and quite pleasant to the taste. Relieves inflammation of the kidneys, spasms, has a diuretic property, promotes the removal of stones from the bladder. The drug is not used for pyelonephritis and other acute inflammatory processes.

Magne B6 + No-Shpa

They are prescribed if the cause of edema is hidden in circulatory problems in tissues, blood vessels and smooth muscles. They have a strengthening, antispasmodic effect.

Vitamin E

It strengthens the walls of blood vessels, which always weaken when edema occurs, and therefore the vascular fluid seeps through the vessels and spreads through the tissues of the whole body.

Hofitol

Choleretic drug based on artichoke. Stimulates the excretion of bile, reduces the level of urea and cholesterol in the blood, has a diuretic effect, enhances the protective properties of the liver. Often prescribed for pregnant women, as well as newborns, with a disease such as jaundice or digestive problems.

Furosemide

A diuretic, fast acting with a short-term effect, which helps to remove excess fluid, as well as phosphates, potassium, magnesium, calcium from the body, blocks the flow of sodium into the kidneys. It is prescribed in exceptional cases, as an ambulance for short-term use.

Hypothiazide

Long acting diuretic. The effect lasts for a day or more, the effect of the drug begins 5-7 hours after application, so it should be taken in the morning.

Important! Both drugs are contraindicated for use in the first trimester of pregnancy, you can drink them starting from the second trimester, only as directed by a doctor.

Puffiness of the legs will help to remove venotonic ointments and gels: Troxevasin, Heparin ointment, Hepatrombin, Venitan, Lyoton.

Folk remedies for edema of pregnant women

Contrast baths

a simple and effective method, you just need to immerse your feet in hot or cold water. A hot bath in duration can be about 5 minutes, a cold bath, about 10 seconds, so as not to provoke inflammation of the kidneys and genitourinary system. You can add a few drops of Peppermint or Eucalyptus essential oil to the water.

Massage

Foot massage with special rollers or just with your hands, using venotonic ointments.

Before answering this question - you need to find out a few very important points. First, do you really have swelling. Secondly, what is their reason. And only having received answers to them - you can think about treatment.

Quite a common occurrence. Especially in the second half of pregnancy. With edema, a woman feels heaviness in, her hands may go numb, shoes become tight and the rings on her fingers are squeezed. Usually, in edematous places, when pressed, a hole remains, which very slowly disappears. The skin of the body (in edematous places) becomes smooth and pale.

The causes of edema in a pregnant woman are different. The main one is the growing uterus. With its weight, it presses on, their large vessels that lead to the limbs. As a result, venous outflow from the legs becomes difficult. Due to pressure on the vessels of the kidneys, their function is disrupted, the excretion of fluid from the body slows down. Such edema is called physiological. For a pregnant woman and for her child, they do not pose a danger. Usually, swelling is observed only on the legs and feet, and disappears after rest.

But there are more serious causes of edema in a pregnant woman. They may be associated with impaired function, kidney and heart. If the edema spreads not only to the limbs, but also to other parts of the body, if they do not disappear in the morning, it becomes difficult for a woman to breathe, blood pressure rises, a protein is found in the urine test - you should consult a doctor, undergo the prescribed tests, find out the true cause of the swelling and only after that to start serious treatment. There is a degree of edema, which is treated only in a hospital. In any case, you must understand that self-treatment in this matter is strictly prohibited!

Foreign doctors do not recommend treating physiological edema. Domestic medicine is more cautious in this matter. Our obstetricians claim that already the first stages of edema must be treated, since in 90% of cases in pregnant women, after mild swelling, protein rises and appears in the urine. And these are already symptoms, which is dangerous for both the mother and her child.

There are several methods for treating edema during pregnancy:

• drug treatment of edema;
• ethnoscience;
• diet.

The most common treatment for edema is diet. Its peculiarity is only that it is necessary to exclude fried, smoked and salted foods from the diet. During the day, it is allowed to consume no more than 8 grams of salt. After all, it is she who retains fluid in the body. Also, while following a diet for edema, a pregnant woman should monitor fluid intake. Experts recommend drinking no more than 1 liter of water per day.

Traditional medicine for the treatment of edema offers a variety of tinctures. Lingonberry leaf, bearberry leaf, horsetail, bear's ears - these herbs have a weak diuretic property. Usually drink 1 glass of herbal infusion during the day. The course of treatment is up to 1 month. But even these "light" drugs can only be used as prescribed by a doctor. After all, they are contraindicated. They can be appointed only in extreme cases and for a short time. These drugs include: Cyston, Kanefron, Phytolysin. All these drugs have diuretic, antiseptic, antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory effects, improve kidney function. But these drugs have a lot of contraindications, side effects. They adversely affect the fetus. Therefore, in no case do not take them without a doctor's prescription.

In the treatment of edema, it is important to strengthen the vascular system, improve uteroplacental blood flow. This will not allow fluid to seep from the vessels into the tissues, which means that edema cannot form. Therefore, very often doctors prescribe Magne B6, Magnerot, lipoic acid.

However, the treatment of edema must first of all begin with the correct daily routine. A night's sleep of at least 9 hours, a long stay in the fresh air, walking in comfortable shoes, daily exercises, healthy eating - all this should become the norm of your life.

For the prevention and treatment of edema, it is recommended to take at least once a day for 5-10 minutes. In this position, the uterus ceases to put pressure on large vessels and ureters. This improves the blood supply to the uterus, placenta, fluid from the kidneys "flows" into the bladder.

Also, at every opportunity, raise your legs higher. And try to rest on your side. This will help your kidneys work without interruption, as well as increase blood flow to the placenta.

Health to you!

Especially for- Tanya Kivezhdiy