Reducing leg edema during pregnancy in the last months

This is an automatically translated article.

The article is professionally consulted by Doctor Le Van Linh - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Phu Quoc International General Hospital and Master, Doctor Tran Lam Khoa - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec International General Hospital Central Park .
Reducing leg swelling in the last months of pregnancy is what most pregnant women are concerned about, because they not only cause discomfort but can also be the cause of a number of diseases.

1. Swollen feet during pregnancy?

Swollen feet during pregnancy are normal, although uncomfortable, for many pregnant women. During pregnancy, excess fluid in your body and pressure from your growing uterus can cause swelling (or edema) in your ankles and feet. Swelling tends to get worse as labor gets closer.
During the first 3 months of pregnancy, the level of the hormone progesterone increases rapidly, which slows down the digestive process of pregnant women. This can cause bloating before you have a lot of swelling. You may notice puffiness on your hands, feet, or face, but not much. If you notice swelling early on, especially if it's accompanied by other symptoms like dizziness, headache, or bleeding, it's best to see your doctor for proper treatment.
The second trimester starts from the 14th week of pregnancy, at which time you start to notice swollen feet around the fifth month of pregnancy, especially if you walk a lot or the weather is hot. Edema occurs due to an increased amount of blood and fluid in the body. While this can make you feel uncomfortable, increasing your fluid intake will help soften your body and prepare it for delivery.

The third trimester starts from the 28th week of pregnancy, this is the time when pregnant women will most often experience leg swelling, at this time the pregnant woman's body is continuing to be supplied with blood and fluids. The uterus also gets heavier as the fetus grows, which can slow blood flow from the legs back to the heart. However, it is not a serious condition, so pregnant women should not be too worried.
Other factors can cause swollen feet during pregnancy such as:
Hot weather Improper diet Use of caffeine Not drinking enough water Standing for too long

2. When to see a doctor?

Swollen feet during pregnancy in the last months of pregnancy is a normal physiological phenomenon of pregnancy that many pregnant women encounter. This is considered a sign that your body has to go through many difficulties to prepare. motherhood.
However, in rare cases, swollen feet can also be a warning sign of a more serious problem. One of them is preeclampsia, which can develop during pregnancy and cause dangerously high blood pressure.
See a doctor right away if you notice any unusual signs such as:
Sudden swelling in your hands, feet, face, or around your eyes Swelling that gets worse Dizziness or blurred vision Severe headache Difficulty breathing

If you have swelling, swelling on only one leg along with pain, heat, and redness, this could be a sign that you have a deep vein thrombosis. This is a common blood clot in the legs, you need to see a doctor immediately if you notice these symptoms because pregnant women have a higher chance of developing deep vein thrombosis than the general population.

3. What to do to reduce leg swelling during pregnancy?

Swollen feet may or may not be painful, but they will certainly make you feel uncomfortable and uncomfortable. There are some simple ways to alleviate the symptoms of pregnancy leg swelling such as:
Reduce salt consumption: One way to reduce swelling during pregnancy is to reduce the amount of salt in your food, salt is what causes your body to lose weight. Store more water, canned or processed foods should be avoided as they contain high salt content, using aromatic herbs like rosemary, basil, etc. is an easy way to enhance the flavor in your recipes without using much salt. Increase potassium: Not providing enough potassium can also make edema worse, potassium helps the body balance fluid levels, you should add potassium-rich foods to your diet such as potatoes, sweet potatoes (eat whole peel), bananas, spinach, legumes, fruit juices (plums, pomegranates, oranges, carrots, passion fruit), yogurt, beets, salmon, lentils. Limit caffeine use: Although occasional coffee during pregnancy is not harmful, drinking too much can make swelling worse. Caffeine is a diuretic, causing you to urinate more, which makes your body think it needs to hold onto more fluid. Drink more water: It may sound weird to drink more water to combat edema, but it really works. If your body is dehydrated, it will retain more water than make up for the lack of water. So, try to drink at least 10 glasses of water a day to help the kidneys eliminate toxins and keep your body hydrated.

Elevate your legs and get proper rest: although you have hundreds of things to do during pregnancy to welcome your baby, try to make time to sit and elevate whenever possible. Sitting for too long or standing for too long is not good for blood circulation in the body. Sit and elevate your legs for short periods of time, especially at the end of the day, to help circulate the fluid that has accumulated in your legs throughout the day. Wear loose, comfortable clothing: Wearing tight clothing, especially around the wrists, waist and ankles, can make swelling worse due to poor circulation. Try to wear loose, comfortable clothing - or at least avoid tight elastic bands. Wear comfortable shoes: Wearing comfortable, well-fitting shoes is key to reducing foot swelling, as well as preventing hip and back problems that can arise from pregnancy's shifting center of gravity and weight. you also increase. In addition to swollen feet, the ligaments in your body (including your feet) actually stretch during pregnancy, so your feet can change size. Regularly move, exercise during pregnancy as this will help reduce edema. Some activities are considered safe for pregnant women such as walking, swimming, aerobics, yoga,... Swimming: There is no research to prove that water pressure reduces swelling during pregnancy, but many women Women feel less swelling when they spend time in the pool. Try standing or swimming in a pool as deep as your neck. At the very least, you will feel lighter, cooler and more relaxed. You may also find that your feet and legs are less swollen. Massage: Massage helps circulate the fluids that tend to build up in your feet, which in turn will reduce swelling. Sleeping on your left side when possible improves blood flow and reduces swelling in the feet. Lying on your left side relieves your uterus of pressure off the inferior vena cava, which is the large blood vessel that carries blood back to the heart.

Swollen feet during pregnancy is a very common side effect of pregnancy. Leg swelling is caused by an increase in the amount of fluid in your body, as well as a decrease in circulation. If you have sudden or severe swelling, you need to see a doctor right away, but if it is a little swollen, it is definitely normal. You can prevent leg swelling by exercising regularly, drinking plenty of fluids, resting, and eating a well-balanced diet.
Currently, Vinmec International General Hospital is implementing a package Maternity service, helping pregnant women to be assured of monitoring, periodic examination and dedicated care during labor and delivery. With a team of doctors with rich expertise, experience wholeheartedly for the health benefits of patients will bring satisfaction to you!
Doctor Le Van Linh has 16 years of experience in the field of obstetrics and gynecology. With professional strengths such as treatment of obstetrics and gynecological diseases, gynecological cancer screening, breast cancer screening and pregnancy monitoring, Dr. Linh used to hold the position of Head of Obstetrics and Gynecology Department at the hospital. Hoan My Cuu Long (Can Tho). Currently, Dr. Linh is working at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Phu Quoc International General Hospital.
Master, Doctor Tran Lam Khoa is trained and used to specialize in fetal medicine and prenatal diagnosis at Necker Hospital - Prenatal diagnosis center - Fetal intervention and treatment center France's largest. This is also the place where difficult and complicated diseases are concentrated with the world's leading professors of fetal medicine and fetal intervention. Currently, Doctor Khoa is working at Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital, he will directly diagnose, treat, and intervene in fetuses to bring healthy babies and bring happiness to parents. future mother.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.

Reference source: healthline.com