How to reduce water retention during pregnancy

Swollen ankles, feet and fingers in pregnancy

It's normal to get some swelling in pregnancy, particularly in your legs, ankles, feet and fingers.

It's often worse at the end of the day and further into your pregnancy.

Swelling that comes on gradually is not usually harmful to you or your baby, but it can be uncomfortable.

A sudden increase in swelling can be a sign of pre-eclampsia, a condition that needs to be monitored as soon as possible.

Non-urgent advice: Call your midwife, GP or labour ward immediately if you have:

a sudden increase in swelling in your face, hands or feet
a very bad headache
problems with your vision, such as blurring or flashing lights in your eyes
severe pain just below your ribs
vomiting with any of these symptoms

These could be symptoms of pre-eclampsia, which can lead to serious complications if it's not monitored and treated.

Normal pregnancy swelling

Swelling is caused by your body holding more water than usual when you're pregnant.

Throughout the day the extra water tends to gather in the lowest parts of the body, especially if the weather is hot or you have been standing a lot.

The pressure of your growing womb can also affect the blood flow in your legs. This can cause fluid to build up in your legs, ankles and feet.

What can help to reduce swelling

Try to:

avoid standing for long periods
wear comfortable shoes and socks – avoid tight straps or anything that might pinch if your feet swell
try to rest with your feet up as much as you can
drink plenty of water – this helps your body get rid of excess water
exercise – try to take regular walks during the day or doing foot exercises

Foot exercises

You can do foot exercises sitting or standing. They improve blood circulation, reduce swelling in the ankles, and prevent cramp in the calf muscles:

bend and stretch your foot up and down 30 times
rotate each foot in a circle 8 times one way and 8 times the other way

Get more tips on exercising in pregnancy.

Page last reviewed: 10 March 2021
Next review due: 10 March 2024

5 Ways to Reduce Pregnancy Puffiness and Swelling

Category: Pregnancy

March 26, 2019

If you have already had one child, then you know the drill. Pregnancy puffiness and swelling are all part of the deal that comes with bringing new life into the world. With all the joys of waiting for your baby to arrive, including the so-called glow, you also experience the annoying puffiness and swelling.

If you are pregnant and uncomfortable, consider these 5 ways to reduce said pregnancy puffiness and swelling.

Why Does Pregnancy Cause Fluid Retention?

The typical places that become puffy and swollen are the ankles, feet, legs, fingers, and even the face. Fluid retention is annoying, to be sure, but it’s a necessary evil. Extra fluid builds up during pregnancy as hormones change, which helps to soften the body so it can more easily expand as the baby and uterus grow.

This normal swelling is known as edema and it begins about halfway through pregnancy with the worst symptoms in the third trimester.

Reduce Pregnancy Puffiness and Swelling by Eating Right

Yes, you hear this all the time, but it is especially important when pregnant. So, what exactly does “eating right” mean?

Reducing your salt (sodium) intake will go a long way to keep down the swelling. Be especially conscientious about eliminating prepackaged foods. It may seem easy to grab them when fixing a quick meal, but they are loaded with salt, fat, and sugar. Canned foods, snacks, chips, and luncheon meats should be off the menu during pregnancy. Sorry, ladies.

It is also recommended to avoid caffeine and carbonated drinks as they tend to cause water retention.

Try to eat more lean proteins like fish, poultry, turkey, or beef. You can also pair these proteins with lots of fresh or frozen vegetables.

Increase your potassium by eating bananas, sweet potatoes, avocado, and kidney beans. Potassium helps to reduce swelling by keeping your body chemically balanced.

Stay Hydrated

Choose healthy and natural diuretic foods when the urge to snack hits you. It may seem counterintuitive, but staying hydrated is an easy way to keep fluids moving through the kidneys and out of the body.

Cranberry juice, asparagus, celery, artichoke, carrots, watermelon, cabbage, apple cider vinegar, and lemons are all natural diuretics.

Of course drink water, the best of all your hydration options.

Keep Your Blood Flowing

Regular and simple exercise like swimming and walking can help with fluid retention. Standing in water for 20 minutes will decrease swelling.

Ditch your heels for now and wear comfortable shoes, and don’t stand on your feet for long periods of time without moving. Use orthotic inserts in your shoes to reduce leg and lower back pain, and avoid crossing your legs while pregnant as it restricts blood flow.

Other tips include sleeping on your left side to encourage blood to return to the heart, and elevating your legs whenever possible. Swelling gets worse at the end of the day so take a few minutes out of your busy schedule to put some pillows under your legs and relax. You deserve it.

Stay Cool Whenever Possible

Being pregnant during the summer heat makes for a tough couple of months. The heat will help everything to “balloon.” Rings that fit – won’t any more. Even your shoes will get tight. The best remedy is to stay indoors if possible and remain cool.

Feel free to use cold compresses and cool towels.

Reduce Pregnancy Puffiness and Swelling with Massage

Massage is truly the trifecta of relief for a puffy pregnant lady. It will make improvements in your circulation as it aids in blood flow to the heart. In addition, it helps to excrete water and impurities through the kidneys.

Choose a soothing oil you like. Cypress, chamomile, or lavender oil are all very relaxing and calming. Find a professional masseuse or sweet talk your spouse into giving you regular massages to relieve your discomfort throughout pregnancy.

Make an appointment to see one of our expert obstetricians if you have concerns about pregnancy puffiness and swelling, or if your face becomes excessively swollen.

Edema (dropsy) during pregnancy

Edema during pregnancy

It is normal for swelling to occur during pregnancy, especially in the legs, ankles, feet and fingers. It often gets worse at the end of the day. Swelling that comes on gradually is usually not dangerous for you or your baby, but it can be uncomfortable.

Consult a gynecologist on WhatsApp 💬

If you notice swelling in your hands, ankles and feet, try not to worry. Swelling of the hands, ankles, and feet is very common during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester. Swelling is caused by your body holding on to more fluid than usual. You can get rid of swollen hands, feet and swollen ankles by staying active and drinking plenty of water. Sometimes swollen hands and feet can be a sign of something more serious.

For example, if swelling bothers you in the last trimester of pregnancy and persists on an ongoing basis. During this period of pregnancy, many expectant mothers experience impaired lymph and blood flow. This contributes to fluid retention in the tissues and the formation of edema. As a result, the development of dropsy of pregnancy .

Dropsy during pregnancy

This is a form of toxicosis, in which edema does not disappear from the woman's body, but only increases in size (weight is growing rapidly), in the absence of protein in the urine and normal blood pressure. Violation of water-salt metabolism in the body can pose a serious danger to the health of the expectant mother and baby. In the absence of proper treatment, dropsy can develop into preeclampsia (a severe form of toxicosis). Therefore, at the first signs of this disease, you should immediately go to the hospital. nine0003

Dropsy is considered an early manifestation of preeclampsia, characterized by fluid retention in the body and the appearance of edema.

The following stages are distinguished in dropsy:

1 Stage of dropsy - swelling of the legs (stop and lower legs)
Stage of dropsy - swelling of the legs and anterior abdominal wall of the abdomen
9000 3 stage , abdomen, hands and face
Stage 4 dropsy - generalized edema

Below we provide additional tips for reducing pregnancy swelling and explain when you should still be concerned about swelling during pregnancy.

Causes of swelling (dropsy) during pregnancy

As your baby grows, the expanding uterus presses on the blood vessels in the pelvic area.

Particularly affected are the large veins on the right side (inferior vena cava), which receive blood from the lower extremities. The pressure from your baby and uterus slows down blood flow in this area and causes water to pool from your blood vessels into the tissues of your legs and feet. This can cause swelling of the ankles and legs. nine0003

Your hands may also swell towards the end of your pregnancy. If you wear rings, they can put pressure on your fingers and you may have to give them up for a while. Hot weather and standing for long periods of time can also increase swelling.

Up to 80 percent of healthy pregnant women suffer from edema in late pregnancy.

Diagnosis of dropsy in pregnancy

nine0050 When should I be concerned about swelling during pregnancy?

Swelling during pregnancy is normal and although annoying, it is usually not a big deal. However, very rarely it can still be a sign of a serious illness.

Edema can develop into a form of toxicosis such as dropsy. This can be determined by a sharp increase in weight. Of course, all pregnant women gain weight throughout pregnancy and swelling can also appear periodically and this is absolutely normal, but it is necessary to ensure that the indicators on the scales do not exceed 200-300 grams per week. Also common signs that dropsy is developing can be called:

infrequent urination;
constant feeling of thirst;
leather gloss;
puffiness;
increased fatigue.

If you experience sudden or severe swelling of your hands, face or feet, call your doctor or midwife right away. This may be a sign of preeclampsia, which is a serious condition that can harm you and your baby and also affect your blood pressure. nine0003

Call your healthcare provider if you notice excessive and/or sudden swelling in your feet or ankles, especially if it is accompanied by any of the following signs of preeclampsia:

Changes in vision, blurred or bright spots
Pain in the upper abdomen
Shortness of breath
Swelling of hands or face more than moderate
Nausea or vomiting after 20 weeks of pregnancy

Danger of edema in pregnancy

If only one leg is swollen and hot, seek medical attention immediately. There is a small chance it could be due to a blood clot. This is called deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and you will need medical attention.

Symptoms of DVT include:

pain, swelling, or tenderness in one of the legs, usually the lower leg
severe pain and warm skin in the area
red or discolored skin, especially on the calves

Both preeclampsia and DVT can be dangerous for you and your baby, but they can be managed. The sooner you get tested, the better.

Risk of dropsy in pregnancy

What can be done to reduce swelling?

Staying active can help reduce swelling because it stimulates circulation. Try incorporating a couple of walks into your daily routine, or making a few changes to your regular habits, such as getting off the bus a stop early and walking the rest of the way, or taking the stairs instead of the elevator. nine0003

You may have heard that diuretics help your kidneys pass water and sodium so you can get rid of excess fluid in your body. However, they are not recommended for normal pregnancy edema, as by washing out important elements, diuretic tablets can harm the fetus.

How to reduce swelling during pregnancy

Your doctor may only suggest that you take them if you have other complications such as heart disease or kidney problems. nine0003

Instead of using diuretics, try the following methods for edema:

Drink plenty of water as this will help your body eliminate excess water.
Try wearing compression garments, stockings or knee socks. This will especially help relieve your swollen feet and swollen ankles.
Get a professional foot massage or ask your partner for a relaxing hand or foot massage. nine0003

Tips for swelling during pregnancy

Raise your legs whenever possible as this will improve blood circulation . At work, keep a footstool or box under your desk. At home and in bed, try to lie on your side, as this reduces pressure on the inferior vena cava and is safer for your baby. Place a pillow under your ankles to elevate your legs at night.
Try not to stand on your feet for too long. Take regular breaks from work. Your employer is required to conduct a risk assessment of your position and do everything possible to reduce the health risks to you and your child.

Leg exercises can help reduce ankle swelling. Bend the leg up and down 30 times, then twist it eight times in one direction and eight times in the other. Repeat with the other leg. You can apply this technique to your swollen hands as well. nine0003
Swimming in pool for at least 20 minutes may also help.
Wear comfortable shoes and socks . You can buy socks with specially designed ankle cuffs that won't compress if your feet get a little swollen. Wearing larger, wider, or slip-on shoes can help you feel more comfortable.

nine0002 Dropsy and preeclampsia during pregnancy

When will swelling disappear?

Try to remember that swelling will not last forever. Like many other discomforts during pregnancy, normal swelling should go away a few weeks after delivery.

If, like some women, you find that you have more swelling after having a baby than during pregnancy, following the same tips and exercises can help you reduce it. It should be gone by the time your baby is six to eight weeks old. Do not forget to be examined in time and visit a gynecologist-endocrinologist during and after pregnancy. nine0003

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general medicineVIVI.clinic July 6, 2022 Gynecology, gynecologist, pregnancy management, gynec11 Comment

Drinking regime of a pregnant woman | How much water can you drink

Each of us needs 2-2.5 liters of water every day. More precisely, the body's need for fluid is calculated from the formula, according to which 35 grams of water is needed for each kilogram of weight. But with the onset of pregnancy, the daily rate may change. In the first trimester, when you suffer from toxicosis and you are rapidly losing weight, you need to make up for the lack of water. Of course, you will drink as much as your body requires. nine0003

Water is needed for many chemical reactions and metabolic processes. During pregnancy, it is necessary to increase the blood volume of the expectant mother, renew the amniotic fluid, support the blood circulation of the embryo and provide it with nutrients. Water removes toxins from the body and stimulates the intestines.

But not every liquid is healthy. So, coffee and freshly brewed tea (not only black, but also green) contain caffeine, which has a tonic effect, which can lead to increased blood pressure and heart rate, as well as a diuretic effect that aggravates dehydration. Sweet carbonated drinks can lead to a violation of carbohydrate metabolism in a pregnant woman. Herbal decoctions must be used very carefully, as it is possible to develop allergic reactions and therapeutic effects that are contraindicated during pregnancy

For example, oregano should not be used throughout pregnancy, as it has a stimulating effect on the myometrium (uterine muscles), which can cause miscarriage.

Therefore, the best source of fluid is pure drinking water with a proven safe composition. The use of ordinary water is the most optimal for the functioning of the kidneys, cardiovascular and endocrine systems, it is less retained in the body compared to other liquids.

During pregnancy, a woman's body contains a lot of water: 2-2.5 liters of water is intended for the fetus, 1.5-2 liters is amniotic fluid, about a liter of fluid is in the enlarged uterus and the same amount in the placenta and mammary glands. nine0003

How much can you drink after 20 weeks? On this issue, doctors disagree. Some people think that you need to drink as much as you want. Otherwise, the deficiency will force the body to leave water in the tissues in reserve, and edema cannot be avoided. Others - and most of them in domestic medicine - advise reducing the amount of fluid consumed. The fact is that the water-salt metabolism of pregnant women is characterized by increased retention of sodium and water. The accumulation of fluid is an important condition for a successful pregnancy. However, excess leads to increased protein breakdown, leaching of some vitamins, and also overloads the heart and kidneys, which can contribute to the appearance of edema. nine0003

Experts who adhere to the second point of view consider it necessary after the 20th week of pregnancy to reduce the amount of water to 1-1.