Retaining water 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.

Dropsy is considered an early manifestation of gestosis, 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.

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 experience edema in late pregnancy.

Diagnosis of dropsy in pregnancy

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
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.

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.

Make an appointment with a gynecologist ►

general medicineVIVI.clinic July 6, 2022 Gynecology, gynecologist, pregnancy management, gynec12 Comments

Fluid retention in the body. Diuretic during pregnancy - tips in the pregnancy calendar on Babyblog.ru example

Fluid retention in the body during pregnancy

Puffiness during pregnancy, especially in the second trimester (at 24–26 weeks) is due to the increased load on the kidneys and urinary system of a woman. In addition to external, obvious, edema can be internal. In this case, they will indicate a violation of the functions of internal organs and have a negative impact on the development of pregnancy, and can cause complications during childbirth. Therefore, doctors in the antenatal clinic regularly monitor the woman's weight gain and, in case of deviations from the norm, carry out preventive treatment. After the 20th week, weight gain should be 350 grams, anything above this indicator indicates fluid retention in the body.

How to reduce swelling during pregnancy on your own

Edema that appears during pregnancy should be tried to be removed by various available methods. At the initial stage, it is quite possible to try to do without medications by regulating your diet. There are a few simple rules, following which, a woman can regulate fluid retention in the body and reduce the puffiness that has arisen:

— It is advisable to take food 5-6 times in small portions, do not overeat.

— It is desirable to include fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, low-fat dairy products in the diet.

— Food should preferably be steamed or baked, not fried.

- Spicy, pickled salty foods will have to be excluded from the diet.

- Food should be cooked without adding salt - excess salt is harmful to the body.

- You don't need to drink a lot of liquids, especially carbonated drinks. Coffee and strong black tea are not desirable - it is better to replace them with warm compote, jelly or herbal decoction.

— A decoction of dried apricots has a good diuretic effect — you can drink it as compote.

- Helps to relieve swelling of the knee-elbow position several times a day for 10-15 minutes. In this case, the kidneys are freed from excessive load, the swelling goes away.

- When swelling occurs, a woman should move more. It is useful to massage swollen feet in the evening. Clothing and shoes should be comfortable and loose. The most important thing when choosing a woman should be comfortable.

- When resting during the day, the legs should be placed on a hill (a small pillow), above the level of the head.

— Warm foot baths with sea salt help relieve swelling.

- Some medicinal herbs have a good diuretic effect, but they should be taken only when prescribed by a doctor, otherwise they can cause side effects. A good diuretic effect is provided by tea from birch leaves and buds, rosehip decoction, bear ears decoction, cranberry and lingonberry juice.

With caution, you can drink orthosiphon tea (kidney tea), a decoction of horsetail and strawberry leaves - these herbs are not as harmless as you would like, consult your doctor before using them.

Diuretics during pregnancy

Diuretics - diuretics during pregnancy can only be prescribed by a doctor in the event that edema accumulates and threatens the normal course of pregnancy. When prescribing these drugs, the doctor first assesses the condition of the woman and the degree of swelling, and, based on the combination of these factors, selects the optimal drugs. As a rule, the treatment of edema and high blood pressure is carried out in a hospital. The fact is that there are no completely safe synthetic diuretics, some of them cannot be taken during certain periods of pregnancy, as they can cause its interruption, or cause thrombophlebitis, liver disorders and other disorders.

Relatively safe diuretic preparations are considered:

— "Phytolysin" — a herbal preparation, which includes extracts of diuretic herbs: horsetail, knotweed, mint oil, parsley root, pine, sage, etc.