Swelling in first trimester of pregnancy

Swelling in Pregnancy | When it's Normal and When to Worry

Swelling in pregnancy, or edema, is normal, but when should you start to worry? First-time pregnant individuals find it hard to distinguish normal swelling from medically serious swelling, but that doesn’t mean those who have been pregnant before have mastered it. Either way, swelling is uncomfortable and the inconveniences of swelling can affect a pregnant individual’s well-being, whether at work or at home.

The swelling occurs in the feet, legs and fingers. Usually, it becomes significant towards the end of the day, but goes away by the next morning. Although normal, it can be uncomfortable, and for pregnant individuals who experience it, this may cause alarm.

This article will help you understand swelling in pregnancy, when it’s normal, when to worry, causes, treatments and risks.

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What Causes Swelling in Pregnancy?

The body goes through gradual changes the moment you get pregnant. Around the second trimester onwards, swelling may occur. It is a normal thing that happens while your body supports your baby’s nutritional needs. As this is taking place, the blood flow decreases and fluid accumulates in the tissues.

According to Dr. Folch-Hayek, OBGYN at Family Health Centers of San Diego: “The gravid uterus is putting pressure on the inferior vena cava, which decreases the blood flow back to the heart. Swelling develops usually later in the second and third trimester because the uterus is bigger as you progress in the pregnancy.”

Aside from these changes and processes, there are other factors that result in swelling, including:

Sitting or standing for long periods
Diet
Lack of water intake

The lack of activity during pregnancy may or may not be a factor for swelling. However, even active pregnant people still experience swelling because the vein congestion still happens in the uterine area. Dr. Folch-Hayek noted, “It’s more to do probably with activity level or lack of activity such as prolonged standing or sitting without changing your position. ”

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How to Reduce Swelling During Pregnancy

Swelling during pregnancy is normal and it cannot be avoided. Many pregnant individuals experience this issue any time during pregnancy until after delivery. Dr. Folch-Hayek OBGYN recommends a few ways on how to reduce swelling during pregnancy. Here are a few:

Elevate your feet

Leg swelling in pregnancy can be uncomfortable, especially if your job requires you to sit or stand for long periods. To reduce the swelling, elevate your feet higher than your waist while sitting. At night, you can put a pillow under your thighs and legs while lying on the bed.

For those who spend a lot of time standing, short walks can help.

Wear compression stockings

If prolonged standing can’t be avoided, Dr. Folch-Hayek suggests wearing compression stockings. She noted, “They can buy compression stockings in pharmacies. Sometimes, I direct them to stores that specialize in nursing uniforms where they can find a few pairs in multiple colors, in case they want to have fun with it, as well. ”

Compression stockings can reduce the swelling as they gently squeeze the area. As they ease the swelling, they also lessen the discomfort or pain, if any.

Ditch the extra salt

“Anything that is salty will cause water retention, and as a result will make pregnant individuals more prone to swelling,” reminds Dr. Folch-Hayek. As a rule of thumb, avoid the extra salt in your diet when you’re pregnant.

Stay hydrated

It does seem counter intuitive to drink more water to prevent fluid retention, but you do need to stay hydrated to minimize the swelling during pregnancy. That is because the fluid helps you flush out the retained water, therefore reducing the swelling.

Gentle massages

Massages feel great at the end of a long day, but when you suffer from swelling during pregnancy, massages any time of the day would be beneficial. You can ask your partner to apply gentle pressure on the swollen areas. This will help with circulation.

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Swelling in Pregnancy—When to Worry?

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Causes, Plus Treatments That Work

While you may be enjoying the magical time that is pregnancy — it truly is miraculous how many restroom trips you can squeeze into one day — and eagerly anticipating the arrival of your sweet little bundle, there are some less than magical side effects that many parents-to-be experience.

Your body is changing rapidly, which can get a little uncomfortable. One discomfort that many people experience during pregnancy is swollen feet.

Let’s talk about why your feet may swell during pregnancy, when you might notice this happening, when you should seek medical attention, and some simple treatments that can help.

While swollen feet may or may not be painful, they can certainly be uncomfortable or bothersome.

Fortunately, you can try several simple strategies to help ease your symptoms during pregnancy.

Even better? They may involve snacks, a cold drink, swimming, massage, and possibly shoe shopping. Doesn’t sound so bad, right?

1.

Reduce sodium intake

One way to reduce swelling during pregnancy is to limit your sodium (salt) intake. Salt makes your body hold on to extra water.

Try to avoid canned or processed foods, as these are especially high in sodium. Also, try not to put extra table salt on your food.

Using savory herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and oregano is an easy way to add flavor to your recipes without using salt.

2. Increase potassium intake

Not getting enough potassium can also make swelling worse. This is because potassium helps your body balance the amount of fluids it holds onto.

Your prenatal vitamin should have some extra potassium for you, but it’s also important to eat good sources of dietary potassium.

Some foods that are naturally high in potassium include:

potatoes with the skin on
sweet potatoes, also with the skin on
bananas
spinach
beans
some fruit juices, especially:
- prune
- pomegranate
- orange
- carrot
- passionfruit
yogurt
beets
salmon
lentils

3.

Reduce caffeine intake

While occasional caffeine during pregnancy isn’t harmful (and hey, a person’s gotta stay awake!), drinking too much caffeine isn’t considered great for a baby. It can also make swelling worse.

Caffeine is a diuretic, which causes you to pee more, which then makes your body think it needs to hold on to fluid.

Try a decaf coffee with milk or an herbal tea such as peppermint to help give you a little energy boost instead.

4. Drink more water

As strange as it sounds to drink more water to counteract swelling, it actually works. If your body thinks you’re dehydrated, it will hold on to even more fluid to try to compensate.

So try to drink at least 10 glasses of water every day to keep your kidneys flushing out the bad stuff and your body happily hydrated.

If it feels daunting to drink that much water, try getting a cute cup that you’ll want to keep refilling, or a giant water bottle that you’ll only have to refill a couple of times per day. You can also flavor your water with lemon, mint, or berries to make it more enjoyable.

5. Elevate your feet and rest

Even though you have a million things you want to get done before baby arrives, try to sit and put your feet up when possible.

While sitting all the time isn’t great for your circulation, standing all the time is also hard on your beautiful pregnant body.

Sitting with your feet elevated for a little while — especially at the end of the day — can help drain the fluid that’s been pooling in your legs over the course of the day.

6. Wear loose, comfortable clothing

Wearing tight clothing, especially around your wrists, waist, and ankles, can make swelling worse. Basically, it keeps blood from circulating as easily as it could.

Try to wear loose, comfortable clothes — or at least avoid tight elastic bands. Maternity maxi dresses in the summer and flowy cardigans or sweaters with joggers in the winter can be both cute and comfortable.

7. Stay cool

Especially if you’re pregnant during the hot summer months, staying indoors during the heat of the day and avoiding vigorous exercise can help keep you cool and reduce swelling.

You can also wear cool clothing, put cold compresses on your feet, or keep a fan nearby.

8. Wear waist-high compression stockings

Yes, these are just about as appealing as they sound. But if you’re experiencing persistently swollen feet or have to be on your feet most of the time, you can wear waist-high compression stockings.

These stockings gently squeeze your feet and legs to help keep fluid circulating. Try to avoid the knee-high compression stockings, as they may be too tight in the middle of your leg and actually make swelling worse.

9. Walk

Going for even a 5- or 10-minute walk a couple of times per day can help improve your circulation, which helps reduce swelling.

This can also be a good break in your day, and it’s a great way to get pregnancy-safe exercise.

10. Wear comfortable shoes

While you may look adorable in your high heels, late pregnancy is a good time to give them a break.

Wearing comfortable (even orthotic), well-fitting shoes is key to reducing foot swelling, as well as to preventing hip and back problems that can arise as your center of gravity shifts and your weight increases.

In addition to the swelling, the ligaments in your body (including your feet) actually do stretch during pregnancy, so your feet may change size. Some people’s feet return to their pre-pregnancy size, but many people find that their feet are permanently a half-size or so larger.

It may be annoying that one more thing is changing or that some of your beloved shoes no longer fit, but this is an excellent excuse to find some new favorites.

11. Swim

There are no studies proving that water pressure reduces swelling during pregnancy, but many people do find relief from swelling when they spend time in the pool.

Try standing or swimming in a pool where the water depth is almost up to your neck. At the very least, you will feel lighter and cooler, plus get a little exercise. You may also find that your feet and legs are less swollen.

12. Get a massage

Your partner may be looking for ways to be involved during the pregnancy process, and this is the perfect opportunity.

Massage helps circulate the fluids that tend to accumulate in your feet, which will in turn reduce swelling.

So grab your water bottle, put your feet up, and let your partner gently massage your feet and legs. Adding some peppermint or lavender essential oil can make this even more relaxing.

And if you’re rocking this pregnancy solo or your partner isn’t the touchy-feely type, many massage studios offer specialized prenatal massages. These can not only help with swelling, but are great for helping relieve some of the stress that can accompany pregnancy.

13. Sleep on your left side

Sleeping on your left side when possible can improve blood flow, which reduces swelling of the feet. Lying on your left side takes the pressure of your uterus off of the inferior vena cava, which is the large blood vessel that returns blood to your heart.

When can you expect your feet to start puffing up? Well, the good news is that it’s usually later on in pregnancy. So you’ll likely recognize your feet for the first half or more of your pregnancy.

First trimester

Rapidly increasing levels of the hormone progesterone (literally “pro gestation” or “pro pregnancy”) slow your digestion down. This can cause abdominal bloating long before you have a noticeable baby bump.

You may also notice a bit of puffiness in your hands, feet, or face — but not much.

If you notice a lot of swelling this early on, especially if accompanied by other symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, or bleeding, it’s best to call your doctor or birthing professional, such as a midwife.

Second trimester

The second trimester begins with week 14 of pregnancy, roughly the start of month 4. It’s not unusual to start noticing swollen feet around month 5 of pregnancy, especially if you’re on your feet a lot or the weather is hot.

This swelling is due to the increasing volume of blood and fluids in your body. Your blood volume increases by about 50 percent during the course of your pregnancy, and that’s paired with a lot of hormonal fluid retention.

While it may make your rings and shoes a little snug, all this extra fluid helps to soften your body and prepare it for giving birth — and that’s exactly what you want. Rest assured, the extra fluid will rapidly decrease in the days and weeks after your baby is born.

Third trimester

Starting with week 28 of pregnancy, the third trimester is by far the most common time to experience swollen feet.

Especially as the weeks go on and you get closer to week 40, your toes are more likely to resemble little sausages than anything else (yes, becoming a parent is glamorous).

Your body is continuing to build its supply of blood and fluids, which can contribute to swelling. Your uterus is also getting much heavier as your baby grows, which can slow blood flow from the legs back to the heart. (Don’t worry, this isn’t dangerous — just uncomfortable.)

Other factors that can contribute to swollen feet include:

hot weather
dietary imbalances
caffeine intake
not drinking enough water
being on your feet for long periods of time

Swollen feet are a very typical part of pregnancy, as many of your fellow pregnancy buddies can probably tell you! So most of the time, swollen feet are just another sign of all the hard work your body is doing to grow that new little life.

However, swollen feet can sometimes signal a more serious concern.

One of these concerns is called preeclampsia. This condition can develop during pregnancy and cause dangerously high blood pressure.

Call your birthing professional or doctor if you notice:

sudden swelling of your hands, feet, face, or around your eyes
swelling that gets dramatically worse
dizziness or blurred vision
a severe headache
abdominal pain, especially in the upper right section of your abdomen
confusion
difficulty breathing

If you notice swelling in just one leg that is also accompanied by pain, redness, or heat, this could mean you have a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). A DVT is a blood clot, usually in your leg.

It’s important to call your healthcare professional immediately if you notice these symptoms. This is because people are more likely to get blood clots during pregnancy than when not pregnant (thanks once again, hormones).

If you’re unsure whether your swelling is typical or have any concerns, it is always best to call your doctor or midwife. They’re happy to help keep you and your baby safe and healthy!

Swollen feet are a very common side effect of pregnancy. Swelling is caused by increased fluid volume in your body, as well as decreased circulation.

If you experience sudden or severe swelling, it’s important to call your doctor or birthing professional, as this may be a sign of something more serious. But a little swelling is definitely expected.

You can help prevent foot swelling by getting regular gentle exercise, drinking plenty of water, resting, and eating a balanced diet.

Before you know it, your shoes will fit again and the only feet you’ll be focusing on will be those tiny baby toes!

For more pregnancy guidance and weekly tips tailored to your due date, sign up for our I’m Expecting newsletter.

Edema during pregnancy | Nutriclub

What you need to know about edema: why they appear, how to deal with them, how to distinguish ordinary physiological edema from a symptom of a serious illness

It is believed that edema inevitably accompanies the pregnancy of most women - you just need to endure their unaesthetic appearance. However, swelling can be a signal of health problems and pose a danger to both the expectant mother and the development of the fetus. Nutriclub understands when to worry if you have swelling.

Edema - excessive accumulation of fluid in the interstitial space - occurs quite often in pregnant women. Swelling can occur at any time and in different parts of the body.
Edema on the face (especially bags under the eyes and severe swelling of the eyelids) are especially noticeable and cause maximum dissatisfaction, because they directly affect the appearance.
Very often, pregnant women have swollen legs, especially after a long walk. That is why it is so important to get comfortable shoes for the entire period of pregnancy.
Hands tend to swell in women who work at a computer or do needlework. Rings begin to press, fingers look like “sausages”. In such cases, you need to temporarily abandon jewelry.
Pregnant women often mistake swelling of the nasal mucosa for a runny nose or allergies. The latter is more likely because allergic reactions tend to get worse during pregnancy. Also in pregnant women, due to changes in hormonal levels, a condition called rhinitis of pregnancy can develop, which is accompanied by severe nasal congestion. It is better to take tests and be sure to discuss the situation with a doctor who will prescribe a drug that is allowed during pregnancy. Ignoring nasal congestion is not recommended - breathing problems in the mother can make it difficult for oxygen to reach the child.

All these edemas can be both physiological and pathological.

Physiological edema of pregnant women

Physiological usually do not cause complications. They are explained by natural changes in the body of the expectant mother: the uterus puts pressure on neighboring organs, slowing down blood circulation, and sodium accumulates in the blood - it slows down the excretion of fluid from the body. At the same time, during pregnancy, the total amount of fluid circulating throughout the body almost doubles (part of it is contained in the amniotic fluid and placenta).

At the same time, a woman's hormonal background changes, which may be the cause of the legendary “salty” craving, which, in turn, provokes thirst and excessive fluid intake.

Summer heat or stuffiness in transport and premises, physical overload also affects health and appearance.

Physiological edema is considered natural at any stage of pregnancy - and does not pose a threat to the woman's health.

But at the first sign of swelling, you should definitely contact your obstetrician-gynecologist. The doctor will prescribe the necessary examinations and tests to exclude pathological edema, indicating health problems and complications of pregnancy.

Pathological edema during pregnancy

Pathological edema in the early stages may signal hypothyroidism - a condition in which there is a lack of thyroid hormones in the body. Doctors try to identify the disease before the appearance of swelling - pregnant women with a deficiency or excess body weight, with severe toxicosis, a blood test for thyroid hormones is prescribed. If the results are not normal, treatment is prescribed.

Also, starting from the first trimester, edema may appear due to problems with the kidneys. It is very important to take a urine test every two weeks, as recommended in the antenatal clinic. Erythrocytes, high leukocytes, a protein that should not be in the urine - a reason for referral to a urologist and ultrasound of the kidneys. It is important to exclude an infection in the kidneys, and if it is diagnosed, it should be treated qualitatively. Otherwise, premature obstructed labor or the birth of a child with a low weight are possible.

Starting from the 20th week, swelling may indicate varicose veins. Circulatory disturbance due to uterine pressure leads to the formation of "knots" and pain in the legs. If you suspect varicose veins, you will be referred to a phlebologist who will give the necessary recommendations.

Edema also accompanies heart failure, which is considered a serious complication of pregnancy. In this case, the appearance of edema is preceded by shortness of breath and cyanosis of the mucous membranes.

However, most often, pathological swelling indicates late toxicosis - gestosis. This is a problem in the third trimester of pregnancy, but the first signs can begin to appear between the 18th and 20th weeks. Preeclampsia almost always requires the help of a doctor and the presence of a pregnant woman in a hospital.

What is gestosis and why is it dangerous?

However, gestosis, in addition to edema, has other symptoms: high blood pressure, protein in the sea (it is normally absent), nausea, vomiting, headaches, convulsions, fever, drowsiness, or, conversely, severe arousal.

There are four degrees of preeclampsia. The first degree is known as dropsy of pregnant women, it is mainly expressed in edema. The second degree is edema, protein in the urine, a violation of pressure. The third degree of preeclampsia is called preeclampsia. It is characterized by a decrease in cerebral circulation and even hemorrhage. In the most severe, fourth stage of the disease, convulsions (eclampsia) are observed. A pregnant woman may have a stroke or placental abruption.

Thus, even if everyone around them says that edema is completely natural, and they do not cause discomfort to the pregnant woman herself, it is very important to inform the doctor about the first appearance of swelling - precisely in order to make sure that the edema is physiological, and not pathological, and no complications for the development of the fetus and the process of childbirth will not entail.

When should a pregnant woman see a doctor immediately?

The following problems can be considered the reason for an urgent visit to a doctor:

swelling visible already in the morning, immediately after getting up;
edema accompanied by high blood pressure;
edema becomes very severe: it is impossible to clench the hand into a fist, shoes are painful and uncomfortable to wear, it is difficult to open the eyes due to swelling;
regular shortness of breath, palpitations;
headaches do not go away for several days;
regularly experience nausea and vomiting after the 12th week;
Urges for small needs are rare and are accompanied by the release of urine of a dark color;
there are pains in the upper part of the abdomen;
painful convulsions appear;

What helps with swelling during pregnancy?

If, according to the results of examination and analysis, it is established that the edema is physiological, it is possible to get rid of them (or at least reduce them) using the following methods.

Avoid fried, smoked, spicy, pickled and sweet foods. Steam or bake, eat fruits and vegetables regularly.
The use of salt should be limited - it contains sodium, it is he who retains fluid in the body.
Many advise to limit the use of water, even in the form of broth. In fact, it threatens with dehydration. It is better to drink plain water in small sips - and consume most of the daily allowance of one and a half to two liters in the morning. Soda should be excluded.
It is contraindicated to stay in heat or stuffy rooms for a long time.
On the recommendation of a doctor, you can wear special compression underwear, while giving up tight tights, uncomfortable shoes and heels.
Sleep at least 8-10 hours. It is also recommended to lie down every day for 15-20 minutes with legs raised up, do foot massage and foot baths with sea salt.

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reasons, what to do, how to reduce

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Pregnancy is a happy time in anticipation of a miracle, but even it has a few "fly in the ointment" that few people manage to avoid. Perhaps the most famous of them are toxicosis, digestive problems, back pain and, of course, swelling. Why do pregnant women swell? By what signs can you understand that it is time to start treatment? What can be done to prevent or reduce swelling? Let's discuss the causes and consequences.

Is swelling during pregnancy normal?

More likely yes than no. The key causes of edema during pregnancy are an increase in fluid in the woman's body and a high level of progesterone ¹ . This hormone begins to be actively produced even during ovulation, preparing the uterus for egg implantation. Its concentration remains consistently high in a woman's blood throughout pregnancy, providing many important functions associated with fetal development. Unfortunately, it has such a side effect.

Interesting fact

Many women experience swelling before menstruation ² . It's also progesterone. The hormone level rises in the second half of the menstrual cycle, which leads to this result.

The fact that one of the causes of edema during pregnancy is the production of a very important hormone does not mean at all that you need to accept this situation with humility. It all depends on the severity of the condition: slight swelling in pregnant women is almost inevitable, but if they become significant, it is worth thinking about treatment.

What other changes appear in the body during pregnancy, read here.

Where can edema appear?

Edema during pregnancy is most often localized on the feet, ankles and lower legs. The reasons are clear: excess liquid first collects at the very bottom - where gravity pulls it. Usually everything starts with pastosity - mild swelling with blanching and a decrease in skin elasticity.

The next favorite place for pastosity and swelling is the hands. Also, excess fluid often leaves a mark on the face, along with edema, nasal debt may appear - the so-called "pregnant rhinitis" ³ .

Important to know!

Most people consider cold drops and sprays to be among the most harmless medicines. Just not during pregnancy - many of them are dangerous for the fetus ⁴ ! Be sure to consult your doctor before treating a runny nose.

And even in the early stages of pregnancy, a woman's body temperature rises to a more comfortable fetus - just above 37 ° C. This does not mean at all that you have caught a cold or caught a virus. To learn more about basal temperature, read our article.

How to detect swelling?

Severe swelling during pregnancy is hard not to notice. When puffiness is not so pronounced, especially if the accumulation of excess fluid occurs slowly, the following signs will help to detect them:

There is a suspicious weight trend. If you follow the diet recommended by your doctor, but the weekly weight gain exceeds the norm for this period of pregnancy, most likely water is retained somewhere in the body.
Rings get stuck on the fingers, tight shoes. Signs of pastosity during pregnancy are easiest to detect by things picked up by hand or leg - they begin to press. By the way, it is better to remove the rings while there is such an opportunity.
The face is rounded. Every day you see your face in the mirror and you will surely notice if its forms begin to blur, smooth out.
There are traces of rubber bands. Many women today wear "footprints" - short socks that are almost invisible from the shoes. Perhaps the high "classic" is not so elegant, but it is an excellent tool for the early diagnosis of edema during pregnancy. If their elastic bands leave embossed marks on the legs, it means that excess fluid is collecting in the tissues.
There are unusual sensations in the fingers. If you feel tingling, burning, or numbness in your fingers, if there is pain or tension when you bend your fingers or step on your toes, it is most likely a sign of swelling.

Is swelling during pregnancy dangerous?

Edema is an excess accumulation of fluid in tissues ⁵ . As you can see, in this definition there is no clarification “in the tissues located directly under the skin”, internal organs can also swell. Often, swelling of the arms, legs, face in pregnant women is just the tip of the iceberg. Hidden from the eyes, internal stagnation of water can cause dysfunction of organs, general dehydration, and impaired oxygen transport. Ultimately, this can threaten the fetus with an insufficient supply of nutrients and oxygen starvation. Severe swelling during pregnancy affects not only the beauty of the expectant mother, but also the health of her baby.

Medicine divides edema during pregnancy into physiological and pathological. The former refers to almost inevitable changes associated with a hormonal shift and a general increase in fluid circulating in the body. The latter are a sign of various internal problems, such as kidney disease, heart failure, varicose veins, preeclampsia (late toxicosis) and others. Physiological edema usually does not require treatment - to reduce them, it is enough to follow a healthy lifestyle. In pathological cases, it is necessary to find the cause and eliminate it.

Your doctor will be able to distinguish physiological from pathological edema based on the results of the examination and tests. In particular, the presence of protein in the urine is an alarming sign. Between visits to the doctor, you yourself can suspect a pathology if the edema grows too quickly, starts to rise above the shins, and when you press on the swollen places, dents remain on the skin, which slowly resolve.

What else can go wrong while carrying a baby? Watch a video lesson on the pathologies of pregnancy from the fertility specialist Anna Ilyina.

How to reduce swelling during pregnancy?

Pharmaceutical treatment is the last resort and is used only in extreme cases. Usually it is enough to adjust the lifestyle and acquire a few good habits. We'll give you 12 simple tips to help reduce water retention ¹ .

Observe the regime of the day. Try not to overwork during the day and have a good rest. The duration of sleep during pregnancy should be at least 8 hours, and if your body has such a need, even 9-10 hours.
Walk more. Your assistants in the treatment of edema during pregnancy are fresh air and reasonable physical activity. If in ordinary life you are used to walking only from the elevator to the parked car and back, something needs to be done about it.
Wear comfortable shoes. Even if you really love high-heeled shoes, even if you have complexes without them because of your own height, you will have to give them up for a while. Uncomfortable shoes exacerbate swelling during pregnancy, and soft shoes with low heels help fight it. If your feet still hurt at the end of the day, visit an orthopedic salon and ask a specialist to make custom insoles for you.
Change your posture more often. When your body becomes numb, it swells. Try not to sit or stand without moving for a long time. Both at work and at home, periodically leave your favorite chair to stretch a little. And while you are sitting in it, do not freeze in one position - move your arms and legs, change the position of your body.
Let's rest our feet. To prevent swelling in the legs, it is necessary to periodically raise them higher. So you facilitate the work of the circulatory system and allow it to pump out a little excess fluid from the legs. It is ideal to lie on your back with your legs up, but even if you just put them on a nearby chair during lunch in a corporate kitchen, this is not bad.
Exercise. In the fight against puffiness during pregnancy, simple physical exercises are useful - tilts, turns, etc. Statics will also help: kneel, then lower yourself on your elbows, stand in this position for 5 minutes. Yoga classes for pregnant women also allow you to disperse the fluid.
Lie on your side. In late pregnancy, your body itself will tell you the correct position for rest - lying on your side. In the early stages, it is also the most useful: in this position, the kidneys work most efficiently, utilizing excess water.
Drink, and do not limit yourself in this. You might think: the less I drink, the less swelling there will be. No, you can't drive them away like that, but getting dehydrated is easy. Drink as much as you want, but only clean water, fruit drinks or decoctions without sugar. Soda, juices from the store and other sugary drinks should be excluded from the diet.
Observe nutritional balance. During pregnancy, eat more protein foods, avoid pastries, bread, sweets and other carbohydrate-rich foods, limit the amount of fat in the diet. Completely give up "empty calories" - snacks and fast food.
Arrange fasting days. Treat yourself with a diet once a week. It's not about sitting on the water all day. There are many recipes for a tasty and quite nutritious "unloading" - from a kefir or banana diet to a chicken breast day or fruit smoothies.
Control your sodium intake. Sodium salts hold fluid in tissues, and the most famous of them is ordinary table salt. To prevent severe swelling during pregnancy, limit your daily salt intake to one level teaspoon, even less is better. When calculating, do not forget that salt enters the body not only from the salt shaker. It is found in many food ingredients (meat, fish, dairy products, tomatoes, etc.), and in almost all semi-finished and finished products - from sausage to bread. Over time, you may even come to love the natural taste of food without or with minimal salt added - it is quite good.
Take natural diuretics. Rosehip, hawthorn, chamomile, lingonberry, bearberry - in the pharmacy you can find a lot of natural remedies to combat edema. Discuss the purchase with your doctor: during pregnancy, you should consult with him before taking any medications, even herbal ones.

Compression stockings ⁶ can be worn to prevent swelling and varicose veins. Consult a doctor - he will tell you what is better to buy and how to use.

If swelling disappears during pregnancy, is it good?

If you've recently changed your diet, are spending more time outdoors, or are taking other activities, that's very good. So your treatments are working and you are on the right track.

Another thing is when edema during pregnancy disappears by itself, without any changes in your life. A few days before the planned date of delivery, this is normal: progesterone has done its job, and its level drops ⁷ , releasing excess water. If the birth is still far away, a spontaneous decrease in edema is at least a suspicious sign. Contact your doctor to establish the cause of the body's unexpected gift and decide what to do about it.

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