Swelling During Pregnancy
What You Need to Know about Swelling During Pregnancy
Some swelling during pregnancy is normal. After all, one of the most common complaints later on in pregnancy is about swollen feet and hands. However, sometimes swelling is not normal and can actually be a sign that something is seriously wrong. So how do you know when you are swollen too much?
The body produces nearly 50% more blood and other fluids during pregnancy in order assist the development of the baby. This additional blood and fluid can cause swelling during pregnancy. For that reason, swelling is normal and can be found in the feet, hands, face, ankles, and legs.
The extra fluid also helps the body expand more comfortably as the baby grows. The fluid also prepares the tissues and pelvic joints when it comes to birth. In fact, the extra fluid that the woman gains during pregnancy can account for a good portion of the weight that she gains.
Most of the time, the swelling occurs during the third trimester. However, other factors can increase swelling as well. Common things that can cause fluid retention to happen include a diet that is low in potassium, staying on your feet for long periods of time, heat, a high level of caffeine consumption, and a high level of sodium intake.
Still, there are also times when the swelling is not normal and should be taken seriously. If you suddenly experience swelling in the hands and face, it could actually be a sign of preeclampsia, a very serious medical condition that could be harmful to both the mother and the baby.
When preeclampsia occurs, the blood vessels constrict which causes the blood pressure to increase. It can also cause a reduction in the blood flow which can affect organs such as the kidneys, liver, and even the brain.
If less blood is being sent to your uterus, the baby can also experience some problems as well. Placental abruption, where the placenta actually separates from the uterine wall before it is time to deliver, and too little amniotic fluid can occur. Both of these are serious conditions for the developing baby.
Sometimes, women have to deliver their babies early when they have severe preeclampsia or preeclampsia that is worsening instead of getting better. Premature delivery can have a range of problems for the baby, especially if the delivery is significantly early.
However, sometimes the preeclampsia is mild and early delivery is not needed. This is especially true if the woman develops it close to the end of the pregnancy. Still, it certainly needs to be monitored.
If the swelling is not a sign of preeclampsia, then there are some things that you can do to help reduce swelling during pregnancy. Eating foods that are high in potassium, like bananas, and staying away from caffeine are two things that can help reduce fluid retention. You should also try taking breaks from time to time and not standing on your feet for long periods. In addition, resting with your feet in an elevated position and wearing supportive tights or stockings can help, too.
It might sound funny, but drinking plenty of water can actually help with swelling. Water helps flush out the entire system which can reduce the signs of fluid retention. It's important to try and drink water and not caffeinated beverages which can both dehydrate you and cause the swelling to worsen.
The good news is that the swelling is a temporary condition and soon your body will be back to normal. The swelling should subside not long after giving birth and some women notice the results immediately.