If you notice swelling during pregnancy, do not worry so much. Not all edema pose a threat to your health and the development of the baby, and at some point they are even a normal physiological state. You need to figure out what causes swelling and how to deal with it.

Edema during pregnancy - causes?

You can name at least 5 reasons why puffiness appears on your body. Some conditions are normal, others are expected due to a history of chronic diseases, and only edema, as symptoms of preeclampsia, really poses a threat to your life and the development of the fetus.

Physiological edema

1. Up to 80 percent of healthy pregnant women may experience swelling in the last 4 weeks of pregnancy. Place of dislocation - feet and hands;
2. Most often, edema during pregnancy on later dates noticeable at the end of the day, after prolonged standing or sitting, being in a static position. After rest, swimming in the pool, such swelling disappears;
3. In this case, the accumulation of fluid in your body is a natural process, as your body prepares for the upcoming birth, and these water reserves should compensate for the upcoming blood loss. Just in a static position, these waters are collected in one place.

I remember that in the last weeks of pregnancy I had already stopped wearing rings and had to put on winter shoes earlier. It was the end of September outside, and my feet couldn't fit into my boots.

Edema in the presence of chronic diseases

If you were diagnosed with kidney disease, heart disease or varicose veins before pregnancy, then the likelihood of edema during pregnancy time increases.

• With heart failure, the main organ, like a pump, simply cannot cope with the additional load that your body experiences throughout pregnancy, including the circulation of fluid in the body;

As a result, swelling in distant parts of the body, for example, legs, during long standing or lower back, when lying on your back.

• With problems with the kidneys, swelling, at first, appears on the face, in the form of bags under the eyes;

As a rule, complications, in the form of edema of the whole body, are not allowed by the attending physician, since pregnant women with a diagnosis of kidney disease are on a special list, take special drugs and follow a diet.

Without treatment, the kidneys cannot pass fluid to its full extent, which is why fluid stagnation occurs in the body. By the way, in the case of kidney disease, swelling is visible in the morning.

• Varicose veins are another of the obvious causes of tissue swelling;

The walls of the vessels are damaged and the water simply goes into the intercellular space. The stagnation of fluid can be explained both by the hormonal background and by squeezing the vena cava, with the growth of the uterus. In this case, it is important to rest more, lying on your left side or swimming in the pool.

Edema as a symptom of preeclampsia

Edema, with pressure, in the third trimester (to know what is normal and what is not during this period, read article 3 trimester of pregnancy >>>), in the presence of protein in urine tests, can signal a dangerous disease - preeclampsia or, as it is also called late toxicosis.

1. Fluid accumulation, in this case, can already be observed from;
2. Edema, in the case of preeclampsia, is the result of a conflict between your body and the child, namely the placenta, which, even to the detriment of the mother's body, will actively extract the necessary nutrients for the fetus.

• Due to certain reasons, such as weak vessel walls, due to a lack of albumin protein, water comes out, and the blood itself becomes thicker;
• At the same time, blood circulation slows down, but the placenta requires nutrients for the baby and provokes vasoconstriction by increasing pressure on them;
• Blood, at first, will indeed move faster, but such tension negatively affects the structure of blood vessels, damage occurs;
• Platelets will tend to these places and, as a result, the formation of blood clots. This process gradually spreads throughout the body;
• Hence - a violation of circulatory movement, increased pressure, swelling. Please note that a blood test for this condition shows a significant increase in hemoglobin, which is not characteristic of the second half of pregnancy. Study the question of what tests are taken during pregnancy >>>.

Timely detection of preeclampsia will allow regular delivery of urine and blood tests, weight control, as there is also the so-called latent swelling, control of blood pressure.

Edema in different parts of the body

Fluid retention in the body can be manifested by swelling of various parts of the body and, on this basis, it is often possible to indicate the cause of the pathology.

Swelling of the legs

Swelling of the legs below, during late pregnancy, is the most common occurrence. Surely you noticed how the skin is pressed in place of the gum of the toe, and after taking off your shoes after a long walk or standing, it becomes simply impossible to put on tight shoes.

1. If, after a short rest with raised legs or taking a relaxing foot bath, the swelling disappears by itself, there is no reason to worry (by the way, a useful article: Is it possible to soar legs during pregnancy?>>>);
2. Another thing is when swelling spreads throughout the body, there is a deterioration in your well-being, then an additional examination is necessary to determine the causes of edema.

Swelling of the hands

It is the swelling of the hands that is most often accompanied by pain syndromes.

• You may feel tingling, numbness in your fingers. But interestingly, swelling of the hands very rarely hides a real threat;
• Such swelling occurs when the hands long time are in the same position, for example, when working on the keyboard, knitting or writing;
• The liquid in such an uncomfortable position circulates poorly and stagnates. In large quantities, it affects the nerve passing in the wrist, hence the discomfort.

By the way! The secret of how to relieve swelling of the hands during pregnancy is quite simple - do mini-exercises for the hands more often, change position, and you can put a special pad under your wrists near the computer.

• You can observe swelling of the fingers, very noticeable in the area of ​​​​the ring. Fluid stasis can be triggered by an improper diet, with an abundance of salt and spices, as well as a large intake of the wrong liquid, such as soda.

In it you will find a set of products for better nutrition so that swelling, nausea and shortness of breath do not occur.

You will learn to correct many pregnancy conditions by adjusting your diet,

Learn about three types of foods that should be on your menu to prepare for natural and easy childbirth.

Nose swelling

Causes of swelling of the nose in pregnant women can be

1. Cold;
2. Or a physiological feature;

Swelling of the nasopharynx can be triggered by hormonal changes in the body at the very beginning of pregnancy. There is a process of active accumulation of fluid necessary for the development of your baby, while there is swelling of the entire face, lips, nose.

But the fact that the cause of rhinitis is physiological does not allow the development of a runny nose to take its course. It is necessary to pick up safe drops, irrigate the nose with saline. If the so-called runny nose of pregnancy is not treated, the fetus may be threatened with oxygen starvation.

Important! If the nose swells during pregnancy due to allergies, it is important to identify the irritating component and remove it. Antiallergic drugs, without the appointment of a specialist, cannot be taken during pregnancy.

You can find a lot of useful information in the article posted on the site: Runny nose during pregnancy >>>.

External and internal edema

In addition to external visual edema of the extremities or certain parts of the body, internal edema is rarely diagnosed.

During pregnancy, this is a rather dangerous manifestation, which is difficult to identify, given the lack of external signs. You must understand that the causes of edema, both hidden and external, are the same.

But if you start to deal with a visual problem at the first manifestations, then the hidden ones will be for a long time without prevention and treatment.

You should know what to pay attention to in order to recognize internal edema in time:

• Weight jumps. In a normal pregnancy, your weight should increase evenly every week. If you observe unsystematic jumps in body weight, you need to beware;
• Fluid control. You need to keep track of how much fluid you drink and how much is excreted in the urine. Normally, the body should excrete ¾ of the volume of fluid drunk. Such control measurements must be done over several days;
• measurements. Ankles are a great indicator of puffiness. It is necessary to measure the girth of this part of the body, and if there is an increase of at least a centimeter, there is swelling.

Hidden edema requires the same treatment and prevention as external.

How to determine swelling during pregnancy

Special diagnostics require only hidden edema, while external ones are visible to the naked eye.

1. It is enough to put pressure on the skin and, if a dent forms in this place, which does not straighten for a long time, then swelling occurs;
2. Another clear indicator is the ring on the finger. If yesterday you easily removed it, and today it is firmly attached to your finger, while, as it were, squeezing it, swelling is evident.

The extremities, back, lower abdomen, face, even the nasopharynx can swell. Most often, swelling is noticeable in the last weeks of pregnancy, especially in the evening.

Why are doctors afraid of this?

You should be aware that not all swelling is dangerous and, in most cases, goes away easily after rest and dietary adjustments.

Important! Please note that it is impossible to reduce the amount of liquid in any way, and it is not necessary to completely exclude salt. The main thing that edema is dangerous during pregnancy and why doctors are so afraid of them is the possibility of developing preeclampsia, one of the symptoms of which is swelling.

Edema can also signal a malfunction in the functioning of the kidneys or heart.

Prevention

healthy lifestyle and healthy eating- the main aspects of the prevention of edema during pregnancy.

• Alternate periods of activity and rest. Legs, when resting, should be elevated. If edema occurs due to the fault of the kidneys, then the ideal sleeping position is lying on the left side;
• Hiking is required. About where, when and how much it is useful to walk, read the article Walking during pregnancy >>>;
• Swimming, foot baths, massage;
• Food should be rich in protein, vitamins, salt is present, but in moderation. Liquids - at least 2 liters per day;
• Clothing should not be tight or tight, and shoes should be as comfortable and flat as possible.

What to control in order not to miss gestosis?

One of the obvious symptoms of preeclampsia is swelling of the legs during pregnancy after 22 weeks.

What can be done to prevent the development of this disease?

1. Weight control and edema monitoring;
2. Regular testing and monitoring of the growth of hemoglobin and the presence of protein in the blood. The first should not increase significantly, and the second should be absent altogether;
3. Blood pressure control.

Remember that edema can be hidden, therefore, if you suspect, you should seek advice from a nephrologist and urologist.

Puffiness (concentration of excess fluid in the body) is one of the most common pathological conditions women during pregnancy. Swelling of the legs and arms are the result of an increase in the load on the kidneys, a decrease in mobility, especially in the later stages.

During pregnancy, sodium accumulates in the tissues of a woman, which inhibits the withdrawal of fluid. As a result, visually visible swelling of the hands, arms and especially the legs occurs. Such swelling can also occur in other parts of the body.

Signs of puffiness

If excess fluid is poorly excreted, then, first of all, swelling is noticeable on the face. Then visually appear on the fingers, hands, feet. This is especially true during pregnancy in the last stages. In the early stages, puffiness may appear and not significantly, which is not even noticeable.

How to understand that there is puffiness:

Causes of edema in the 1st trimester

The appearance of edema in the first trimester is common, but not frequent. If swelling in the later stages is typical for all mothers, then in the early stages they can be a signal for concern.

1. Edema may be the result of improper functioning of an organ or an entire system, an exacerbation of a chronic disease. It can be problems with the kidneys, liver, heart and blood vessels.
2. The cause of swelling is improper regulation of cellular nutrition, impaired blood circulation.
3. Water retention due to the accumulation of sodium in the cells of the body.

Puffiness provokes oxygen starvation of cells. It can be visually noticeable when swelling of the arms, legs, face is visible. Hidden, visually, a woman does not change, but the danger does not decrease.

Latent edema is diagnosed by weighing, monitoring the daily volume of urine. The specialist prescribes a number of additional examinations.

Puffiness for the fetus at this time is not dangerous, but an infection is dangerous, for example, pyelonephritis in the kidneys can affect the development of the child.

Causes of swelling in the 2nd trimester

Fluid retention and swelling in the second trimester has its own specific causes:

1. The growing uterus presses on the large vessels that are responsible for the circulation of the lower extremities.
2. The level of progesterone in the woman's blood rises.
3. Improper diet - consumption of salty, fried or smoked foods. Abnormal fluid intake.
4. Edema caused by pathologies. They can be the result of impaired functioning of the kidneys and liver, increased blood pressure, the appearance of protein in the urine. The neglect of such conditions will negatively affect the mother and fetus, and even pose a threat.

Causes of edema in the 3rd trimester

The last trimester is the most exciting for future mother and heavier than before. Edema during pregnancy in the later stages is a completely natural state.

They appear for the following reasons:

The danger of edema for a child

Puffiness, of course, affects the baby and is even dangerous:

Cardiac edema

In heart failure, edema is a standard phenomenon, while their localization depends on the nature of the violation of the heart and the specificity of the disease. The heart cannot cope with the load to move blood, the blood supply worsens, fluid retention occurs.

It is localized mainly in the feet and legs. The skin in the edema area has a cyanotic color. Possible shortness of breath, pain in the thoracic region, swelling of the veins in the neck. Unlike kidney pathology, they may appear and disappear more slowly after the restoration of normal heart function.

Renal pathology

Renal pathology in pregnant women is in second place after heart problems. A pregnant woman undergoes significant physiological changes in the functioning of the kidneys and urinary system. Decreased activity Bladder due to hormonal changes.

The ureters are clamped by the enlarged uterus, there is a difficulty in the output of urine. Pyelonephritis can cause interruption, premature birth, preeclampsia, infection of the fetus.

Renal edema is localized in the upper body: face, eyelids, around the eyes. In the process of pressing, it can move. The temperature in the edematous place does not rise. Decrease in the amount of urine and the presence of pain in the lower back, the appearance of protein in the urine. Puffiness subsides with the normalization of kidney function.

Phlebeurysm

Varicose edema - the concentration of excess fluid in the intercellular space, caused by the pathology of the vascular valves. Typically, such edema appears at the end of the day, accompanied by unpleasant sensations or even pain.

There is a saccular expansion and the release of fluid elements into the free intercellular space - edema is obtained. During pregnancy, there is a strong load on the veins, and the treatment of the problem that has arisen is strictly under the supervision of a doctor.

allergic reactions

Edema is a dangerous stage of an allergic reaction that can appear anywhere on the body. As a rule, it first appears on the face (eyelids, eyes), throat. Swelling is often common in the extremities.

Swelling of the throat and nasopharynx provokes suffocation. Allergic edema - a violation in the mucous and subcutaneous tissues. Indicates the presence of an allergen in the body. The most common are food and medicines.

Preeclampsia

Edema can be a manifestation of preeclampsia - toxicosis in the later stages. Especially that swelling of the last trimester of pregnancy is a frequent occurrence. At the same time, you can’t run it - this is a risk for mother and child. Preeclampsia leads to disruption of vital functions, especially blood circulation and vascular system.

There are 4 types of preeclampsia and swelling with them is different:

Edema treatment: 1 trimester

Women at risk who have chronic diseases already in the first trimester should refuse to consume fried, salty foods, as well as smoked foods, regulate the amount of fluid consumed.

Salt, since it is only an additive to food, is limited in consumption. It promotes fluid retention. Eliminate the consumption of nuts, chips and other foods that cause additional thirst.

If edema is detected, the principle of treatment is determined by the doctor after a comprehensive examination. Treatment also depends on where the swelling occurs. Thinning the blood and improving its current is an effective way to get rid of puffiness. It is achieved by taking vitamins, which are rich in food and vitamin preparations.

Medical preparations prescribed by a specialist are also aimed at improving the outflow of fluid. If there is no problem with the kidneys, then Kanefron, consisting of herbs, is prescribed for prevention and as a diuretic. The appointment of diuretic teas and decoctions is done by the doctor.

To relieve puffiness, you need to take vitamins of group B, P and D. Introduce foods enriched with these vitamins into the diet, or take vitamin complexes, but after consulting a specialist.

Certain gymnastic exercises are effective: kneel down and rest your elbows on the floor. Stand in this position for about a quarter of an hour, so it is easier for the kidneys to work and remove fluid.

It is not recommended to sit in the “leg by leg” position, blood circulation is difficult. Do not wear tight, uncomfortable shoes. Choose low heels, on a comfortable platform. Do not be constantly in an upright position, unload your legs, lying down and raising them above head level.

Edema treatment: 2nd trimester

Edema treatment: 3rd trimester

Edema during pregnancy in the later stages is a common problem, but at the same time, a complex approach to its elimination during this period is:

Pharmaceutical preparations for the removal of edema

Treatment with medicines is necessary only in case of dysfunction internal organs: kidneys, heart, liver. This is due to the fact that diuretics have a toxic effect on the fetus, as well as a number of contraindications and side effects during pregnancy. Allowed the use of herbal preparations.

The dosage is determined by the doctor after the examination and taking into account the individual characteristics of the woman and her condition.

How to remove swelling of the hands: traditional medicine

As in the treatment of other types of edema, the intake of herbal medicines inside occurs under the strict supervision of a physician:

How to relieve swelling of the legs: traditional medicine

Edema during late pregnancy most often occurs on the legs, if there are no other pathological abnormalities. In addition to medications, the following methods can be used as an additional remedy, but it should be noted that ingestion is controlled by a specialist.

How to remove swelling from the face: traditional medicine

ethnoscience offers a lot of means to relieve swelling of the face. At the same time, use such funds inside pregnant women strictly after consultation with a specialist.

The methods of external use include masks:

1. Boiled potato mask. Mash boiled potatoes and apply for 10 minutes.
2. A very effective raw potato mask.
3. Sour cream mask with finely chopped dill. It will be more effective to squeeze dill juice.
4. Make compresses on the face from a decoction of sage.
5. Infusion of birch leaves. Soak the leaves in mineral water for at least 12 hours. Do compresses.
6. A mask of grated cucumber, in addition, relieves bruises under the eyes.
7. Use a contrast wash. Rubbing with ice.

Salt intake and drinking regimen during pregnancy

To reduce swelling, you must follow the recommended diet and normalized fluid intake. It is undesirable, even forbidden, the consumption of salted (salted fish, salted nuts, cucumbers, sauerkraut), fried and fatty foods, as well as smoked products.

Due to the high content of sodium in the blood, foods rich in sodium should be excluded: seeds, nuts, tomatoes. Drink only when you feel like it, but try to limit your intake to the recommended amount. Try to move more, do physical exercises in accordance with the period of pregnancy. Take the necessary vitamins, especially E and magnesium.

How can an edema diet help?

In the fight against the accumulation of excess fluid in the body, proper dietary nutrition plays an important role:

It is necessary to completely exclude from the diet:

1. Salted, fried, smoked.
2. Loin, ham, sausages, canned fish.
3. Fatty foods: mayonnaise, sour cream.

Pregnancy is an exciting period in a woman's life. At the same time, a number of problems, including edema in the later stages, are completely solvable with an integrated and qualified approach. If you follow the recommendations and the right regimen, this wonderful time will become unforgettable, one of the pleasant memories.

Video about swelling during pregnancy

What to do with swelling during pregnancy:

Why does swelling occur during pregnancy:

Swelling of the legs during pregnancy in the later stages: what is dangerous and how to treat

The last months of pregnancy create a feeling of soon happiness, but a serious problem can overshadow the elated mood from hormones. Swelling of the legs in pregnant women in the later stages- this is not a rare occurrence. A growing fetus requires more space in the abdomen and displaces the internal organs, which causes swelling of various parts of the body. They can be a physiological norm or, conversely, dangerous for a child and require treatment.

• Why do swelling appear
• Attention! Summer
• How to relieve swelling in the heat
• What can swell in pregnant women
• Effects
• Swelling of the hands
• Edema on the legs
• swelling of the face
• Pastosity of the genitals
• Drinking regime
• Treatment
• Local therapy: gels, creams for edema during pregnancy
• Treatment in a hospital
• Therapeutic diet and sample menu
• Exercises and gymnastics for home
• Treatment with folk remedies and recipes
• Diagnostics

Causes of edema, what is wrong with the pregnant body

Edema appears due to a sharp increase in the uterus: water accumulates in the body, internal organs, nerves and blood vessels are squeezed, the passage of oxygen to the limbs is blocked, the outflow of urine is disturbed and stagnation occurs in the bloodstream.

Most of the edema occurs in women who are carrying a child for the first time, but the first child is not the main cause of the pathology.

During gestation, progesterone levels rise. Its main effect is the relaxation of smooth muscle. And this type of muscle tissue is present in most internal organs:

• in the vascular wall of veins and arteries;
• in the esophagus, intestines, stomach, gallbladder, bile ducts;
• uterus
• in the ureters and bladder.

Progesterone is the main cause of edema formation. All others are secondary or dependent on the influence of this hormone. It is because of it that heartburn, constipation and swelling occur during pregnancy.

Other causes of edema in pregnant women:

• Chronic diseases: cardiovascular (increased load), endocrine, genitourinary systems, vascular - or deep vein thrombosis.
• Uncontrolled consumption of salty foods.
• Tight clothing and uncomfortable shoes: leggings,.
• Protein deficiency (hereditary or due to malnutrition or protein loss against the background of gestational nephropathy).
• - toxicosis in pregnant women. In addition to edema, hypertension appears (increased blood pressure) and. At risk adult women: (from), pregnant with twins or triplets, smokers, suffering from episodic convulsions or with chronic diseases of the cardiovascular system.

The accumulation of fluid occurs from the bottom up, so the first swelling appears in the legs. The pastosity of the feet looks like thickening of the skin, swelling of the subcutaneous fat layer. Easily distinguishable, since the protruding veins on the leg are completely closed, folds may form. Usually swelling looks like in the photo.

To check if there is an accumulation of sweaty plasma on the lower extremities, you need to press it with your thumb soft tissues to the tibia. This bone is located on the anterior surface of the lower leg. If, after pressing for 3-5 seconds, a depression remains - this is swelling. Moreover, the degree of swelling is higher, the higher the fossa remains with pressure.

Preeclampsia is dangerous because it causes swelling of the internal organs, including the placenta, which are fraught with impaired oxygen exchange between the mother and the fetus. Late gestosis is a threatening condition for both. Therefore, a woman and an obstetrician-gynecologist should be wary in his presence. When the condition is confirmed in severe cases, the pregnant woman is hospitalized and intensive treatment is prescribed.

Attention: summer and heat

Speaking about the reasons for the development of edematous syndrome in a pregnant woman, it is necessary to mention the season. In summer, especially in the heat, edema develops faster, stronger and more difficult to remove. This is due to the physical influence of heat, which has a relaxing effect on blood vessels:

• blood flow slows down
• perfusion pressure in the vessels increases;
• more fluid leaks into the intercellular space.

Therefore, if the 3rd trimester of pregnancy falls on the hot season, your actions should be aimed in advance at preventing the appearance of edema.

What can you do in the summer to alleviate the condition

You can remove or alleviate swelling with the help of a contrast shower for the legs. The temperature difference will allow the vessels to "play" and return to tone. Such hardening exercises - the best remedy to prevent swelling of the lower extremities in the third trimester.

What can swell in pregnant women?

In addition to the feet, hands and fingers, face, mucous membranes of the nose, mouth, and genitals are prone to edema. Hidden edema is the most dangerous during pregnancy. They are distinguished by the absence of external symptoms: the body does not get tired, muscles do not hurt, thickening of the skin is invisible, but weight is rapidly gaining. Therefore, in the antenatal clinic where you are observed, before a visit to an obstetrician-gynecologist, a control weighing is mandatory.

Since edematous fluid accumulates in the intercellular space of the internal organs, it is possible to determine from a chronic disease which part of the body is most at risk. Mothers with cardiovascular disease are more likely to have swelling in their legs, lower back, and feet. In women with kidney disease, any organ can be affected, including the face and hands.

The average time for the onset of edema during pregnancy is. But later swelling is possible on, and even. And early - with.

What are the dangers of swelling in late pregnancy

Edema in the last month of pregnancy associated with chronic diseases causes rapid weight gain (about 300-400 g per week) and is dangerous for rapid spread throughout the body. Swollen organs compress blood vessels, sodium and oxygen metabolism is disturbed, the child receives less nutrients and may be born prematurely. To exclude such consequences, pregnant women are constantly monitored in the hospital.

Significant risks to the fetus occur only when the woman does not report swelling and allows it to progress.

Swelling of the legs during pregnancy

The most common localization of edema during pregnancy is the legs. The fluid accumulates in the body and under the influence of gravity falls down into the ankles.

At night, when a woman lies in a horizontal position, the fluid moves up the legs and in the morning the swelling may decrease. This condition is normal for pregnant women. There may be slight tingling and short-term numbness of the extremities. Charging also helps with morning pastosity.

You can reduce mild swelling on your own. During sleep, it is recommended to raise your legs - lay them on an extra pillow.

You need to be less upright without movement, wear comfortable shoes (especially if flat feet are diagnosed to any degree), do foot massage or gymnastics, wear compression stockings and drink 1.5 liters of fluid per day in small portions.

If the swelling remains in the same size in the morning or other parts of the body begin to swell, it is necessary to inform the gynecologist. Swelling of the legs during pregnancy can be an indirect sign.

Swelling of the hands in pregnant women

There are two ways to determine if there is swelling of the hands during pregnancy or not:

• in the morning, put a ring on your finger, with swelling in the evening, swelling around the ring will form, and the jewelry itself will be more difficult to remove;
• take a tight elastic band and put it on your hand, with swelling, after a few minutes, the skin under the elastic band is pressed in, and after removing it, a dent is still visible for some time.

Swollen hands usually do not cause discomfort. My fingers hurt when I type on the keyboard for a long time. To avoid swelling when working at a computer, it is enough to put your elbows on a flat surface, it is advisable to put a soft pillow on it, and give your hands a rest every 10-15 minutes.

Simultaneous swelling of the arms and legs is a sign that the cardiovascular system, together with the lymphatic, do not cope. In late pregnancy, the heart experiences an increased load, and venous blood is poorly “pumped” from the limbs to the heart. Due to the high pressure, the walls of the veins expand and small holes are formed through which the fluid flows through the intercellular space. At the same time, thrombophlebitis worsens. Inflammation of the veins can be suspected if one leg is swollen more than the other.

If the swelling of the fingers does not go away on its own, the doctor makes a strict diet and control of the fluid entering the body. In advanced cases, separately assigned medications that increase blood flow in the kidneys and vitamins B, E and A.

swelling of the face

Edema of the face appears later than anything, sometimes before childbirth. In the morning, a slight swelling of the eyelids is noticeable. In severe cases, the area under the eyes constantly swells and the contour of the face changes.

In the early stages, a runny nose or nasal congestion develops, which sometimes accompany a pregnant woman to the very. The face often swells with an increase in salt load at night. It is necessary to exclude the use of salty spicy foods.

Facial swelling is treated in the same way as swelling of the arms and legs: a strict diet, fluid control, baths, moderate exercise.

Swelling of the labia

Swelling of the genitals at 9 months is not always dangerous, more often adipose tissue increases to make it easier for the child to pass through the birth canal. But such an increase in the labia is not accompanied by a constant feeling of discomfort.

If, along with swelling, the vagina constantly itches or the discharge becomes green, yellow, then we can talk about infection and infection. In this case, additional laboratory and instrumental diagnostic methods are prescribed individually, then medications are prescribed.

If the swelling causes discomfort, but the discharge is normal, it is prescribed general diet, drinking mode and a warm bath.

Drinking regime with puffiness

In the third trimester, blood circulation increases by about 40%, which is why the body needs more fluid - about 1.5 liters per day, including first courses, juicy fruits and vegetables. Moreover, during a full meal, it is important to reduce the amount of salt to 1.5 g, it has the ability to retain fluid. In the morning and in the evening you need to drink a glass of kefir or. and it is better to drink an infusion of hawthorn or kidney collection. If it is difficult to adhere to the drinking regimen, and the body constantly requires more water - you need to drink, you can’t starve yourself with thirst during pregnancy.

You need to know that the fluid in the body retains not only salt, but also sugar. Therefore, the diet provides for the exclusion of sweet foods. But most of all, the sugar-salt complex influences the formation of edema in pregnant women. These two products potentiate each other in the development of edematous syndrome.

To get rid of edema during pregnancy, it is forbidden to take diuretics (diuretics) on your own. If the wrong drug is chosen during pregnancy, the body will begin to excrete useful material depriving both the child and the mother of macronutrients. Only a doctor can prescribe a diuretic based on tests.

Treatment: medications and rules of admission

During pregnancy, it is allowed to take the following drugs under the supervision of a doctor:

1. Triampur (for diseases of the heart, liver and kidneys) - 2 tablets / day. morning and evening for 20 days;
2. Kanefron - 1 tablet 2 times a day before meals for 15 days;
3. Eufillin - 0.15 g 2 times a day;
4. Hofitol (organic preparation based on artichoke) - 3 tablets / day. before eating;
5. Furosemide - 1-2 tab / day.

Excess medication in the 3rd trimester affects the baby. The exact dosage can only be prescribed in a hospital. Any of the drugs is supplemented with diuretic products: oatmeal, eggplant, or celery. In severe cases, only drugs help.

Local preparations for getting rid of edema

Local remedies - heparin-based gels and creams - help to fight edematous syndrome. It improves the rheological properties of blood, prevents the formation of blood clots and restores the vascular wall, thereby helping to avoid swelling in pregnant women on the legs, arms and under the eyes on the face.

Treatment of edema in late pregnancy with creams and gels without the consent of the doctor is prohibited!

Treatment of edema during pregnancy in a hospital

With severe edematous syndrome, hospitalization of the pregnant woman in a permanent hospital or day hospital may be recommended.

In the hospital, if necessary, vascular drugs are prescribed and administered using a dropper. In this way, treatment is carried out with Pentoxifylline, Eufillin. In short, these drugs will help the kidneys filter out excess fluid accumulated in the body of the expectant mother and cope with swelling.

Previously, magnesium sulfate (magnesium) was prescribed for this purpose, but progressive specialists are gradually “leaving” it. The effect of it is insignificant and doubtful in terms of the health of the fetus.

Diet

The table shows the acceptable dishes for each meal, the diet is based on the preferences of the pregnant woman.

Table 1.

Breakfast	Dinner	afternoon tea	Dinner	Before bedtime
Muesli with milk, or boiled eggs, or 100 g of cottage cheese; Juice and apple or berries	Vegetable or seafood soup or beef soup 100 g vegetable salad or rice side dish. 2-3 slices of black bread, cucumbers. Drink juices or compotes.	Apple, pear, assorted berries, a piece of watermelon or melon, dried apricots (optional). kidney tea	Rice garnish with cutlet or boiled fish. Treatment of edema in late pregnancy with folk remedies Folk remedies will also help to cope with swelling, they can be taken along with a course of medication, but it is important to notify the doctor about this. The course of folk herbal medicine includes various tonic and sedatives: cranberry and lingonberry fruit drinks from fresh or frozen berries; tea or infusion of lingonberry leaves; (without sugar, you can with honey), it is important to choose high-quality tea; a decoction of bearberry helps to drive excess liquid, drink no more than 10 days, long-term use threatens irritation of the muscles of the uterus; , lavender, jasmine or other herb as an addition to water; for treatment, use a decoction of dill seeds or adding seeds to food; corn silk in kidney disease. Diagnosis of pastosity: how to determine if there is fluid retention or not To detect edema during pregnancy, doctors prescribe a woman a daily rate of water and monitor the amount and condition. Comparing the rate of consumption and output, we can conclude how much fluid remains in the tissues, which means predicting the appearance of edema. Pastosity in a progressive form affects the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx and throat, there is a constant runny nose, turning into rhinitis (inflammation of the nasal mucosa). Rhinitis of pregnant women does not require treatment. A blister test is used: the introduction of 0.2 mg of saline into the forearm. The greater the edematous readiness of the body, the faster the blister resolves. Urinalysis according to Zimnitsky (in parentheses, the norm) shows the average volume of urination (60-300 ml), the ratio of daytime and night diuresis (3: 1), the ratio of excreted fluid to the accepted one (75-80%). For analysis within 24 hours, every 3 hours, 8 times, starting at 9:00, a urine sample is taken. The first portion goes down the toilet, the rest are collected each time in a separate jar, stored in a refrigerator and taken to the hospital in the morning. During the analysis, diuretics should not be used. If the body of a pregnant woman is predisposed to edema, then they cannot be avoided, but they can be warned and recognized in time by undergoing examinations in the hospital, especially in the 3rd trimester. It is not swelling that is terrible, but the lack of desire and desire to treat them. Puffiness is a phenomenon in which muscle tissue accumulates fluid and compresses blood vessels. It is observed in 80% of pregnant women, and can manifest itself in any part of the body. But most often, legs suffer from excessive swelling. What are swelling? There are 4 degrees of puffiness - depending on how extensive the problem is: 1st - only the lower part of the legs swells, from the knee to the foot; 2nd - shins, feet, lower abdomen suffer; 3rd - swelling of the surface of the legs, hands, face; 4th - puffiness is observed throughout the body. Hidden edema may also occur during pregnancy. Outwardly, they are invisible, and are recognized by a sharp increase in body weight - more than 1 kg per week, a change in the shape of the face, swelling of the cheeks. The expectant mother feels pain and tingling in the limbs, as well as the legs. Latent edema can be detected by monitoring the functioning of the excretory system: the daily volume of urine should be at least 75% of the total amount of fluid consumed. If the usual shoes have become small, and the wedding ring cannot be removed from the finger, puffiness is to blame. Reasons for the appearance The following causes of discomfort are distinguished: The causes of swelling also depend on the duration of pregnancy. In the first trimester, this phenomenon is observed in the presence of chronic diseases of the kidneys, heart, blood vessels. A woman should definitely see a doctor. In the second and third trimester, the fetus grows rapidly, and the uterus enlarges and puts pressure on nearby organs, worsening their blood supply and causing swelling. This problem is especially relevant for women who are carrying a large fetus or twins. If the legs are very swollen at 9 months of pregnancy, possible reason- gestosis. It occurs against the background of hormonal changes in the mother's body, which provokes the appearance of microscopic holes in the blood vessels. As a result, there is an outflow of fluid into the tissues, and the blood thickens. In this case, hospitalization is required. After delivery, the swelling disappears on its own within a few days. If not, the reason is not pregnancy at all. When do you need to see a doctor? The fluid accumulated in the tissues impairs blood flow, first in the capillaries, and then in large vessels. This is how varicose veins occur - a phenomenon that affects 40% of expectant mothers. With this diagnosis, you need to be regularly examined by a doctor. It is not so much the puffiness itself that is dangerous, but the reasons that caused it. These may be disorders of the kidneys, heart or endocrine system. You should be concerned if: All these are signs of preeclampsia, which can lead to hypoxia, developmental delay and death of the fetus. How to deal with puffiness? If your legs swell during pregnancy, try the following methods: If a woman has gestosis, only special therapy is appropriate. With this ailment, the body suffers from dehydration, so it is impossible to self-medicate and limit the volume of incoming fluid. About 80 percent of pregnant women experience edema sooner or later. Why does this happen, how to minimize the risk of edema, and is it worth panicking if they do occur? Edema is an excessive accumulation of fluid in body tissues. They can be explicit and internal (hidden), have a physiological or pathological nature. Causes of edema in pregnant women Pregnancy. Changes in hormonal levels and a growing uterus are factors contributing to the appearance of edema. With multiple pregnancies, the risk of having edema increases significantly. Emerging or aggravated health problems. Bad habits. Overweight. Wrong nutrition. Prolonged standing or sitting position. Age 35 and over. Edema during pregnancy, stages At the first stage, the legs swell during pregnancy: shins, feet. At the second stage, swelling of the hips and abdomen joins the above. In the third stage, swelling extends to the hands, wrists. The face becomes puffy. The fourth stage is general edema. The nature of the occurrence of edema during pregnancy The physiological nature of edema Man is 80 percent water. During pregnancy, a woman normally gains 10-12 kg, half of which is water. In the tissues and blood of the expectant mother, the content of sodium, which retains fluid, increases. With the growth of the fetus, the pressure of the uterus on the small vena cava and ureters increases, which contributes to the deterioration of fluid discharge. Therefore, swelling during pregnancy in the later stages is such a common occurrence. Slight swelling of the legs, feet, which manifests itself closer to the second half of the day and passes after a night's sleep, is not a reason for panic. Toward the end of pregnancy, women may swell the labia. This is also a variant of the norm. Physiological edema also includes swelling of the tissues of the nose, followed by difficulty in breathing. Pathological nature of edema Renal edema during pregnancy The kidneys of pregnant women have a colossal burden. Renal edema may develop due to the onset or exacerbation of kidney disease during pregnancy. Such edema is localized, mainly on the face: it becomes puffy, the eyelids swell. The wrists and hands may also swell. A protein that appears in the urine of a pregnant woman also indicates a violation of the kidneys. Heart edema during pregnancy In a pregnant woman, the volume of blood increases by 40-50 percent. Consequently, the load on the "pump" that makes it circulate - the heart - increases significantly. Cardiac edema is characterized by a downward trend. If a woman is in a standing position, then her legs will swell during pregnancy. In the supine position, swelling will be prone to the stomach or back. With edema of this kind, shortness of breath, cyanosis of the mucous membranes, persistent palpitations are also observed. Internal swelling during pregnancy Internal edema is not visible to the naked eye, but is a danger to the development of the baby. The fact is that with a latent form of edema, the uterus, placenta and abdominal wall most often swell. Edematous placenta can compress the vessels of the umbilical cord, which will lead to placental insufficiency. Puffiness as a manifestation of preeclampsia Preeclampsia is a complication of pregnancy, which is the main cause of maternal mortality and increases the risk of fetal / child death in the first week after birth by 5-7 times. Severe edema during pregnancy, both external and internal, along with proteinuria and high blood pressure, are classic symptoms of late toxicosis. Edema during pregnancy, diagnosis Daily diuresis When carrying out diuresis, the volume of absorbed, taking into account liquid dishes and fruits, and the volume of liquids excreted, are calculated, minus the first morning urine, which refers to the previous day. About 75 percent of the absorbed fluid must be excreted from the body with urine. A significantly lower rate indicates that the fluid has been retained in the tissues. For greater information content, it is recommended to conduct a study 3 days in a row. McClure-Aldrich test In everyday life it is called a blister test. To conduct a study, a woman is injected intradermally into the inner side of the forearm with 0.2 ml of a sterile solution of sodium chloride at a concentration of 0.8%. As a result, a tubercle forms on the skin, the texture resembling a lemon peel. Normally, this tubercle resolves in an hour. With latent edema, the resorption time decreases in direct proportion to the degree of edema. The test is carried out on an empty stomach, the patient should be in a sitting or lying position. Currently, blister testing is rarely performed due to the duration of the study. Examination of limbs The swelling may cause numbness or tingling in the fingers and toes. With swelling, the circumference of the ankle increases by a centimeter or more. When pressing on the swollen limb, the resulting “dent” does not immediately straighten out. Swollen feet give out deep rubber marks after wearing socks or golf. Swollen hands are indicated by difficulty putting on or taking off rings. Women who have swollen fingers during pregnancy are not recommended to wear rings. Tracking weight gain According to WHO standards, weekly weight gain in the second half of pregnancy for women with a normal body mass index should be about 230 grams. Sudden changes in body weight or a set of more than 350 grams may indicate the presence of edema. Physiological swelling during pregnancy prevention and treatment Physiological edema does not require medical treatment. In order to minimize the risk of such edema, it is enough to follow simple recommendations. healthy eating Nutrition plays a very important role in the fight against edema. During pregnancy, it is necessary to exclude all kinds of pickles, smoked meats, spicy foods, carbonated drinks and limit the use of sweets. The volume of liquid, contrary to popular belief, should not be greatly reduced. For the normal functioning of the body of a pregnant woman, you need to consume about one and a half liters of fluid per day, taking into account first courses and watery fruits. A strong reduction in the volume of fluid entering inside can have the exact opposite effect - the body will begin to “store” water, and swelling will only intensify. For the same reason, salt should not be completely excluded from the diet. It is useful to arrange unloading vegetable and milk days. Mobile lifestyle, gymnastics The only reason why you should exclude physical activity during pregnancy is the threat of interruption. In other cases, light physical activity will only benefit. To prevent or combat edema, special fitness or water aerobics for expectant mothers, swimming, and not too long walks are well suited. Even a banal daily exercise will bear fruit. Pregnant women who have a sedentary, sedentary job are advised, as far as possible, to raise and place their legs on a chair during the working day for a better outflow of fluid. Due to the repeated repetition of the same actions, hands swell during pregnancy. Therefore, it is desirable to minimize the time spent at the computer, modeling, knitting, etc. Or, in extreme cases, do not forget to take breaks and do hand exercises. A popular exercise to combat edema, in which a woman lies on the floor and, raising her legs high, rests them against the wall. In the second half of pregnancy, it must be modernized by placing a solid roller under the woman's buttocks. Otherwise, due to the pressure of the grown uterus on the small vena cava, the outflow of venous blood will be difficult. To prevent or combat swelling and relieve the back, you can do the exercise "cat". Not bad reduces the load on the kidneys and a static stay in the knee-elbow position. To achieve a tangible effect, you need to perform several approaches every day for 10-15 minutes. Resting during long periods of pregnancy is most useful on the left side. Wearing a bandage, compression stockings A properly selected bandage supports the growing pregnant belly in the correct position, which reduces the risk of edema. Wearing compression stockings, stockings or tights will be useful if you are prone to varicose veins, which are often accompanied by swelling. A phlebologist will help determine the required degree of compression. The bandage and compression underwear should be put on correctly in the prone position. Proper footwear The risk of swelling is greater when wearing inappropriate shoes. Correct footwear: in size, has a stable heel with a height of 3 to 5 centimeters, stable. There are no tight straps on the leg. Getting rid of bad habits Bad habits during pregnancy can not only harm the health of the baby, but also provoke the appearance of edema. Nicotine harms all organs and systems of the human body. The closest relationship between smoking and varicose veins, which, in turn, contributes to the development of swelling. One of the causes of edema, oddly enough, is dehydration. The latter is a frequent companion of alcohol abuse. Body care In the care of swollen or suffering from varicose legs, it will not be superfluous to use specialized cosmetics. Swelling of the legs during pregnancy is well relieved by foot baths with sea salt. To carry them out, so much salt water is poured into the container, with a temperature not higher than 37-38 degrees, as needed to completely immerse the swollen leg area. The duration of the procedure is 15 minutes. With skin diseases or diabetes, salt baths are prohibited. Swelling of the legs during pregnancy, what to do? Massage! It's pleasant and effective way improve blood circulation. It is necessary to massage the legs in the direction from the feet to the hips. For the procedure, you can use both special massagers, a washcloth, or just hands. Pathological edema during pregnancy, what to do Do not panic and get a medical examination. Based on the results of the tests, the doctor will determine the need and tactics of drug treatment of edema. Medical treatment of edema The attitude towards puffiness among doctors in the CIS countries differs from the point of view adopted in Europe and America. Foreign doctors prefer to observe, intervening only in situations that really threaten the health of a woman and her unborn child. Domestic doctors often prefer to play it safe and, depending on the results of the examination, prescribe diuretics, vasoconstrictors, antispasmodics and sedatives. To normalize the work of the kidneys are usually prescribed complex means plant-based, such as Canephron or Cyston in tablet form, Phytolysin paste. They should be used with caution: the annotations contain rather long lists of side effects. But these drugs relieve renal edema during pregnancy well, reviews of future and successful mothers confirm this. To strengthen blood vessels, doctors prescribe magnesium preparations, vitamin E, lipoic acid, and against vasospasm - No-Shpu. Treatment of edema with preeclampsia is carried out in a hospital. The standard measure is a dropper of magnesia, which relieves swelling, normalizes blood pressure, relaxes blood vessels and muscle muscles. Improve blood microcirculation with droppers of drugs based on pentoxifylline. It is strictly forbidden to use diuretics if gestosis is suspected! Swelling of the nose during pregnancy cannot be treated with the usual vasoconstrictor drops and sprays. But it is also impossible to remain inactive: due to the deterioration of nasal breathing, the fetus may receive less oxygen. Doctors recommend dealing with the "runny nose of pregnant women" by washing the nasal cavity with saline or a solution of sea salt. How to get rid of edema during pregnancy, folk remedies Traditional medicine is replete with remedies against edema. But you can use them only as directed by a doctor, and even then not all. The fact is that some components of popular kidney fees can cause uterine tone and even provoke an abortion. Of the safest folk remedies it is possible to isolate a decoction of lingonberry leaf, which has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, immunostimulating, choleretic, astringent and mild diuretic effects. Conclusion Most swelling in pregnant women is harmless and does not require treatment. But, at times, puffiness can signal the development or exacerbation of diseases and conditions dangerous to the mother and fetus. Self-treatment of pathological edema can be extremely dangerous; only a doctor should decide how to relieve swelling during pregnancy, based on the results of the examination.