Signs of latent edema in a pregnant woman. Edema

Expecting a baby is both a happy and exciting period in a woman's life. Any changes in well-being cause increased attention from the expectant mother. Often an interesting situation is accompanied by some characteristic or pathological symptoms. Swelling of the legs affects about 30% of women during pregnancy. Why do edema occur in pregnant women at different times? How can they be dangerous and how to deal with them correctly and when should you pay special attention to them? We will talk about this in this article.

Why does swelling occur during pregnancy?

Puffiness can disturb the expectant mother from the earliest possible date. Often, they are among the early signs of pregnancy. This is due to an increase in blood flow in the pelvis and changes in hormonal levels. After all, many women observe puffiness in themselves in the second half of the cycle, it is provoked by an increase in the production of progesterone. This hormone is responsible for maintaining the developing embryo.

At a later date, from 12 weeks, when the fetus has already formed and begins to grow actively, the growing uterus puts pressure on the internal organs. The outflow of blood worsens, the lymph from the lower extremities departs more slowly. This is the most common reason why legs swell during pregnancy.

The body weight of a pregnant woman is increasing all the time and the load on the lower limbs is growing, especially if she spends a lot of time in a standing position. Under the influence of hormones, more fluid accumulates in the tissues. It is quite difficult to remove it from the body, because they remain at a high level for the entire period of gestation. In principle, it is undesirable to do this for the reason that it can lead to disruption of metabolic processes.

Often, swelling in the legs is accompanied by pain or pulling sensations, night cramps and cramps, numbness, tingling. Such symptoms may indicate a deficiency in the body of vitamins and trace elements, such as potassium, magnesium, iron or calcium. In the later stages, swelling is caused by the pressure of the uterus on the nerve endings.

A large number of doctors are inclined to believe that compression of the nerves by edematous tissues in the legs disrupts their conduction. The use of B vitamins has a beneficial effect on nerve cells and will help reduce the number of spasms. This assumption has not been scientifically confirmed, however, gynecologists recommend that pregnant women additionally consume vitamins from this group in order to relieve swelling of the legs during pregnancy.

Symptoms and diagnosis of edema

Most often, a pregnant woman herself turns to the doctor with complaints that her legs are swollen. The first thing that attracts attention is the difficulty with fastening shoes during pregnancy or the need to change your usual size to a much larger one. You can check for swelling by pressing your finger in the area of ​​​​the ankle joint for a few seconds, if after that there is an indentation that does not go away immediately.

You can suspect them by measuring the circumference of the ankles. It is worth considering that this is required to be done weekly. With severe edema, their volume increases by more than 1 cm every 7-10 days. The presence of edema is indicated by the condition of the skin on the legs. The skin acquires a looser structure, looks stretched, stretch marks may appear.

Causes of swelling of the legs, arms and face during pregnancy

Swelling of the legs is observed in most women in an interesting position. Prolonged walking can contribute to their occurrence. Slight swelling in the legs by the end of the day is normal. If it persists after sleep, you should consult your doctor.
Puffiness in the hands and fingers is manifested by difficulty in clenching them into a fist or inability to put on or take off the ring. Often, swelling of the fingers occurs in women who work at a computer. The constant repetition of monotonous movements provokes stagnation in the tissues.

Facial swelling in pregnant women often causes difficulty in nasal breathing. This leads to a deterioration in overall well-being due to a lack of oxygen supply to the brain and can provoke a decrease in blood pressure, an unpleasant condition in the form of nasal congestion and other uncomfortable conditions. In this case, it is necessary to consult a doctor about prescribing topical drugs (ointments or drops) that will help improve breathing.

Internal swelling

In fact, the danger is not the manifestations of puffiness themselves, but the pathologies that are accompanied by them. The presence of internal edema can cause hypoxia in the baby. They are detected in the course of systematic monitoring of weight gain.

The symptom is an increase in body weight, more than 0.4 kg per week. They are also characterized by abrupt changes in weight. You can accurately determine the presence of latent edema by monitoring daily diuresis. Normally, the amount of excreted fluid should be at least 75% of that which entered the body along with food and drink. If this indicator is lower, this indicates the presence of hidden edema.

The cause of severe swelling for periods of 7 to 12 weeks can be serious diseases of the kidneys and the cardiovascular system. At a later date, such conditions may be accompanied by an increase in blood pressure, which indicates the development of preeclampsia. In this case, hormonal changes lead to the formation of microscopic holes in the capillaries and large vessels, from which fluid seeps into the tissues, which provokes blood clots.

Without adequate therapy, this can be fatal for the fetus and for the woman herself. This is why early diagnosis is extremely important!

The danger of edema during pregnancy

Puffiness during the period of bearing a baby may be a sign of late toxicosis or gestosis. In the later stages, such symptoms are a reason for increased attention from the doctor leading the pregnancy. Due to tissue edema, the child may suffer from oxygen starvation, and the woman herself from disruption of the internal organs. This condition in severe cases requires immediate delivery in order to save the life of the mother and child. That is why a woman should ask herself at the time how to get rid of leg swelling during pregnancy.

When should you sound the alarm? Suspect the appearance of edema in the legs, which are pathological in nature and can lead to serious consequences during pregnancy, the following symptoms can:

• If there is a large increase in body weight and associated chronic fatigue.
• In addition to the lower extremities, there are swelling on other parts of the body: face, arms, abdomen and lower back.
• The swelling persists after sleep.
• In addition to edema, there is increased pressure or hypotension.
• Urinalysis showed the presence of protein.
• Symptoms include palpitations and shortness of breath.

Therapeutic measures and drug treatment

Abroad, doctors do not recommend treating edema that has physiological causes. In the countries of the post-Soviet space, such symptoms are more wary. They are sure that treatment should be carried out at the first signs, until the edema is complicated by concomitant pathological conditions. After all, they may be followed by an increase in blood pressure and the presence of protein in the urine, which are direct symptoms of preeclampsia.
In modern medicine, there are different ways to deal with edema during pregnancy:

• Dieting;
• Folk remedies;
• Medical treatment;
• Diuretic drugs.

Most often, medication is prescribed for a long period of about a month. In this case, mainly homeopathic medicines are used with a minimal risk of side effects Fitolizin, Cyston or Kanefron.

They have anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antispasmodic and mild diuretic effects. In addition, they help to establish the proper functioning of the kidneys. Diuretic drugs with a more pronounced effect, capable of quickly removing excess water from the body, are categorically contraindicated during pregnancy. They are forbidden to be taken without prior consultation with the attending physician about how to relieve swelling from the legs during pregnancy.

Vitamins to reduce swelling

A good therapeutic effect for edema in some patients is the strengthening of the cardiovascular system and the improvement of utero-placental blood flow. This prevents excess fluid from seeping into the tissues and reduces the likelihood of edema. For this purpose, pregnant women are prescribed Vitamin E preparations, lipoic acid, Manegrot, Magne B6 and vitamin complexes.

Special creams for the treatment of edema

A good result is the use of creams for swelling of the legs, which are not contraindicated during pregnancy. Their action is aimed at directly eliminating the problem, relieving fatigue and treating varicose veins, if there is such a problem.

The composition of these topical preparations includes, as a rule, plant components: extracts of hazel, horse chestnut, menthol, essential oils, vitamins and minerals. These creams include Guam DUO, Sanosan Cooling Gel, Mama Comfort, Mama Care and many others.

Important! If the cause of severe swelling of the legs during pregnancy is serious pathologies, such as kidney or heart disease, then most often the treatment is carried out in a hospital under the strict supervision of a specialist.

Folk remedies for edema

With good general health, you can use recipes from traditional medicine to treat edema. In any case, they can be used only after a preliminary discussion of such a possibility with a gynecologist from the antenatal clinic, where the woman is registered. Baths for leg swelling during pregnancy with cool water, close to room temperature, will help relieve fatigue and reduce swelling in the tissues. You can enhance the effectiveness of such a procedure by adding sea or ordinary table salt to the water.

You can relieve swelling with the help of natural medicinal plants, teas from which have a diuretic effect. These include kidney fees, decoctions of wild rose, hawthorn, bearberry, horsetail or dried apricots. Freshly squeezed juices from lingonberries, cranberries, cherries saturate the body with vitamins and remove excess fluid.

If natural remedies do not give the desired effect, you should consult a doctor to prescribe safe diuretics for leg swelling, which are allowed during pregnancy and will not harm the expectant mother and baby.

Prevention of edema during pregnancy

You can prevent the development of edema by following preventive recommendations, which include the following measures: the clothes and shoes of a pregnant woman should be loose so as not to cause circulatory disorders. Contrary to popular belief, drinking restrictions can cause swelling. Not getting enough fluid, the body can begin to accumulate it "in reserve".

Sufficient physical activity will reduce the risk of fluid stagnation in the tissues. If you plan to use a certain set of exercises, this should be discussed with the doctor. Comfortable shoes will help reduce the load on the feet, thereby reducing the risk of swelling.
Sufficient rest and healthy sleep are simply necessary for the expectant mother for a healthy pregnancy. Proper and balanced nutrition plays a special role.

You can reduce swelling and reduce the risk of their occurrence by adhering to a certain diet. Nutrition must necessarily include animal proteins and dairy products. It is advisable, if possible, to eat more foods high in potassium - legumes, greens, bananas, melons and apricots. Limit the amount of salt to 1 g per day. Exclude pickles, smoked meats, fried and spicy.

Important! You should not take diuretics without a doctor's prescription or without first consulting with him about taking a particular medication.

Often, swelling of the legs in pregnant women has a physiological cause and is not a pathological condition. However, they can be caused by serious diseases, as well as pose a danger to the expectant mother and child. For this reason, they cannot be ignored.

If you have symptoms of swelling, you should immediately seek qualified advice from a specialist!

Update: October 2018

Edema during pregnancy occurs to varying degrees in almost every woman. But not in all cases, they indicate a pathology and require medical treatment. Before you start treating edema, you should identify the cause of their occurrence, whether it is necessary to eliminate edema, and whether the fight against them threatens something worse.

Water as a necessary element of pregnancy

As you know, the human body up to 80% consists of water. During gestation, the amount of water increases by 6-8 liters, most of which (up to 6 liters) is in the extra-tissue state, and about 3 liters accumulate in the tissues. By the end of gestation, the volume of water increases by another 6 liters, 3 of which fall on the baby, placenta and amniotic fluid, and the rest to increase the volume of the woman's circulating blood, the growing uterus and mammary glands. This “flooding” is the normal state of a physiological pregnancy.

The increase in the volume of the liquid part of the blood begins at 8 weeks, while the increase in the number of erythrocytes from 18 weeks. This is due to the need to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the fetus - the thinner and more fluid the blood, the faster it delivers.

The mechanism of edema formation

In order for water to reach the fetus, it must be in the vascular bed, and not in tissues or body cavities. The fluid in the blood vessels is held by 2 components:

1. sodium chloride
2. protein (albumin).

The albumin protein maintains oncotic pressure in the blood vessels, while sodium retains water in them. If there is a shortage of these substances, the fluid “leaves” into the tissues, that is, there is an increased permeability of the vessels. Albumin is produced by a woman's liver from those amino acids that come with food, that is, it matters how the expectant mother eats.

Sodium chloride comes from food and is also stored by the kidneys. In addition, salt metabolism is regulated by hormones. Thus, there is a second point in the mechanism of the occurrence of edema - a violation of water-salt metabolism, when sodium accumulates in tissues and attracts water from the vessels. Since the liquid part of the blood becomes small, it thickens, that is, against the background of visible or hidden edema, the mother's body experiences dehydration ().

Edema classification

Edema can be both physiological, that is, those that disappear on their own when the provoking factors are eliminated, and pathological, caused by a medical problem. The line dividing edema into “normal” and pathology is rather shaky, and it is very difficult to draw it, and one should take into account not only the gestational age and concomitant pathology, but also the woman’s age, the number of fetuses, her height and constitutional features.

Edema is also classified according to its prevalence:

• I degree - swelling of the legs (most often the feet and legs) and hands;
• II degree - edema "rises" to the front wall of the abdomen and the lumbosacral region;
• III degree - not only the lower limbs and abdomen swell, but also the face;
• IV degree - generalized edema or anasarca.

Depending on the origin, edema is divided into:

• hydremic - caused by diseases of the urinary system;
• cardiac - arise as a result of cardiovascular pathology;
• cachectic or dystrophic due to exhaustion;
• inflammatory arise as a result of the formation of a focus of inflammation (traumatic, allergic, neurotic and toxic);
• congestive edema appears in diseases of the veins (varicose veins, thrombosis and thrombophlebitis).

Causes of edema

Physiological edema may appear for the following reasons:

• hot and stuffy weather;
• excessive physical exertion on the legs (prolonged standing, walking) or on the hands (computer work, writing);
• flat feet;
• wearing tight shoes or high heels;
• prolonged sitting on soft and low seats;
• the habit of crossing your legs when sitting;
• errors in the diet (excessive consumption of salty and spicy foods);
• overweight;
• a large volume of the uterus (in late gestation or with multiple pregnancy) - the uterus compresses the inferior vena cava and disrupts blood flow in the lower body and legs;
• low growth;
• physical inactivity.

Pathological edema appears in the presence of a number of diseases and / or as a complication of pregnancy:

Varicose veins of the lower extremities

In this case, edema appears due to a violation of the outflow of blood through the veins, its stagnation in the veins, which provokes an increase in hydrostatic pressure in them. First, the pressure increases in large venous vessels, and then in small ones, and fluid is “squeezed out” from the vessels into the interstitial space with the formation of edema. This group also includes other diseases of the veins, which can be both a complication of varicose veins and an independent disease (thrombosis, phlebitis, thrombophlebitis). In this case, in addition to the described mechanism for the development of edema, there is also an inflammatory moment.

Cardiovascular pathology

Heart diseases (congenital heart defects, etc.) lead to the development of cardiovascular insufficiency, one of the manifestations of which is edema. Fluid retention in the body is due to an increase in central venous pressure, since the internal organs receive less blood enriched with oxygen, as well as sodium retention by the kidneys. With an increase in central venous pressure, hydrostatic pressure in the capillaries increases, which “squeezes out” water into the tissues. Pregnancy increases the load on the heart, which further causes the occurrence of edema.

Kidney pathology

Nephrotic syndrome, which is characterized by edema, is usually observed with glomerulonephritis. The mechanism of edema formation has several points. First, the protein is lost in the urine against the background of normal or frequent urination, which leads to a decrease in oncotic pressure in the blood vessels and an increase in their permeability, and, consequently, to the occurrence of edema. Secondly, with reduced urination, sodium is retained in the tissues, which draws fluid from the blood vessels onto itself. Thirdly, the filtration function of the kidneys is disturbed (sodium retention) and the water-salt metabolism is disturbed (the production of aldosterone increases, which also retains fluid in the body).

allergic reactions

Quincke's edema - one of the severe manifestations of allergies is associated with generalized swelling of the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract and skin and develops on the penetration of the allergen (antigen) into the body. The allergen promotes the production of inflammatory mediators: serotonin, histamine and others. In turn, inflammatory mediators increase the permeability of the vascular wall, and fluid from the blood rushes into the tissues, forming edema. More about .

Preeclampsia

Thyroid diseases

How to determine swelling

Edema, by definition, is the accumulation of an excess amount of fluid outside the vascular bed, but in the tissues and cavities of internal organs (heart bag, pleural, and others). Edema is divided into hidden and visible. Hidden edema can only be suspected by a doctor based on the following signs:

weight gain

A pregnant woman has a pathological weight gain, which after 30 weeks is more than 300 grams in 7 days. Or the total weight gain for the entire gestation period is more than 20 kg. However, one should take into account the type of constitution and height of the woman and distinguish between pathological weight gain due to latent edema or due to the accumulation of subcutaneous fat.

Daily diuresis

To determine it, the amount of liquid drunk (along with soups and watery fruits) and the excreted liquid is taken into account. Normally, their ratio is 4/3 (with about 300 ml of fluid excreted with sweat and breath). If the daily diuresis is negative, that is, the amount of fluid drunk significantly exceeds the amount allocated, this indicates latent edema.

nocturia

The woman notes that the volume of urine excreted at night is much larger than during the day. Moreover, the urge to urinate at night becomes more frequent. But it should be remembered that after 37 weeks this symptom may also indicate an approaching birth (the head is pressed against the entrance to the small pelvis and squeezes the bladder).

McClure-Aldrich test

Intradermally, 0.2 ml of saline sodium chloride solution is injected into the forearm area and the time of resorption of the formed blister is noted. Normally, it should disappear after 35 minutes or more. If the time of its resorption is shortened, we can safely talk about hidden edema.

Visible edema can be determined by the pregnant woman herself based on the following symptoms:

• A symptom of the ring - a characteristic sign indicates swelling of the fingers: the wedding ring is not removed from the finger or is removed with difficulty.
• Shoes - habitual and worn shoes suddenly become tight and tight, which indicates swelling of the feet.
• Socks - after the expectant mother took off her socks, she notices that traces, even pronounced impressions from their elastic bands on her legs, do not disappear for a long time.
• Symptom of the "fossa" - when pressing with a finger on the lower leg (in a place where only the skin covers the tibia), a characteristic depression remains, which does not go away for some time.
• Ankle volume- when measuring the circumference in the ankle area and increasing it by 1 cm or more per week, it speaks in favor of edema.
• Signs of generalized edema- with anasarca, not only the legs swell, they are joined by swelling of the hands, labia, anterior abdominal wall and face (lips, eyelids and nose swell). A dangerous symptom is the inability to clench your hand into a fist or bend over and fasten your shoes. Such severe edema during pregnancy may indicate a developed preeclampsia.

Symptoms of edema of various types

Edema of different origins also differ in symptoms:

Cardiac edema

Edema in the early stages begins with the shins, spreading to the thighs and above, symmetrical. In the vertical position of the body, only the legs swell. In a horizontal position, the edema is redistributed to the sacrum and lower back, after sleep (in the early stages) it disappears. Edema is quite dense, "pits" do not disappear for a long time. The skin in the area of ​​edema is cyanotic and cold. Later, the accumulation of fluid in the cavities (pleural, cardiac, abdominal) joins the edema of the subcutaneous tissue. In addition, there is shortness of breath, fatigue and general pallor.

Renal edema

Edema of renal origin is characterized by their appearance from above, and they spread down. Such edema, on the contrary, appears in the morning, and disappears in the evening. They are loose and do not retain a trace of pressure for long. Appear on the face, where the subcutaneous tissue is looser - the eyelids swell. Edema is characterized by a tendency to migrate - it is easy to move when changing the position of the body. The skin in places of edema is pale, warm and dry. There are other symptoms: headaches, high blood pressure, urine becomes the color of "meat slops" (gross hematuria).

Edema in diseases of the veins of the lower extremities

With varicose veins of the lower extremities, edema develops gradually and is associated with a long stay in an upright position. Puffiness appears in the evening, accompanied by a feeling of heaviness, redness of the feet, swollen veins, pain may appear. The skin over the edema is warm, sometimes with a cyanotic tint. As a rule, such edema is not symmetrical (appears only on one leg). In the case of thrombophlebitis, edema is accompanied by inflammatory signs: hyperemia, fever, pain along the vein, as well as when moving or touching.

Physiological edema

Usually their severity is insignificant, they appear more often on the legs or fingers of the hands (after prolonged work). They pass on their own, after sleep and the exclusion of provoking factors.

Preeclampsia

Edema with preeclampsia always begins with the feet and ankles (in some cases, the fingers "swell" at the same time). When the condition worsens, the edema rises and spreads to the thighs, labia, and the anterior wall of the abdomen. A doughy pillow appears above the pubis, which makes it difficult or impossible to lean forward (tie shoelaces). Then the swelling of the face joins, its features coarsen, the eyes look like slits due to swollen eyelids. After sleep, visible swelling "disappears" - redistributed throughout the body. Even significant edema is accompanied by a satisfactory condition of the pregnant woman, but nevertheless, they require treatment. Prognostically unfavorable signs are an increase in blood pressure (especially diastolic) and the appearance.

Measures to combat edema

What to do if swelling occurs during pregnancy. First of all, stop panicking and calm down. You can cope with small, physiological edema on your own, but in case of significant or permanent edema, you should consult a doctor who will tell you how to get rid of edema:

Dieting

In nutrition, it is recommended to limit the intake of table salt (but not completely eliminate it). Fluid intake of at least 2 - 2.5 liters per day in small sips and constantly. From drinks, give preference to herbal teas with a sedative effect (mint, lemon balm), fruit drinks and non-carbonated mineral water.

walks

It is recommended to take regular walks for 1.5 - 2 hours at a leisurely pace in the forest park area, which will help disperse "stagnant" blood, raise the overall tone and prevent not only the appearance of excessive body fat, but also swelling.

Herbs with a diuretic effect

Decoctions and infusions of medicinal herbs with a weak diuretic effect are prescribed only by a doctor. Especially their reception is indicated for diseases of the urinary system. Such medicinal plants include: bearberry, lingonberry leaf, parsley. They have weak diuretic, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties. Take with caution in edema caused by preeclampsia (in this case, diuretics are contraindicated).

Drugs that increase vascular tone

Remove swelling (especially in diseases of the veins of the lower extremities) will help local anticoagulant and strengthen the vascular wall of the means (). Such drugs are prescribed by a doctor. It is allowed to rub Lioton-gel, Venitan, heparin ointment, Essaven gel into the skin of the legs. Oral administration of ascorutin, aescusan, venoruton is also recommended, which strengthen the vascular wall and reduce its permeability.

Wearing compression underwear

Wearing special compression underwear (stockings or tights), which is especially recommended for pregnant women with varicose veins of the legs, will also help relieve swelling during pregnancy. It is necessary to put on stockings / tights in the prone position in order to evenly distribute pressure on the lower limbs.

• Avoid being in hot places
• Avoid prolonged standing or sitting.

In a serious condition in case of development of preeclampsia or worsening of chronic extragenital diseases (pathology of the kidneys, liver, heart), the pregnant woman is hospitalized.

Question answer

I swell (during pregnancy). What exactly can and cannot be eaten?

It is recommended to exclude from drinking strong tea (including green tea) and teas that are stimulating and provoke edema, as well as sweet carbonated drinks and juices (cause thirst). You should not refuse to consume salt, but you should exclude, or at least limit the use of highly salted, spicy and pickled foods (pickles, sauerkraut, nuts and chips, and more). Adhere to the rules of a healthy diet, refuse to take smoked meats, sweets and pastries. It is advisable to cook food for a couple, stew, bake or boil, but in no case do not fry. The daily diet should contain a sufficient amount of protein, both animal and vegetable origin (lean meat, offal, cottage cheese, cereals). Also, daily use fresh vegetables and fruits as sources of vitamins, and lactic acid products - a source of calcium. Useful fish and seafood, vegetable oils, which contain a large amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids.

What are the dangers of swelling during pregnancy?

Any edema, unless, of course, they are physiological, pose a threat not only to the woman, but also to her unborn baby. A woman, as a rule, is aware of extragenital pathology even before pregnancy, on the eve of which and during gestation, she is prescribed appropriate treatment. A serious complication of pregnancy are edema, provoked by preeclampsia. In the absence of treatment, the development of a preconvulsive state (preeclampsia) and a convulsive seizure (eclampsia) is possible. Signs of preeclampsia are confusion or agitation, swelling of the nose during pregnancy, which is manifested by congestion or a sudden runny nose, flies before the eyes, tinnitus, and so on. Failure to provide timely assistance leads to convulsions, which can result in the death of a pregnant woman.

How can swelling be stopped at home?

Minor edema of physiological origin will help eliminate the following measures:

• lying position on the left side (reduces the pressure of the uterus on large blood vessels, improves blood circulation in the kidneys);
• sleep or rest with raised legs (put a small pillow under them);
• cool foot baths, rubbing the feet with ice cubes;
• gymnastics and foot massage;
• refuse heels, giving preference to shoes with a small heel and free;
• with a long forced position (sitting at a desk), give rest to the legs (raise them on a chair, walk a few steps);
• avoid wearing tight and constricting clothing (elastic bands, belts, tight collars and socks).

How do I know if I am at risk for the development of edema and preeclampsia?

This group includes pregnant women with existing factors:

• young (under 17) and late (over 30) age of a woman;
• gestosis transferred during past pregnancies (especially eclampsia and preeclampsia);
• pregnancy with more than one fetus;
• the presence of arterial hypertension before pregnancy;
• bad habits (both before and during pregnancy);
• and other endocrine pathology;
• pronounced early toxicosis;
• the presence of industrial hazards;
• revealed hidden edema.

Edema during pregnancy can cause a lot of trouble. Not only that, because of them, the face becomes puffy, it is also difficult to put on shoes, and the wedding ring begins to crush. And given that doctors, having discovered severe swelling during pregnancy, immediately offer to go to the hospital, it becomes clear that the fluid accumulating in the tissues not only spoils the appearance and causes discomfort, but is also dangerous to health. That is why let's now deal with the causes, symptoms, treatment and prevention of edema.

Causes of edema during pregnancy

The causes of edema during pregnancy can be different, most often expectant mothers are faced with physiological edema. They are insignificant, occur at the end of pregnancy and are localized only in the ankle joint. The reason for their appearance is the growth of the fetus and the pressure of the enlarged uterus on large blood vessels. In particular, on the small and large vena cava.

As a result of such physiological changes in the body of a woman, venous blood stagnation forms, tissue trophism is disrupted, and hence the accumulation of excess fluid. If a woman at the same time leads a sedentary lifestyle and does not follow a diet, then her legs not only swell during pregnancy, but varicose veins begin to develop. However, most often, physiological edema disappears after childbirth and does not leave negative consequences.

Another reason for the accumulation of fluid in the tissues is systemic diseases. Violations of the liver, kidneys and cardiovascular system entail the appearance of puffiness. In this case, the disease that caused edema can be either chronic, which the woman was aware of even during pregnancy planning, or newly acquired.

Well, finally, the most unpleasant cause of edema is late toxicosis, also called preeclampsia. This pathology of pregnancy is the most dangerous, both for the health and for the life of the expectant mother and her child. We will talk about the threat of preeclampsia a little later, but for now let's learn how to recognize edema. After all, it is thanks to this that you will be able to consult a doctor in time and find out from him what to do with edema during pregnancy.

How to recognize swelling during pregnancy?

Often the symptoms of swelling are easy to identify. For example, swelling of the legs during pregnancy can be detected by slightly pressing on the front side of the lower leg. If there is an excess amount of fluid in the tissues, a small dent will remain at the site of pressure, which will not immediately disappear. Also, a trace from the sock gum that appears in the evening just above the ankle joint will tell about the swelling of the legs.

Swelling of the hands during pregnancy is also visible to the naked eye. With them, fingers and hands look swollen. Putting the ring on or taking it off becomes unbearably difficult. And if nevertheless it succeeds, then a distinct mark remains at the place of the decoration - a dent.

You can’t confuse anything with swelling of the face during pregnancy. Bags under the eyes, swollen eyelids, a “blurred” oval of the face - all this indicates that a lot of excess fluid has accumulated in the tissues. Difficulty breathing will report swelling of the nose during pregnancy. By the way, it is often called "pregnant rhinitis", and it provokes the appearance of a change in the hormonal background or an allergic reaction to food, household chemicals or pollen.

The most difficult to identify hidden edema during pregnancy. The fluid in the tissues lingers, but without external "evidence". In this case, a woman should be alerted by a significant weight gain - over 300 g per week, and sometimes per day. To finally find out whether excess fluid accumulates or not, a simple observation can be made. To do this, you need to record the amount of fluid consumed and excreted during the day. If urine turns out to be only 75% (or even less) of the volume of water, tea and juices drunk, you should immediately consult a doctor.

What are the dangers of edema for the fetus and expectant mother?

Surely women who are in an “interesting” position are concerned not only with the question of why the legs swell during pregnancy, but also with the danger of such fluid retention. They are no less worried about why doctors force them to monitor weight gain, and at the slightest suspicion of edema they are sent to the pregnancy pathology department. After all, European doctors consider puffiness during childbearing to be the norm. So, why do domestic "hippocrates" force women to be treated?

And this happens because edema in early pregnancy reports a serious disease of the heart, liver or kidneys, and after 20 weeks they can signal the development of preeclampsia. Any of these options, in the absence of proper treatment, does not bode well for the expectant mother.

The fetus grows, develops, the load on the mother's organs increases, and the dysfunction of any of them can lead to a woman's disability. If not during childbearing, then during childbirth or in the postpartum period. Therefore, the treatment of edema during pregnancy caused by a systemic disease is of paramount importance.

No less dangerous is gestosis. This pathology of pregnancy in the first place "beats" the vessels. Under the influence of hormones in the capillaries, and then in larger vessels, tiny holes are formed, the fluid goes into the tissues, and the blood acquires a thick consistency.

In the absence of properly selected therapy, preeclampsia can lead to convulsions, loss of consciousness and even death of the fetus and its failed mother. But it is edema (often hidden), which is called "dropsy of pregnancy", that allows to identify this dangerous pathology at a very early stage.

Now you know how dangerous swelling is during pregnancy, which means it's time to figure out how to get rid of them. But let's start with how, in no case should edema be treated during childbearing.

How can you treat swelling during pregnancy?

If you are looking for an answer to the question of how to relieve swelling during pregnancy, then you must definitely remember that not all conventional remedies are good during childbearing.

So what not to do:

1. During pregnancy, it is forbidden to use diuretic tablets if they have not been selected by an obstetrician-gynecologist;
2. You can not go to the sauna, which usually helps to remove excess fluid from the body;
3. You should not purchase herbal teas and herbal preparations, and, even more so, use them without consulting a doctor who monitors pregnancy;
4. Do not resort to a contrast shower, which is often used in the treatment of edema.

How to relieve swelling during pregnancy?

In order to find out how to get rid of edema during pregnancy, you need to understand the cause of their appearance. If they are caused by a systemic disease, then the diseased organ should be treated. The same applies to edema formed as a result of the initial stage of preeclampsia.

You can fight on your own only with physiological edema that appears after the 30th week of pregnancy. For this, diuretic decoctions are suitable. But whether it will be corn stigmas or lingonberry leaf, bearberry and rosehip broth - this should be decided by the doctor. Only a doctor is able to choose a remedy for edema during pregnancy, which will not harm the health of the expectant mother and her child!

In addition to the use of diuretic herbs, it is also necessary to normalize the water-salt balance in the body. Often, women in an "interesting" position suffer from edema due to changed taste preferences. Many ladies lean on pickled tomatoes and pickles with sauerkraut, not at all thinking that excess salt in the body contributes to fluid retention in the tissues. Therefore, if you want to forget about puffiness, give up sour-salty dishes, smoked meats and canned food!

Positional exercises will also help get rid of edema. No, don't worry, you don't have to do sports! But, you have to stand in a knee-elbow position for an hour a day. But not all 60 minutes at once, but 6–10 “sets” of 5–10 minutes each! If you feel great, you can do yoga for pregnant women or go swimming. Moreover, you can and should visit the pool during pregnancy!

Slight swelling of the fingers during pregnancy, as well as a slight swelling in the ankle joints, will help to remove cool water. But not cold, namely cool - 25-30 degrees. Use this water for baths, and swelling on the arms and legs will go away sooner. Just keep in mind that the duration of the procedure should not exceed 10-15 minutes. You can repeat it no more than 1-2 times a day.

Prevention of edema during pregnancy

It is easier to prevent fluid retention in the body than to look for how to relieve swelling during pregnancy later. Therefore, many expectant mothers prefer to apply the following preventive measures:

• Diet for pregnant women. Women completely refuse harmful products and food containing a large amount of salt and spices. Instead, foods rich in vegetable and animal protein are included in the diet;
• Compliance with the daily routine. At the same time, ladies not only take care of a good night's rest, but also do not linger for a long time in a static position, whether it is sitting at a computer or standing while walking. At the same time, future mothers, when resting, put a small pillow under their feet so that fluid does not accumulate in the ankles;
• Refusal of high heels. Unfortunately, wearing uncomfortable shoes causes fluid retention just as much as sitting in a static position for a long time. Therefore, high heels in the second half of pregnancy must be forgotten!
• Regular exercise. Morning exercise helps to "disperse" the blood and get rid of excess fluid in the body. But exercises should be selected only after consulting a doctor!
• Compliance with the drinking regime. Previously, doctors limited the pregnant woman from excessive drinking of water. But now scientists have managed to find out that the thirst of pregnant women must be satisfied. Otherwise, the woman's body begins to accumulate "life-giving moisture", which leads to swelling.

It should also be remembered that the clothes of a pregnant woman should be comfortable. The absence of tight elastic bands and tightening belts ensures normal blood circulation. And this is another way to avoid swelling during pregnancy.

But if, nevertheless, the body “failed”, and edema appeared, then in no case do not self-medicate! Go to the doctor! Let the specialist determine the cause and select an effective treatment!

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During the period of expectation of a child, many girls meet with a similar phenomenon as swelling. During pregnancy, edema appears due to the fact that additional blood begins to form in the girl's body. Not everyone knows how to determine swelling during pregnancy (abdomen, legs, internal organs). And it is not always possible to get an appointment with a specialist.

Every month the uterus begins to grow. Increasing in volume, it begins to press on the pelvic veins and on a large vein, which is located on the right side of the body. These vessels are supplied with blood from parts of the body below. Because of this, blood circulation begins to slow down. Water begins to remain in the tissues of the ankles and legs. There are many ways to determine if there are edema during pregnancy. Let's get acquainted with them today.

Causes

Edema in pregnant women usually appears from the second trimester and has a different severity. The reasons can be both physiological and pathological.

An increase in the concentration of progesterone causes a retention of potassium and sodium in the kidneys. Due to this, the volume of fluid rises, which, being distributed unevenly throughout the body, leads to edema.

If a woman exceeds the rate of water intake, the kidneys, due to the pressure of the enlarged uterus, cannot cope with their filtering function. Then the excess accumulates in the intercellular space.

Edema can also be a symptom of a serious complication of pregnancy - preeclampsia. There is a violation of the exchange of water and salts, the permeability of capillaries increases. Fluid collects in the tissues of the placenta and causes oxygen starvation of the fetus, which can lead to its death.

Right ventricular heart failure is another cause of changes in body volume. Due to a decrease in the rate of the heart, blood accumulates in the veins, which is accompanied by a significant increase in the liver.

Morning swelling of the face is a sign of kidney failure. In this case, you should seek medical help as soon as possible to reduce the risk to the health of the mother and child.

signs

Every woman in the period of expectation of a child experiences a real fear of the appearance of edema. To know how to determine swelling during pregnancy, it is worth remembering the following questions:

• Can you take the ring off your finger?
• How much weight gain in one week?
• Does pressure leave a mark on the surface of the skin?

How to determine if the legs are swollen during pregnancy? Yes, very simple. As soon as the shoes began to crush the foot, the limb increased in volume and rounded - this is the first sign of edema.

The listed signs are quite difficult not to notice, since at the very beginning only the lower limbs can swell. Gradually add hands and face. You should not be too frivolous about your health, therefore, at the first symptoms, it is important to immediately contact a specialist. It is a qualified doctor who will help reduce swelling and take measures to prevent possible complications.

If the pregnancy is going well, and the woman has no problems with the heart and kidneys, then the first edema makes itself felt only in the second trimester. How to determine swelling during pregnancy in this case? For all of the above. Such edema is not a pathology. This is the normal state of a woman carrying a baby.

Internal swelling

During the period of bearing a child, edema may be internal. There are many cases where at first glance it is impossible to recognize their presence. Usually a more accurate diagnosis is made with regular monitoring of all changes that occur with a woman's weight.

If latent edema occurs during pregnancy, then during the gestation period there will be a significant weight gain, and this happens unevenly. To more accurately determine the internal edema, it is necessary to monitor the volume of fluid that leaves the body.

To know how to determine internal edema during pregnancy, you need to read the following information.

Edema begins to develop if a certain amount of water accumulates in the body. It is the indicators of this delay that will be analyzed by a specialist. The normal rate reaches 75% of the total liquid drunk. If we talk about the use of vegetables and fruits, then each of them should be equated to 50 ml of water. The result is a response that shows significant deviations. This indicates the development of latent swelling of a pregnant woman. Those who are thinking about how to determine edema during pregnancy should note that the symptoms are not very pronounced, but in the absence of suitable treatment, serious complications can begin that cause irreparable harm to health.

Expert opinion

Foreign doctors assure that any swelling during pregnancy is normal, so do not panic and start treatment. But in Russia, experts say the opposite. Puffiness itself cannot be harmful, but it often acts as the main symptom of a more serious disease. It is important to identify it at an early stage so that further treatment does not harm the expectant mother and her baby.

How to remove puffiness?

If edema appears during pregnancy, it is first recommended to review the drinking regimen. Together with this, the doctor prescribes a diuretic collection and prescribes certain medications. You can not self-medicate, as an incorrectly selected medication can have a negative effect on the developing fetus. For pregnant women, there are many contraindications among the pills, so it is the gynecologist who must make the right choice and explain to the patient about its harmlessness. There are a large number of different causes that cause swelling. Based on the data obtained, the selection of drugs is carried out.

Medical therapy

Those who are thinking about what to do with swelling of the legs in a pregnant woman are advised at the very beginning to try the following herbal remedies:

• "Cyston" contains saxifrage, mummy and a number of other useful herbs. It helps restore the functioning of the urinary system.
• "Hofitol" is based on artichoke leaves, therefore it can help with problems with blood flow and inflammatory processes in the genitourinary apparatus.
• Pasta "Fitolysin" contains extracts of many medicinal plants. In addition, it has essential oils of orange and mint. Thanks to the variety of these components, it was possible to obtain a unique combination of flavors. It is used as an antiseptic and perfectly relieves inflammation.
• Tablets "Canephron" consist of rosemary leaves, centaury and lovage. An excellent option for those who are thinking how to remove puffiness. Available in the form of a tincture or small tablets. It is prescribed for kidney problems and has a diuretic effect. If a woman was prescribed this particular drug, then it is important for her to adhere to a certain drinking regimen.

• For women who do not know what to do with swelling of the legs in pregnant women, and they often suffer from strong contractions of smooth muscles and blood vessels, doctors advise giving preference to Drotaverin, Eufillin or Magna B6. The most commonly used is "Eufillin", which is sold not only in the form of tablets, but also in drops. It is able to relieve spasms and helps to normalize the process of urine excretion. With regular intake, the tone of the vascular walls is significantly reduced. Taking "Eufillin" on an empty stomach causes a number of negative reactions of the body. For example: the mucous membrane of the esophagus is irritated; headache and weakness appear; the pressure decreases.

Of course, this drug has contraindications. It is best not to use it in patients who have a history of hypotension, stomach ulcers, or heart problems. Any drug should be taken only after consulting a gynecologist, but first you need to try to eliminate swelling without medication.

Folk remedies

Swelling of the legs causes great discomfort and greatly complicates the life of a pregnant woman. The doctor gives a referral for laboratory tests, based on the results of which a decision on acceptable treatment will be made. If the data does not exceed the norm, then it is quite possible to get by with traditional medicine. But no one is able to find a universal recipe that will immediately remove unpleasant symptoms. Some patients get better, while for others, this method causes side effects. If it was decided to try traditional medicine, then this should be done very carefully. Any change in well-being should alert, and if symptoms worsen, it is recommended to immediately stop taking the remedy.

Basic Recipes

Take cranberries or lingonberries and rub them through a sieve. Pour in water and put on fire so that the mixture boils. The resulting juice should be drunk chilled. With its help, you can not only quench the feeling of thirst, but also rid the body of excess fluid.

You can make a decoction of any dried fruit. Dried apricots, which have a diuretic effect, are best suited. First you need to thoroughly rinse the fruits and put them in a saucepan. Pour boiling water over and leave for about 1 hour. This decoction is used every time thirst arises.

Edema of the lower extremities is well eliminated by baths consisting of cool water and sea salt. This method effectively relieves the feeling of fatigue, and enhances the flow of lymph throughout the body. As a result, there will be no stagnation in the muscular system of the legs.

Prevention

To prevent the appearance of edema, it is necessary to adhere to a number of rules.

1. Mild edema can be treated on an outpatient basis.
2. It is important for pregnant women to follow a dairy-vegetarian diet.
3. The volume of salt intake should be reduced, but in especially severe cases, this product will have to be abandoned.
4. You should not lean on sugary foods and carbonated drinks, as they slow down the excretion system.
5. Every day you should drink at least 1.5 liters of water, and up to 80% of the liquid should be released.
6. It is forbidden to purposefully reduce the recommended volume, as this will bring even more negative consequences.
7. With a lack of water, the body will try to retain it, which will provoke swelling.
8. It is not recommended to spend a long time standing or just sitting.
9. In hot weather, direct exposure to sunlight should be avoided.
10. It is allowed to use kidney tea and other herbal preparations, but first it is better to consult your doctor.

If you experience the slightest swelling, you should immediately go to a specialist who leads the pregnancy. This unpleasant phenomenon can be dealt with, but only with timely seeking medical help.

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

1. At the first stage, the legs swell during pregnancy: shins, feet.
2. At the second stage, swelling of the hips and abdomen joins the above.
3. In the third stage, swelling extends to the hands, wrists. The face becomes puffy.
4. 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 load. 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 swelling 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 excreted liquids, minus the first morning urine, which refers to the previous day, are calculated. 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! This is a pleasant and effective way to 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 functioning of the kidneys, complex herbal remedies are usually prescribed, such as Canephron or Cyston in tablet form, Fitolizin 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, a decoction of lingonberry leaf can be distinguished, 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.