The
swelling is most noticeable during
the second half of the pregnancy;
most pregnant women get it to some
degree. The pain can vary from being
mild to something more unpleasant;
night cramps is another sore complaint
you may have to put up with if you
have swellings. Not hazardous but
definitely uncomfortable, some pointers
on edema:
• The role of hormone in this
discomfort is that of kidney's having
the tendency to hold on to salt and
therefore retaining water.
• Body parts most likely to
swell are your feet, hands and ankles;
it is caused by water collecting in
the tissues.
• The growing uterus weighs
heavily on your pelvic veins and inferior
vena cava; this slows down circulation
and instead causes blood to well up
in your legs.
• Sometimes the swelling can
spread to your face, as the effects
of oestrogen and cortisol change the
fat distribution in the body.
• If the puffiness becomes excessive
or sustains for more than 24 hours
then your doctor should be informed
- it could be a sign of something
more serious, preeclampsia.
• On its own it should not cause
any alarm as it poses no danger to
mother or baby.
• Mild edema can be caused by
hot weather
• Sitting for longer periods
is another reason
• High blood pressure can trigger
swelling
• You will notice more swellings
in the evenings, in the summer months
and as you grow heavier
• If you are carrying multiples
or have gained excess weight or lead
a very sedentary lifestyle, then you
are likely to get swellings
Things
you can do..
• Drink lots of water to help
flush excess fluid, toxins from your
system; drinking more will reduce
retention
• Stay active - move about and
do some light exercises like walking
to keep your blood pumping
• Don't add salt to your foods
and check the salt content of everything
you eat
• Sit down with your legs raised
up or better still lie down on your
left side when you feel like resting
• Try wearing support tights
that are waist high; this keeps your
circulation in check
• Avoid socks or stockings that
constrict at the ankles or calves
• Eat a diet rich in fruits
and vegetable and avoid junk foods
especially salty snacks, processed
foods and anything that is high in
sodium
• Since fingers can swell, remove
rings before they get too tight
• Use cold water compress on
swollen areas or soak your feet in
cool water
• When sitting stretch your
calves often, rotate your ankles and
wriggle your toes
• Don't cross your legs when
sitting as this cuts of circulation
