Swelling is a terrifying phenomenon that can also make people very scared. Some pregnant women may experience swelling during pregnancy. So, what are the reasons for gestational edema? What to do if there is swelling during pregnancy? Next, the editor will provide a detailed introduction to this aspect, hoping to be helpful to everyone.
What is the cause of gestational edema
1. After pregnancy, blood volume gradually increases from 6 weeks and reaches its peak at 34 weeks, maintaining this level until two weeks postpartum before returning to pre pregnancy levels. Blood volume increases by about 40% compared to non pregnancy, so after an increase in blood volume, interstitial fluid will also increase.
2. Due to the increase in blood, the increase in plasma is greater than that of blood cells, so the blood components will be relatively diluted, and the relative concentration of plasma albumin will be lower than during non pregnancy. And plasma albumin is the main component that maintains plasma osmotic pressure. The plasma osmotic pressure during pregnancy is lower than that during non pregnancy. This makes it easy for water in the bloodstream to penetrate into the interstitial fluid, resulting in lower limb edema.
3. After pregnancy, the uterus enlarges, causing an increase in pelvic pressure, which in turn affects the venous blood flow in the lower limbs. This is also one of the important reasons for lower limb edema. If the swelling during pregnancy is mild after rest or sleep, it is physiological and there is no need to worry.
4. Edema will become more severe as the gestational age increases. As the gestational weeks increase, the swelling phenomenon of pregnant women will become increasingly apparent. Throughout the entire pregnancy process, body fluids increase by 6-8 liters, of which 4-6 liters are extracellular fluids that accumulate in tissues and cause edema.
This phenomenon is quite common during pregnancy, with the soles of the feet, ankles, and calves being the most common areas of swelling, and sometimes even slight swelling on the face. The closer it is to the due date, the more severe the swelling will be. If it is exposed to heat again, the swelling will become more pronounced.
Mild swelling is normal, but if accompanied by hypertension and proteinuria, expectant mothers are at risk of developing gestational hypertension and must undergo prenatal checkups and fully cooperate with their doctors.
What to do if there is swelling during pregnancy
1. Reduce swelling by heating and keeping warm. When feet are soaked in hot water and blood circulation is poor, excess water in the body will be difficult to remove. Especially in winter, soaking your feet in hot water can make you feel warm. After taking a foot bath, dry your feet and massage them for better results.
2. Ensure adequate rest. To eliminate edema, it is necessary to maintain rest. This is because during rest, the burden on organs such as the liver, internal organs, and heart decreases, so edema will also decrease or disappear.
3. Wear appropriate clothing. Pregnant women should choose clothes that fit well during pregnancy and avoid wearing tight ones, as this can lead to poor blood circulation and the possibility of edema.
4. Low salt dining. Pregnant women with swelling should pay more attention to their diet, eat more fruits and vegetables, and strictly control their salt intake, generally below 10g per day. This is because the pregnant woman's body's ability to regulate salt and water decreases, and reducing salt intake can also help eliminate swelling.
5. Wear elastic pants or socks. For some pregnant women who need to stand or sit for a long time, they can choose to wear elastic pants or socks during pregnancy, which can help reduce excessive blood accumulation in the lower limbs, leading to edema.
The above is some information about gestational swelling that the editor has introduced to you. Have you gained a new understanding of this topic after listening to the editor's introduction? Red bean and coix seed soup has a sweet taste and various effects such as reducing swelling and nourishing the skin. Pregnant women who experience swelling may want to drink red bean and coix seed soup.
