Swollen hands and feet during pregnancy

In the early stages of pregnancy, not only is morning sickness uncomfortable, but due to changes in hormones in your body after pregnancy, your body is also likely to have a series of problems. Therefore, in the early stages of pregnancy, don't lie in bed all the time. Walking around properly is very good for your health. Furthermore, pregnant women should not stand for a long time, otherwise it will cause leg edema.

1. Blood return to the lower limbs is obstructed, causing lower limb edema.

2. Reasons for endocrine changes: After pregnancy, endocrine function changes, the secretion of estrogen and aldosterone increases, and more water and sodium are retained in the body, which can cause edema.

3. Hemodilution: Blood volume increases during lactation. However, the increase in red blood cells is not as great as that in plasma, and there is little increase in plasma protein. The blood becomes relatively thinner, the plasma colloidal osmotic pressure decreases, and water moves to the tissue spaces, causing edema.

Edema in pregnant women can be divided into overt edema and latent edema. Overt edema manifests as tight and shiny skin with reduced elasticity and depression when pressed with fingers. It starts from the ankles and spreads to the calves, thighs and even abdomen. Hidden water impetuosity

There is no obvious edema on the body surface, but water is retained in the interstitial spaces between organs and deep connective tissues. Weight gain is rapid, exceeding 0.5 kg per week.

If a pregnant woman only has calf swelling, she generally does not need treatment. As long as you get more rest, avoid standing for too long, do appropriate exercises such as raising your lower limbs, and eat less salt, the edema will be reduced or even disappear. However, diuretics should not be abused because they excrete potassium and may cause hypokalemia.

If the edema is severe and spreads to the part above the thighs, the weight gain is rapid, the blood pressure is high, and protein is found in the urine, you should be alert to the possibility of pregnancy-induced hypertension and obtain timely diagnosis and treatment.

Swelling removal method:

Although most of the swelling symptoms of expectant mothers are normal, wouldn’t it be better if there is a way to prevent and control swelling? Here are 3 good tips for expectant mothers who are troubled by swelling:

The first prescription: small movements to reduce swelling

Don't ignore some small details in life, they can solve your edema problems inadvertently.

* Lie flat on your back with your feet elevated

It is difficult for venous blood from the lower body to return to the heart because the human heart is too far from the feet. Venous blood is sent back to the heart through muscle contraction and certain "valves" in the blood vessels. Therefore, lying down and slightly raising your feet can make it easier for blood to return to the heart, and swelling will be easier to eliminate.

* When sitting, raise your feet slightly

In order to allow the venous blood accumulated in the legs to return to the heart, you can put your feet on a small platform when sitting on a chair; when sitting on the floor, use cushions to raise your feet.

* Lie in bed, preferably on the left side

Pregnant mothers should pay attention to rest and rest in bed for at least 9-10 hours a day. It is best to rest for 1 hour at noon. Lying on the left side is conducive to the reduction of edema.

The second good recipe: exercise to reduce swelling

Although expectant mothers cannot be as active as they were before pregnancy, proper exercise can promote the health of the fetus and pregnant women and effectively improve the edema problem of expectant mothers.

* Take a walk

The contraction of the calf muscles can make venous blood return to the heart smoothly, so walking is very effective in preventing edema.

* swim

Swimming is also a good exercise for your legs. So after getting your doctor's OK, give swimming a try!

* Step exercise

Using steps and moving your feet up and down can strengthen the calf muscles, which helps prevent edema. It is easy for pregnant mothers to lose balance as their belly grows, so they must hold on to pillars, walls, tables, etc. when exercising.

* massage

Promoting blood circulation through massage is also very effective in preventing edema. Remember to massage from the calf upwards to help blood return to the heart. Massage before going to bed can relieve leg pain and help you sleep. Massage in the bath is also a good choice!