Swollen legs were something I had to deal with during pregnancy, at some point during the later phase of my pregnancy period, I was going to the hospital for my normal weekly check-up when a nurse noticed my legs and said, oh, your legs are seriously swollen madam, then she went further to ask how long gone I was, and I said, 38 weeks gone, found was he said, oh that means baby is almost here, well-done madam.
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I didn't know some swollen legs situation could turn out to become a big deal until I was reading about it recently, and what I found out was that it could become a really dangerous life-threatening situation.
It is possible to experience a case of edema without even being pregnant, it is the buildup of fluid in tissues. Pitting edema happens when an indentation is retained after the swollen skin has been pressed, this is usually more noticeable after a tight shoe or socks has been taken out.
Let's check out what causes swelling during pregnancy, so we understand how it works. During pregnancy, the body does some herculean things, and this translates to lots of increases. At this stage, the sheer amount of fluid in the body increases as well, it could even go up as much as 8 liters.
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In the same vein, plasma volume leaps to 30-50 percent, which also translates to a total increase in blood volume. With all this water, what then happens to the body? In actual sense, some of the water stays within the cell to enable it to function, and then the rest of the fluid accumulates outside the cells to enhance the delivery of oxygen, clear out waste, and then control the flow of electrolytes.
Plasma increase happens in response to the growing needs of the placenta and other maternal organs, as there i an increase in blood volume to help deliver all that is needed to help develop the needs of your dear growing baby. As you gradually approach the delivery date during the third trimester, your blood volume will get to its peak.
The great increase in body fluid during pregnancy is associated with an increased sodium level. Sodium affects the ability of the body to absorb and process water, it is usually advised during anti-natal check-ups that intake of sodium should be gauged appropriately at a time like that.
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When swelling is normal or not.
Experiencing a gradual swelling in your fingers, ankles, feet, and legs during pregnancy is normal. This swelling may naturally get worse during the end of the journey, and this is usually because the extra fluid in the body can gather in those parts of the body that seem farther from the heart. Hot weather, standing excessively, and a humid day can contribute significantly to causing normal swelling.
There are however two serious pregnancy conditions that could lead to swelling;
Preeclampsia affects a percentage of 5 percent of pregnant women, and this effect most often comes at the 20th week of pregnancy. The disorder shows symptoms of; protein in the urine, edema, and high blood pressure.
A laboratory test may also show abnormalities in liver enzymes and lower platelet levels. This condition can bring about severe consequences for both mother and child if not treated instantly, so the symptoms need to be watched out for and reported to appropriate experts.
Pregnancy causes blood clots in the leg, thigh, or pelvis, and it is a term medically called, Deep venous thrombosis (DVT). Research shows that pregnancy can increase the risk of a woman experiencing DVT by fivefolds, this risk is consistent and every trimester of pregnancy and may even continue up until 12 weeks after delivery.
In a situation of normal pregnancy swelling, there are a few things that can help make you feel better;
Take lots of water, this will help to flush out the extra fluid and sodium out of your body.
Elevate your feet a little higher than your heart level all through the day, this helps the fluid circulate back into your heart.
Try not to stay outdoors when the weather is hot and humid.
Compression socks help to improve circulation, especially when you are taking a long flight.
Stay away from hels, instead put on comfortable, supportive, and breathable shoes.
Limit food that is rich in salt especially meals that have been prepacked, chips, and fast food.
Consume meals that are rich in potassium like bananas, and avocados, this will help flush out sodium and also increase urine productivity.
Conclusion.
While reading this post, I realized how much I had tried to read about swollen fets during pregnancy a few months ago, but every time I asked my doctor, he assured me all was well, I cannot even begin to tell you the funny things my husband did to suppress the swelling, the good thing is, it completely disappeared the moment my Son came.
So, please speak to your doctor when you begin to notice signs of swelling around your body, only tets and the help of a professional would rule out every existing issue and guarantee your safety and that of your child.
For Further Studies
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8645402/
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321773#causes
https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/swelling-in-pregnancy-when-to-worry#takeaway
https://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/symptoms-and-solutions/edema.aspx
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321773#causes
Hi, I am Tobi, a writer, speaker, relationship blogger, and lover of good music. I love making friends and learning from people. If you want to hear me speak on relationships and general life issues, you can find my YouTube channel where you can watch any episode for free, please do not forget to subscribe, friends. I sincerely appreciate every love I get from here, Kindly do well to keep them coming.
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