Edema during pregnancy

Edema occurs during pregnancy in a fairly large percentage of women: moderate edema is observed in 50-80% of pregnant women with a normal pregnancy (1). Often they indicate an excessive accumulation of fluid in the tissues of the body or a violation of the outflow of blood from the pelvic organs – this should not be feared. But there are cases when swelling is the result of health problems. In this case, both the condition of the mother and the condition of the baby are at risk. It is important to consult a specialist in a timely manner and not self-medicate.

What are swelling

Edema during pregnancy is divided into physiological and pathological. The former are considered natural and do not pose a health hazard. But pathological edema speaks of problems with various organs: for example, the kidneys or the thyroid gland. We will talk about the physiological edema of various parts of the body.

Swelling of the feet

The legs most often begin to swell after the fifth or sixth month of pregnancy. Severe swelling is noticeable on the calves, ankles and feet: the upper part of the legs almost never swells. Pregnant women may also experience an increase in leg size due to swelling. This happens under the action of the hormone relaxin, which is responsible for the relaxation of the ligaments. Due to its release, the distance between the ligaments becomes larger and the feet swell a little. (2)

swelling of the face

They occur due to an increase in the level of estrogen in the blood. This hormone is responsible for sexual development, reproductive function and the skeletal system. Facial swelling becomes more noticeable when the level of estrogen becomes higher than normal: the nose, lips, and upper part of the face may swell. But if a pregnant woman has severe swelling under her eyes, this is a reason to seek the advice of a specialist. The so-called bags under the eyes can indicate problems in the functioning of the kidneys.

swelling of the hands

Quite often, swelling of the hands appears in the third trimester of pregnancy. A woman cannot wear rings, there is a strong tension when clenching her fists, and after sitting work, her hands become very numb. The duration of the manifestation of edema is individual, but if there is, for example, swelling of the hands and face that cause discomfort, you should consult a doctor.

Edema of mucous membranes and skin

A pregnant woman may experience difficulty breathing without other accompanying symptoms. Mucosal edema is not so common, but it still happens: with a physiological manifestation, you should not be afraid of it. The mucous membranes also swell due to the accumulation of fluid in the intercellular space. A similar thing happens with the skin: traces of clothing remain on it, and the skin itself looks loose and devoid of moisture. If the swelling of the skin covers a large area, and when pressed, a distinct hole remains, it is necessary to visit a specialist.

In these cases, swelling is a natural condition that accompanies pregnancy. But swelling can be the cause of the development of serious diseases. Therefore, it is important to start treatment on time in order to prevent the threat to the life of the mother and child.

When swelling occurs

In the first three months of pregnancy, a woman in most cases does not experience edema: they begin to appear in the second and third trimester.

Second trimester

Puffiness manifests itself on the arms, legs and face, most often the hands suffer from edema from 13 to 28 weeks. Fluid retention is often reflected in the face. Swelling appears on the cheeks, nose and upper eyelids. It is necessary to monitor how much fluid is consumed and how much is excreted: if there is very little urine, you should consult a doctor. Such a condition may indicate not only puffiness, but also toxicosis of the second trimester.

– Edema can appear both in early and later pregnancy due to venous-lymphatic insufficiency. During pregnancy, the hormonal background is restructured, progesterone disrupts vascular permeability, and as a result, water is retained in the tissues. Most often, the arms and legs swell, from where it is harder for the fluid to return, – adds Nina Antipova, obstetrician-gynecologist, gynecologist-endocrinologist.

Third trimester

From the beginning of the seventh month of pregnancy until the ninth month, a woman may experience swelling of the limbs: but most often it is, of course, the legs. The shins, ankles, calves swell much more strongly in the afternoon, with strong pressure, a slightly noticeable fingerprint is formed. Such edema is aggravated by hot weather, eating salty foods, and prolonged standing.

What to do if swelling occurs

Physiological edema affects no more than two areas of the body. For example, hands and feet, or swelling of the eyelids and feet. Usually such edema is not very pronounced and subsides by the next day. In this case, you do not need to worry and consult a doctor: the puffiness will subside on its own. (3)

If a woman feels that breathing is difficult, or swelling appears in the early morning and does not disappear the next day, the amount of urine begins to decrease sharply, and weight, on the contrary, increases, it is worth going to a specialist for a consultation.

How to get rid of edema

With natural manifestations of puffiness, it is important to monitor nutrition, not include a lot of fried and fatty foods in the diet, and limit salty intake. In case of swelling of the legs, it is worth spending less time in a standing position, giving them a rest.

If it is possible to perform light exercises, do exercises, then you should pay attention to physical activity. Despite the fact that during edema water accumulates in the body, it is important for a pregnant woman to drink enough liquid – 1,5-2 liters of purified water. Compression underwear will also help get rid of edema, which alleviates symptoms and helps not only with swelling, but also with varicose veins.

During pregnancy, drugs can only be used with the permission of a doctor. Therefore, in the event of an increase in symptoms or their prolonged manifestation, you should not drink pills on your own: they should be prescribed by a specialist.

Popular questions and answers

Popular questions were answered by Nina Antipova, obstetrician-gynecologist, gynecologist-endocrinologist, hemostasiologist at the REMEDI reproduction clinic.

Sources of

1. Edema in pregnant women: a disease or a norm? V.E. Radzinsky, T.V. Khapova et al./2014. URL: https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/oteki-u-beremennyh-zabolevanie-ili-norma/viewer
2. What causes ankle swelling during pregnancy — and what can I do about it? Yvonne Butler Tobah/ 2020. URL: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/expert-answers/swelling-during-pregnancy/faq-20058467
3. Swelling During Late Pregnancy. By Emily E. Bunce/2021. URL:https://www.msdmanuals.com/home/women-s-health-issues/symptoms-during-pregnancy/swelling-during-late-pregnancy