How to Deal with Edema During Pregnancy
In the early stages of pregnancy, pregnant women rarely experience edema. However, in the later stages of pregnancy, many women may experience swelling in their hands and feet. This can be characterized by hands that do not tighten when clenched, or when pressing on the back of the hand or calf, if it does not immediately return to its original state, it can be considered as edema.
What to do about edema during pregnancy? To get rid of pregnancy edema, let's first take a look at the true nature of edema. Edema is caused by the leakage of fluid components from blood vessels into the tissues and accumulating in the interstitial spaces.
As the baby in the belly grows, expectant mothers may feel increasingly heavy, as if walking with a heavy burden. In addition to the growing belly, another reason for feeling heavy is pregnancy edema. So, what should you do about edema during pregnancy?
How to Deal with Edema During Pregnancy
1. Get plenty of rest
The best way to eliminate edema is to rest. Research has shown that when a person rests, the burden on the heart, liver, kidneys, and other organs is reduced, and edema naturally decreases or disappears.
2. Pay attention to keeping warm
Edema is the accumulation of water. In order to eliminate edema, it is necessary to ensure smooth blood circulation and unobstructed breathing. In addition to resting, it is also important to keep warm.
3. Wear appropriate clothing
Wearing tight-fitting clothes can hinder blood circulation, leading to body swelling. Therefore, pregnant women should avoid wearing tight clothes as much as possible during pregnancy.
4. Eat a low-salt diet
After pregnancy, the body's ability to regulate salt and water decreases. Therefore, it is important to control salt intake in daily life, with a daily intake of less than 10g.
5. Wear elastic stockings or pants
To reduce excessive blood accumulation in the lower limbs, it is recommended for mothers to wear elastic stockings or pants before going out in the morning, especially for pregnant women who have to stand for long periods of time or maintain a sitting position. You can choose special socks for pregnant women, which also have a warming effect when worn in autumn and winter.
6. Elevate your legs
It is recommended that pregnant women elevate their legs for 15-20 minutes before sleeping (or during naptime). This can accelerate blood flow and reduce venous pressure, not only relieving pregnancy edema, but also preventing the occurrence of diseases such as lower limb varicose veins.
How to Deal with Edema During Pregnancy? How to Prevent Edema During Pregnancy?
7. Sleep on your left side
Pregnant women can sleep on their left side to avoid compression of the lower limb veins and reduce the resistance to blood flow. This can also reduce pressure on the heart.
How to Prevent Edema During Pregnancy
Although edema during pregnancy may occur in most expectant mothers, it can be prevented and the severity of edema can be reduced through some daily methods.
1. Pregnant women should avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time. Walking frequently helps increase blood circulation in the lower limbs. Working mothers can use a small stool under their feet to promote blood circulation. Taking a walk is also a good method for preventing edema.
2. When sitting, stretch your legs frequently and move your heels, toes, and rotate your ankles to stretch the calf muscles. Also, try not to cross your legs.
3. When lying down, try to lie flat or on your left side. When lying down, you can put a pillow or something under your feet to elevate them above the heart, which is beneficial for blood circulation. Lifting your legs for 15-20 minutes before going to bed can accelerate blood flow and reduce venous pressure, not only relieving pregnancy edema, but also preventing the occurrence of diseases such as lower limb varicose veins.
4. In terms of diet, try to maintain a balanced diet and eat less high-fat foods that can make you gain weight. Drink plenty of water to ensure normal kidney function, so that excess water can be effectively eliminated through the urinary system. Eat more foods that help maintain normal kidney function and have diuretic effects, including celery, mustard greens, coriander (in small amounts), apples, and citrus fruits. Additionally, onions and garlic are also helpful for circulation.
5. Eat less salt and processed packaged foods, as these foods contain salt and other additives that can cause water retention. Eating foods rich in natural vitamin C and E can also be helpful. Foods rich in vitamin C include citrus fruits, green and red peppers, melons, potatoes, tomatoes, strawberries, cabbage, and broccoli. Foods rich in vitamin E include vegetable oils (especially corn, soybean, and wheat germ oil), sunflower seeds, wheat germ, sweet corn, cashews, almonds, corn oil, and butter.
