During pregnancy, edema is a normal physiological phenomenon, but it should not be ignored. Pregnant women should insist on applying heat to their feet or soaking them in warm water every night to improve blood circulation and reduce foot swelling. Similarly, certain foods can also help alleviate edema in pregnant women. Let's take a look at them together with the author!
When does edema generally occur?
Most expectant mothers experience swelling in their hands and feet during pregnancy, which is known as pregnancy edema.
Due to the enlargement of the uterus during pregnancy, it compresses the veins and causes venous return obstruction, resulting in swelling in the hands and feet of pregnant women. This is a very normal phenomenon.
Generally, pregnancy edema is more likely to occur after 28 weeks of pregnancy. It is caused by the leakage of fluid components from blood vessels into the interstitial space.
What should pregnant women do about edema?
1. When sitting, elevate the feet slightly. This practice is also suitable for pregnant women at work.
In order to allow the venous blood stored in the legs to return to the heart, when sitting on a chair, you can place your feet on a small stool. When sitting on the floor, elevate your feet with a cushion.
2. Take a walk. Walking is the most suitable exercise for pregnant women. In the late stage of pregnancy, walking not only prevents and relieves pregnancy edema but also benefits smooth delivery.
3. Massage. Massaging can promote blood circulation and is also effective in preventing and relieving edema.
4. Stair exercise. Using stairs, move your feet up and down to exercise the muscles of your calves, which is beneficial for preventing edema.
5. Sleep on your left side whenever possible. Sleeping on the left side is not only good for the fetus but also beneficial for relieving edema in pregnant women.
Three foods for pregnant women to alleviate edema
1. Cucumber
Cucumber peel is rich in diuretic substances, so eating cucumbers can help reduce swelling in pregnant women with severe edema.
2. Celery
Celery has a diuretic effect and eating it can help pregnant women eliminate excess water in their bodies, thus improving leg and foot swelling.
3. Potato
Eating fresh potatoes helps remove salt from the body and eliminate excess water.
