Swelling during pregnancy

The appearance of edema during pregnancy is a frequent occurrence among many expectant mothers. The causes of edema in pregnancy are divided into physiological and pathological, indicating the presence of a disease.

The formation of physiological edema is due to the increasing needs of the pregnant woman's body in the liquid. Usually, such edema occurs after the 20th week of pregnancy. If swelling occurred early in pregnancy, before 20 weeks, then it is necessary to be examined for pathology:

What are the dangerous swelling in pregnancy?

Pathological edema during pregnancy can be the first symptom of the development of kidney or cardiovascular aetiology. Pregnancy is a heavy burden on the body and can give an impetus to the development of diseases that previously could have been inconspicuous. Edema, especially in the early period of pregnancy, may be a symptom of the development of gestosis , which at different stages manifests itself as:

When dropsy pregnant are formed edema, there is an increase in body weight, general weakness. Nephropathy of pregnant women is manifested by the appearance of protein in the urine, irregular blood pressure. Preeclampsia of pregnant women is diagnosed by changes in the fundus. Eclampsia is dangerous by the appearance of seizures. In general, these pathological processes in the body of a pregnant woman affect the connection of the mother, placenta and fetus. The placenta begins to grow old faster, and hypoxia of the fetus can develop on this background - that's what causes swelling in pregnancy.

Hidden edema in pregnancy - symptoms

Internal, or hidden swelling, during pregnancy and their signs can be determined by pressing on the place of edema, if this appears dimple, which disappears not immediately, then with a high probability - it is edema. Similarly, an increase in weight of more than 300 grams per week is a sign of latent edema.

How to identify swelling in pregnancy?

Edema during pregnancy can be determined by monitoring the volume of the ankle joint. Increasing its volume by more than 1 cm during the week indicates a water retention in the body. The study of the volume of daily diuresis also helps to detect the water retention in the body. Normally, with a urine, a person has three quarters of the fluid consumed per day. A decrease in this indicator indicates a delay in water in the body.

Edema in a pregnant woman - what to do?

When there is swelling in the pregnant woman, it is necessary to consult a doctor and undergo an examination to exclude the renal, cardiac nature of the edema.

Swelling during pregnancy - treatment

Treatment of edema during pregnancy, in the first place, is to follow a diet. Diet in edema during pregnancy is based on a reduction in the diet of salty foods and a decrease in the amount of fluid consumed. The rate of salt intake with this diet should not exceed 8 grams per day, and consumption of water - 1000 ml per day. The fight against edema during pregnancy is carried out by prescribing preparations that strengthen the vessels. In rare cases, prescribe drugs with a diuretic effect, but not for long.

How to avoid swelling during pregnancy?

Preventing edema during pregnancy is based on the correct drinking regimen and reasonable salt intake. During pregnancy, it is not recommended to drink carbonated, sweet drinks that will only intensify thirst and lead to increased fluid intake. After eating salty foods, an irresistible feeling of thirst arises, which will lead to a violation of the drinking regime. A natural protein food, on the contrary, is recommended in the prevention of edema. Therefore, it is important to include meat, fish, and cottage cheese in the diet.