Thursday 15 September 2016

Swollen Feet, Ankles, And Hands (Edema) During pregnancy: How To Reduce Swelling.

During pregnancy woman experience swelling, which is normal. Swelling is a normal part of pregnancy that is caused by this additional blood and fluid. Normal swelling, which is also called edema , is experienced in the hands, face, legs, ankles, and feet.  When a woman is pregnant, the body produces approximately 50% more blood and body fluids to meet the needs of the developing baby.

Part of the woman body that swells during pregnancy.

1. The Breasts.
When a woman is pregnant her breasts may feel more full and tender when and her nipples may also be more sensitive to the touch, For additional support, some women may sleep with a maternity bra at night, she said. In addition, the areolas, the skin surrounding the nipples, will darken and enlarge early in pregnancy. And a woman’s breasts may start leaking colostrum, a milky fluid. This typically happens during the third trimester but it can occur earlier.

2. The Feet.
Some women say their feet grow an entire shoe size during pregnancy, and an increase in growth hormone may possibly be the reason why. Studies have confirmed that feet get bigger when women are expecting and they suggest that arches in
the feet flatten out.
Swelling in the feet and ankles may also occur because the body is producing extra fluids that might pool in these two locations. The IV fluids delivered during labor can stay in your body for up to two weeks, so don’t bring snug shoes to wear home from the hospital, and remember to keep your feet elevated and stay hydrated while you’re snuggling your newborn.

3. Mouth and oral health.
Bleeding gums are a common pregnancy complaint, and they may create an open portal to infections, when a pregnant woman experience this, she has to be more susceptible to infections  because the immune system tamps down.
It’s very important to keep up with oral hygiene to prevent gingivitis, or inflammation of the gums, But some women are afraid to go to the dentist while
pregnant.  it’s okay to get dental X-rays
during pregnancy as long as the belly is properly shielded from radiation.

4. The Nose:
While some women report their noses
actually grew during pregnancy, it’s the nose’s blood vessels that cause the most common frustration. Pregnancy causes those vessels to swell, increasing pressure, which causes
them to rupture easily. The result: the dreaded pregnancy nosebleed. You can attempt to avoid the problem bystaying hydrated (a humidifier during colder months helps), and treat it by
keeping your head elevated and applying ice.

                                          What Do You Do To Treat
Swelling may be reduced by eating foods that are high in potassium, such as:
bananas, and by avoiding caffeine. Here are some other helpful hints to manage swelling during your pregnancy:
1. Avoid standing for long periods.Minimize outdoor time when it is hot.

2. Rest with your feet elevated. Wear comfortable shoes,avoiding high heels if possible.Wear supportive tights or stockings.

3. Avoid clothes that are Tight around your wrists or ankles. Rest or swim in a pool.

4. Use cold compresses on swollen areas.

5. Drink water, which helps flush the body and reduce water retention.

6. Minimize sodium (salt) intake and avoid adding additional salt to meals.

7. Don’t cross your legs or ankles while sitting.

8. Stretch your legs frequently while sitting: Stretch your leg out, heel first, and gently flex your foot to stretch your calf muscles. Rotate your ankles and wiggle your toes.

9. Take regular breaks from sitting or standing. A short walk every so often will help keep your blood from pooling in your lower extremities.

10. Wear comfortable shoes that stretch to accommodate any swelling in your feet.
Don’t wear socks or stockings that have tight bands around the ankles or calves.
Try waist-high maternity support stockings. Put them on before you get out of bed in the morning so blood doesn’t have a chance to pool around your ankles.

11. Drink plenty of water. Surprisingly, this helps your body retain less water.
Exercise regularly, especially by walking , swimming , or riding an exercise bike. Or try a water aerobics class immersion in water may temporarily help reduce swelling, particularly if the water level is up near your shoulders.

        Source : HealthnFitness Guide

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