Swelling is a common problem among pregnant women. During pregnancy, your bodily fluids and blood supply increase about fifty percent. This can cause swelling. The most typical areas for swelling are the hands, feet, ankles, legs and face. In most cases, swelling is normal. In some cases, sudden swelling can indicate a complication.
Swelling can start in the second trimester and is most noticeable in the third trimester. It generally gets worse when:
* Working long hours
* Standing for long periods of time
* The heat in the summertime
* Too much caffeine and sodium in your diet
* A deficiency of potassium in your diet
Swelling in the legs and feet generally gets worse during the day. When you go to sleep at night, swelling usually gets better. You will probably notice that the swelling has gone down when you wake up in the morning. If you start swelling, remove your wedding rings. Many women have had to have them cut off and this can be heart breaking.
Most of the time, swelling is normal during pregnancy. However, there are times when it can be abnormal. If you notice sudden swelling in your face and hands accompanied by a sudden weight gain, notify your doctor. This can be a sign that you are developing pre eclampsia. If the swelling is accompanied by an increase in blood pressure, this is a good indication of pre eclampsia.
Treating Swelling:
* Try not to stand for long periods of time
* Elevate your feet at the end of the day
* If you are on your feet a lot at work, wear comfortable shoes and support hose to prevent swelling
* Avoid long periods of time in the heat
* Exercise regularly
* Swimming can help alleviate swelling
* Drink plenty of water to flush excess fluids