Swollen leg in a pregnant woman: causes, symptoms, treatment and advice from gynecologists

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Quite often a pregnant woman's arms and legs swell, and this happens for a variety of reasons. The expectant mother must understand for sure that not only her he alth is at stake, but also the condition of the baby.

Sometimes swelling speaks of preeclampsia. This is a rather terrible and dangerous disease, especially if you leave it unattended or self-medicate. Only a specialist after a comprehensive diagnosis can determine whether there is puffiness.

Causes of puffiness

Why pregnant women have swollen legs, every woman who is carrying a baby should know. Puffiness does not appear for no reason. Basically, it is associated with the wrong behavior of the expectant mother. Among the main causes of swelling of the legs in pregnant women, it is necessary to highlight such as:

• neurosis;
• compromised immunity;
• hormonal failure;
• lack of vitamins;
• genetic predisposition;
• disruption of the placenta.

Neurosis, which women often experience during childbearing, can lead toa similar problem. If diseases of the endocrine system are detected, then swelling often appears. Be sure to undergo a comprehensive diagnosis.

Pregnant women often experience a decrease in immunity. The body is focused on bearing a child and becomes defenseless. As a result, a woman can easily catch a virus or infection. One of the common causes of preeclampsia is a genetic predisposition.

With a lack of B vitamins and folic acid, water retention occurs in the body, as the body constantly requires a large amount of moisture to compensate for vitamin deficiency. Another reason for the appearance of edema is a violation of the placenta. This poses a serious threat to the child, as he suffers from a lack of oxygen.

Swelling of the legs in pregnant women may be due to the consumption of large amounts of s alty foods. It is very important to reduce its amount to a minimum in order to normalize well-being.

Puffiness stages

Doctors edema is divided into physiological and hidden. The first one is immediately visible, as the feet and ankles are very swollen. It is very difficult to choose shoes, because they simply do not fit into the usual foot. Hidden edema is difficult to diagnose. The main symptom is rapid weight gain. Additional diagnostics and comprehensive treatment are required. Among the main stages of puffiness, it is necessary to highlight such as:

• normal;
• swift;
• preeclampsia.

Normal puffinesscharacterized by the fact that during the entire pregnancy a woman gains no more than 13 kg, but her legs swell a little in the evening. This is a completely natural state. If there is no swelling in the morning, then do not worry.

For rapid swelling is characterized by the fact that the weight quickly increases for no apparent reason. A pregnant woman eats normally and follows a certain diet. At the same time, the legs swell strongly at any time of the day or night. Puffiness interferes with normal movement, and pain also appears.

If there is a very strong swelling of the legs in pregnant women, then this is gestosis. It is a dangerous pathology that needs to be urgently treated in order to save the fetus. Against the background of preeclampsia, there may be thrombosis, which will lead to the death of a woman.

Edema at different stages of pregnancy

Very often the legs of pregnant women swell. The legs withstand a very large load, which is especially strong in the later stages. In the first trimester, swelling is almost invisible. If edema appears in the second trimester, then doctors consider this a pathology of early gestation. During this period, the problem may be associated with chronic diseases that worsened during the development of the baby. In this case, the gynecologist may refer to the examination of the kidneys and heart. If the legs are very swollen in the early stages, then this may be for reasons such as:

• initial stage of varicose veins;
• predisposition to kidney disease;
• woman drinks a lot of fluids;
• There are a lot of s alty foods in the diet.

Swelling of the legs in late pregnancyare considered the norm. In the last months, if severe, they can spread throughout the body. Provoking factors can be:

• preeclampsia;
• eating a lot of fatty and sweet things;
• multiple pregnancy;
• chronic diseases.

This problem in the later stages may indicate the presence of serious problems in the body. If a pregnant woman's leg is swollen, then a doctor's consultation and treatment may be required.

Symptoms of edema

To determine the presence of swelling of the tissues, you need to click on the place of swelling. If, after pressing, the skin returns to its original position, then there is no accumulation of fluid. In the case when the fossa is visible for 3-5 seconds, this indicates edema. The main symptoms include the following:

• numbness of the skin surface;
• reduced urination;
• blue in the eyelid area;
• fatigue;
• swelling of hands and face.

All of these signs may indicate more serious disorders in the body, so a more thorough diagnosis is required.

When to see a doctor

Why the legs and arms of pregnant women swell can only be determined by the attending doctor after the examination. Do not panic too much, as this can harm the baby. However, you should definitely visit a doctor if:

• the leg turned red and swollen sharply;
• great swelling of other parts of the body;
• short-term visual impairment;
• appearedsevere and frequent headaches;
• swollen ankles and wrists;
• pressure surges are observed.

Not always, but quite often leg tumors lead to serious problems. It is simply necessary to play it safe in anticipation of the baby.

Diagnostics

To determine why pregnant women have swollen legs, a comprehensive diagnosis is required. For research, the doctor prescribes urine and blood tests, as well as ultrasound.

As additional diagnostic methods, a blood coagulogram and dopplerography should be done. In some cases, treatment may require hospitalization. This is very important to save the life and he alth of the child.

How to get rid of excess fluid safely

Every woman should definitely know how to relieve swelling of the legs in a pregnant woman, as this can be very dangerous and can cause serious complications. Puffiness can be eliminated on its own, especially if it has appeared recently and does not cause serious concern. To relieve swelling without harm to the baby, you need:

• eat enough protein;
• do not forget about the timely intake of vitamins;
• remove fatty, sweet, spicy, s alty foods from the diet;
• drink enough water throughout the day;
• eat fruits and vegetables;
• do not use spices for cooking;
• wear compression stockings.

In the evenings, it is recommended to take baths with lemon balm. They soothe and effectively eliminate puffiness.

If a pregnant woman's leg is swollen, you can't prescribe medications on your own. Many of them are generally prohibited during the period of bearing a baby, as they can adversely affect the condition of the child. If swelling appears, you should immediately consult a doctor who can determine how to remove swelling of the legs in a pregnant woman.

Also, do not forget about moderate physical activity, walk more in the fresh air, set yourself up in a positive way. Don't wear very tight clothes.

Features of treatment

If a woman is pregnant, and her legs are very swollen, then the basis of therapy is taking diuretics. When swelling is mild, it is best to use herbs to treat it. However, a consultation with a gynecologist is required first. Leaves of white birch, cranberries, corn stigmas, and bearberry have a pronounced diuretic effect. Dried fruit compote, cranberry and lingonberry juice will help remove fluid from the body.

During treatment, an ointment for edema is often prescribed. Despite the fact that this is one of the most common methods, a doctor's consultation is still required regarding the need for therapy and the dosage of the medication. Strengthen the capillary system of the ointment, which contains rutin and heparin. Heparin ointment, Essaven Gel, will help normalize blood circulation. These funds contribute to the elimination of microthrombi. Strengthen the venous and capillary walls will help "Venitan". Cooling and analgesicaction has "Troxevasin" and "Lyoton".

If a pregnant woman's leg is swollen, then you can use a cream for puffiness. All remedies against varicose veins have a positive effect on the vessels. A cream based on horse chestnut helps a lot. It prevents blood clots.

One of the effective methods against puffiness are baths. Doctors say that cool water, the average temperature of which is 22-23 degrees, relaxes well and eliminates unpleasant symptoms. To enhance the effect, they advise adding a pre-prepared herbal infusion to the water. After the bath, you need to lie down and relax. If only periodic swelling appears after a long walk, then you can do s alt baths. To do this, pour water into the bath or basin to the level of swelling, pour sea s alt into it. The water temperature should be 37-38 degrees. Keep your feet in the solution for a while.

Proper nutrition

He althy eating will help prevent the negative consequences of the problem. You should try to adhere to the principles of a balanced diet, in particular:

• each meal should include some protein;
• Eat lots of fruits and vegetables every day;
• reduce sugar, s alt and fat;
• keep drinking regimen.

It is important to avoid high-s alt pickled and canned foods and other additives as they lead tofluid retention. Additionally, you need to take vitamins and tonics.

Physical exercise

If a pregnant woman's leg is swollen, then exercise will help reduce this problem. That is why doctors advise:

• daily outdoor walks;
• riding an exercise bike;
• swimming;
• water aerobics;
• flexing and straightening legs;
• foot rotation in a circle.

Swimming is very beneficial, as water pressure has a compressive effect on the tissues of the legs and helps eliminate swelling. Water aerobics allows you to increase your heart rate, which reduces swelling. Regular exercise improves blood circulation, prevents cramps and reduces swelling.

After childbirth

If the swelling does not exceed the norm, then after the baby is born, they should go away. If gestosis has developed, then swelling can accompany a woman even after delivery. Among the main causes of edema after childbirth, the following should be noted:

• diseases of the genitourinary system;
• impaired kidney function;
• lack of fluid in the body;
• not dieting;
• vascular pathology;
• excessive activity.

Find out exactly why the legs swell after childbirth, only a doctor can. He will prescribe the appropriate tests and take action. Puffiness can be cured. Experts advise a responsible approach to solving this problem.

Possiblecomplications

Swelling during pregnancy is not always dangerous. During the period of bearing a baby, sodium s alts accumulate in the body of the expectant mother, which attract water when certain factors affect the body. As a result, physiological swelling develops. It is considered quite normal during this period and should not cause concern.

If the edema has not passed, then you just need to eliminate the provoking factor. Legs swell during pregnancy, when there are disorders in the woman's body that affect her he alth.

If a pregnant woman's leg is very swollen, then this may be a sign of preeclampsia. In especially severe forms of pathology, vision drops sharply, irritability appears, the head hurts badly and pain in the abdomen occurs. Edema may be signs of:

• poor circulation;
• presence of a blood clot in the legs;
• blood sugar;
• renal and heart failure.

Sometimes this condition is accompanied by discomfort, numbness of the limbs. Pathological edema is associated with a violation of the water-s alt metabolism in the body, when the outflow of lymph and blood occurs incorrectly. Ignoring the problem threatens with hypoxia or abortion.

Prophylaxis

Many people know how to relieve swelling of the legs in a pregnant woman, but not everyone is sure that they can properly deal with the onset of swelling. For this you need:

• diet;
• move as much as possible;
• put a pillow under your feet during sleep and rest;
• eat diuretic foods;
• do not overheat;
• wear comfortable shoes.

If, despite all this, the limbs still continue to swell, then this is preeclampsia, which must be treated in a hospital, and urgently. If the situation is severe in the last trimester, an urgent delivery may be required.

Recommendations from gynecologists

As to how much fluid to drink during pregnancy, doctors argue to this day. Some experts believe that it is necessary to limit its amount, especially in the later stages. It is important during this period to consume as little tea and coffee as possible. Doctors advise to completely exclude carbonated drinks.

Very useful are dairy products, apple compote or dried apricots. The day of a pregnant woman should be divided into two halves. Devote one of them to wakefulness, and the second to sleep and rest. Walking in the fresh air will be of great benefit.