Pregnancy and Swelling

Swelling during pregnancy is quite common. In fact most if not all pregnant women will experience swelling during some part of their pregnancy. Some women tend to swell more than others.

During pregnancy your body will produce roughly 50% more blood and fluids than normal to accommodate your growing baby. This can contribute to swelling and bloating, but is important to help nourish and protect your baby. During pregnancy hormone fluctuations can also contribute to edema, which involves swelling of the hands, face, ankles, neck and other extremities.

Water retention during pregnancy helps keep our bodies flexible, allowing ample room for expansion during pregnancy. The extra fluid contained in the tissues and muscles of the body also help our joints prepare for labor and delivery. Water retention can contribute up to 25% of the weight gain women experience during pregnancy.

What Increases Swelling During Pregnancy

There are certain lifestyle habits that can contribute to swelling during pregnancy. Most women notice that swelling generally increases sometime during the second and third trimesters. Common causes of increased swelling include:

• Hot or humid conditions which can contribute to water retention.
• Not drinking enough water, which can trigger the body to retain fluid.
• Standing for long periods of time, which can cause the lower extremities to swell.
• Over consumption of diuretic foods like caffeine.
• High sodium intake from processed foods during the day.

The Dangers of Swelling

Swelling or normal edema of pregnancy is not dangerous. If however you suddenly begin to swell well into your second trimester, particularly in your hands and face, you may be developing preeclampsia. This is a serious condition that can be life threatening for the mother and baby. Preeclampsia typically results in high blood pressure during pregnancy. As your blood pressure increases your body retains more fluid and excretes protein into the urine. Some refer to this condition as pregnancy induced hypertension.

While most swelling is not the result of preeclampsia, it is important you contact your health care provider if you experience sudden swelling of the face and hands that results in more than a pound or two of weight gain in a short period of time. High blood pressure, bad headaches and seeing spots in front of the eyes are all other symptoms that you may have developed this condition. Your doctor can take prompt action to ensure your safety and that of your baby.

Treating Ordinary Swelling During Pregnancy

Normal pregnancy induced edema is treated many different ways. The best thing you can do to minimize swelling is drink plenty of fluids and eat foods low in sodium and high in potassium. Here are some other steps to take to help minimize swelling during pregnancy:

• Keep moving throughout the day. If you have to stand for long periods, shift your weight between your legs and stretch your legs periodically.
• Wear support hose to help promote circulation in your legs.
• Exercise regularly if possible.
• When sitting or resting, elevate your feet and legs to reduce swelling.
• Avoid wearing clothes that are too tight or uncomfortable.
• Wear flats if possible.
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help reduce water retention.

Pregnancy massage may also help relieve some of the swelling associated with pregnancy, not to mention it feels great and helps you relax! What better an excuse to pamper yourself for a day or so. Remember, while swelling is a normal part of pregnancy, there are plenty of steps you can take to minimize your discomfort and ensure the health and well being of your baby.

back to Pregnancy FAQs