During pregnancy, water is deposited in the body due to hormones. In medical terms, water retention is referred to as edema. The legs are particularly affected. Usually, pregnant women struggle more with water retention in the last trimester. They often become noticeable at the end of the day.
Also, if it is very warm or the pregnant woman stood or sat a lot, the water retention can be very severe. There are some ways to relieve or prevent water retention during pregnancy. In doing so, you should not use medications or drainage cures. Resort to natural remedies.
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Water Retention Due To Hormones
Due to the hormones that are increasingly secreted during pregnancy, the veins in the body loosen. In addition, the blood volume of the woman also increases to about 50 percent. The body performs at its best during this time. It finds it difficult to pump the blood from the lower regions of the body back to the heart. The blood sinks and fluid accumulates in the tissues. As a rule, water retention is not dangerous.
After delivery, the extra fluid is eliminated on its own. In some cases, however, edema can indicate gestosis, pregnancy poisoning, or preeclampsia. In these cases, other symptoms occur along with the water retention, such as high blood pressure, dizzy spells, ringing in the ears, headaches, or increased protein in the urine. These signs rarely occur together, so it is important to see your doctor if you feel something is wrong. Usually, screening examinations already ensure that there are no serious complications.
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Tips For Water Retention During Pregnancy
Since the blood is deposited mainly in the legs when standing and sitting for long periods, which can lead to increased water retention in the legs, you must elevate your legs as often as possible. Even in bed or lying down, your legs should always be higher than your pelvis. This relieves the body and the blood can flow back to the heart more easily. Tight clothing and shoes promote water retention and wearing them is very uncomfortable.
Women who suffer from swollen fingers should also take off their rings so that they do not cut into the flesh. In case of severe edema, women can use support stockings. It is best to put these on immediately after getting up while still lying down. This prevents the blood in the legs from dropping. Often it can help to prescribe bedtimes for yourself. It has been found that rest can also have a positive effect on the regression of edema.
Drinking plenty of fluids helps to prevent water retention. In addition, a healthy and balanced diet is also important. In the past, it was also said that pregnant women with edema should avoid high-salt foods. Today, this can no longer be proven. Dehydration cures or so-called rice or fruit days should also not be practiced. These do more harm than good. Exercise is very important throughout pregnancy, also helps to avoid water retention. Light exercise, such as walking or even swimming helps prevent edema. Stimulate circulation with alternating showers and the use of massage brushes. Alternatively, acupuncture and homeopathy can help with severe edema.
A good way to immediately combat water retention is to take a foot bath with saltwater. For edema on the face, a cooling cucumber mask can reduce swelling. For this, cut a cucumber into thin slices and place them on cleansed skin. Also, you can puree the cucumbers and mix them with lean curd.
