As a pregnant woman, you are a bit overwhelmed by all the changes during pregnancy, and edema during pregnancy is especially sad, when you unintentionally find that your legs are fat and your feet are one size bigger. So, why does edema occur in pregnant women? When does it tend to cause edema? Is there any way to eliminate edema? No need to be nervous, edema during pregnancy in general does not require medication, let’s get together to master a few daily corresponding methods, as well as change our meals, that can play a good role, now Dr. Fan will take us to analyze the following, so that we can easily spend our life during pregnancy. Why does edema occur in pregnant women? There are many reasons for the occurrence of edema. The pregnant uterus compresses the inferior vena cava, which obstructs the venous blood return; the hormones secreted by the placenta and the aldosterone secreted by the adrenal glands increase, causing sodium and water retention in the body; the water accumulation in the body and the corresponding decrease in urine volume; the mother combined with heavy anemia, low plasma protein, water leaking out from the blood vessels into the surrounding tissue interstices, etc. When is edema easily triggered during pregnancy? After 28 weeks of pregnancy, the physician should check the mother-to-be for edema one after another. Because the mother-to-be’s uterus has grown to a certain extent by this time, it may compress the venous return, so pregnant women with poor venous return are more likely to have edema in the lower limbs at this stage. As the number of weeks of pregnancy increases, the oedema phenomenon of pregnant women will become more and more obvious. (The edema will be more pronounced in the afternoon during the day and will be reduced by rest at night.) How can a mother-to-be check for edema? You can press your thumb on the shin bone of your lower leg. When you press down, the skin will be obviously concave and will not recover quickly, which means edema is present. What are the common areas where edema occurs during pregnancy? Due to different reasons, pregnant women may experience different degrees of edema in their neck, feet, legs, abdominal wall, and vulva during pregnancy. However, it is the lower part of the pregnant woman’s body that is most prone to edema. Sometimes the internal organs may also become edematous. I. Types of edema and ways to cope with it 1. Edema is mainly water-based, mainly manifested as trapped edema on the body surface of pregnant women, and a small concavity can be pressed on time with finger pressure on the part. The general order of appearance: feet, calves, thighs, vulva, abdomen, extremities, eyelids. 2, edema is sodium-based, mainly manifested as body surface edema of pregnant women is substantial, with fingers on the edema site force on time can not press a small concavity, or is not obvious. Generally speaking, edema at or below the calf can generally be rested at home, with regular maternity checkups and attention to weight changes. Hospitalization is not necessary; if there is degree II or above, along with urine protein, high urine specific gravity and impaired kidney function, hospitalization is necessary for observation and treatment. In the biochemical examination, it is found that the blood is concentrated and the HCT of the blood is high, which is more stressful to the cardiovascular system of the pregnant woman and more likely to be dangerous. Therefore, it is better to be hospitalized in this case. Note: It is degree I if it reaches the calf area; degree II if it reaches the thigh area; degree III if it reaches the vulva and abdomen; degree IV if it appears ascites or extremities or eyelids; or it may be accompanied by scanty urination or nocturnal urination. In addition, the situation is different for different pregnant women, and if there are combined medical diseases or complications, edema during pregnancy can also pose a certain risk at any time, not to mention that the condition is constantly changing. The best way to eliminate oedema is to get enough rest. The best way to eliminate edema is to rest. Studies have shown that the burden on the heart, liver and kidneys will be reduced when people are resting, and edema will naturally reduce or disappear. 2, pay attention to keep warm swelling, that is, water accumulation. In order to eliminate puffiness, it is necessary to ensure smooth blood circulation and smooth breath. In order to do these two things, in addition to peace of mind and refinement, attention should be paid to keeping warm. 3. Wear appropriate clothes. Wearing tight-fitting clothes can cause your blood circulation to be poor, which can trigger puffiness in your body. Therefore, pregnant mothers try to avoid wearing too tight clothes during pregnancy. 4. Consume low-salt meals. The body’s function of regulating salt and water decreases after pregnancy, so try to control the salt intake in your daily life, with a daily intake of less than 10g. 5.Wear elastic (leggings) socks. In order to reduce the accumulation of blood in the lower limbs, it is recommended that mothers put on elastic socks before going out in the morning, especially for those who stand or sit for a long time. You can choose special socks for pregnant women, which are also effective in keeping you warm in autumn and winter. 6. Raise your legs. It is recommended that pregnant mothers raise their legs for 15 to 20 minutes before going to bed (or during lunch break), which can play a dual role in accelerating blood return and reducing intravenous pressure, which can not only relieve edema during pregnancy, but also prevent the occurrence of varicose veins and other diseases in the lower limbs. 7.Sleep on the left side. Pregnant mothers can take the left side of the bed.