Ladies, do you experience swelling in your legs during pregnancy? Don't worry, 2 in 3 pregnant women reported experiencing leg swelling, especially after entering the third trimester. Swollen legs are normal, even within certain limits. This is a sign of good blood flow in supporting the development of the fetus in the womb.
Here are some things you need to know so as not to be mistaken for swelling during pregnancy.
What Causes Swollen Feet During Pregnancy?
Along with gestational age, the increasing size of the uterus will push blood vessels in the pelvis, constricting and blocking blood flow from the lower body to the heart. Hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy also soften the walls of blood vessels, so blood flow is not as smooth as it was before pregnancy. Some of the blood that has accumulated is retained in the muscle tissue of the lower body so that the legs appear larger or swollen.
During pregnancy, the body also tends to produce more blood to support the growth and development of the fetus in the womb. Not only blood, but the body of pregnant women also tends to retain more fluid up to 1.5 kg at the end of pregnancy. This excess fluid is naturally drawn to the feet by gravity and contributes to the feet swelling.
When should you see a doctor?
Swollen feet with a mild to moderate degree are normal during pregnancy and will usually heal after the delivery process. However, sudden and severe swelling can be a symptom of more serious health conditions, such as preeclampsia and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Both conditions can be dangerous for both mother and baby if not treated immediately.
Preeclampsia is an increase in blood pressure and excess protein in the urine that occurs after more than 20 weeks of pregnancy. Consult a health facility immediately if swollen feet are followed by the following symptoms of preeclampsia:
1. Headaches that won't go away
2. Sudden weight gain
3. Visual disturbances, such as freckles and blurriness
4. Pain in the upper abdomen up to the shoulders
5. Difficult to breathe
6. Severe swelling of the hands or face
On the other hand, DVT is a condition where a blood clot occurs in one or more sites in the blood vessels, usually in the legs. Keep in mind that DVT almost always only appears in one leg, right or left. Here are the symptoms of DVT you need to know so it can be treated before it gets worse:
1. One leg has a more severe swelling
2. Calf pain like cramps
3. Redness and warmth on the affected leg
How to deal with swollen feet
Here are some simple things you can do to lessen the impact of swollen feet.
1. Avoid sitting or standing for too long
2. Drink plenty of water (8-10 glasses a day)
3. Sleep on your left side to avoid pressure on the pelvic veins
4. Raise your legs above heart level to help improve blood flow
5. Eat healthy foods and avoid foods with a high salt content
6. Make time for pregnant women's massages
Swollen feet are a natural phenomenon that women will experience during pregnancy and disappear after the delivery process. However, if there are any problems or disorders during pregnancy, it never hurts to actively consult a doctor to get the best solution for the mother and fetus.
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Sources:
Bellefonds. C. d. & Urang, S. (2021). Swollen feet during pregnancy (edema). babycenter. [online]. https://www.babycenter.com/pregnancy/your-body/swollen-feet-ankles-and-hands-edema-during-pregnancy_230
Health Direct. (2020). Swelling during pregnancy. pregnancybirth&baby. [online]. https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/swelling-during-pregnancy
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2020). Deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Mayo Clinic. [online]. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/deep-vein-thrombosis/symptoms-causes/