Prophylaxis (Prevention)

The development of edema during pregnancy can be prevented in many cases by simple measures. The prophylaxis of such water retention is mainly based on regular, moderate exercise, which can also be carried out during pregnancy without any problems. This does not even have to be real sports.

Extensive daily walks can help to prevent oedema during pregnancy. In addition, regular swimming is considered a particularly suitable type of sport for preventing water retention during pregnancy. Affected women should, however, always make sure that no excessive strain is put on them.

Otherwise, under certain circumstances, damage to the mother and/or child can occur. In case of doubt, the choice of the most suitable type of exercise should be discussed with the treating gynaecologist. Since the development of edema is promoted or made worse by prolonged sitting or standing, among other things, short movement intervals must also be carried out at regular intervals during work.

Affected women can also prevent oedema during pregnancy by drinking water in particular. Sweet juices can help to increase the amount of fluid in the tissue. Typical indications of the presence of edema during pregnancy are thick, heavy legs.

Especially late in the evening and at night, many of the affected women complain of an exciting feeling and increasing pressure in the area of the legs. Such water retention is not uncommon during pregnancy. In general, it can be assumed that about 60 to 70 percent of expectant mothers develop edema during the last months of pregnancy.

These oedemas can basically form on the entire body. However, it is quite clear in the clinic that it is mainly the legs that are affected by edema during pregnancy. The causes for the occurrence of water retention can be manifold.

Although edema during pregnancy is completely harmless in most cases, possible organic reasons for its development should be excluded. During pregnancy, edema in the legs often occurs as a result of hormonal changes. In particular, the sex hormone estrogen, which prepares the body for the forthcoming birth by expanding the tissue, is said to play a decisive role in the development of edema.

In addition, it must be noted in this context that there is a significant increase in blood volume during pregnancy. Only in this way can both the oxygen and nutrient requirements of the expectant mother and the blood supply of the unborn child be guaranteed. Such an increase in blood volume must cause an expansion of the vascular walls in the venous circulation.

As a result of this vasodilatation, the walls of the veins become much less watertight. Especially during the last months of pregnancy, large amounts of fluid enter the already expanded tissue in this way. This leads to the development of edema, which is mainly visible on the legs due to gravity.

In addition, the weight of the growing child exerts additional pressure on the veins of the legs. This also leads to an increase in fluid entering the tissue. Something else that might also interest you in this respect: Heavy legs – What can I do?