Symptoms

Edema during pregnancy can lead to various complaints in the women concerned. Most pregnant women suffer from heavy, aching legs and/or clearly swollen ankles, especially in the evening and after prolonged standing or sitting. Due to the increasing water retention in the area of the lower extremity, the affected women usually need shoes that are one or two sizes larger.

In addition, local swelling often appears on the knuckles of the fingers and hands. For this reason, women should remove their rings early during late pregnancy if possible. The tissue affected by edema typically appears swollen and slightly shiny.

In addition, the tissue can be dented even under light pressure. The water retention during late pregnancy itself does not usually cause pain to the affected women. Due to the increasing pressure on the joints, however, prolonged standing or walking can become unpleasant or even painful.

A doctor should always be consulted if edema occurs during pregnancy that exceeds the usual level. In addition, women who feel particularly bloated and uncomfortable due to water retention should consider seeing a doctor. In addition, possible accompanying symptoms that occur at the same time as the edema can give an indication of whether medical treatment is necessary.

In certain cases, oedema that develops during pregnancy may indicate a condition known as pre-eclampsia. This phenomenon involves increased excretion of protein with the urine and an increase in blood pressure. Affected women typically develop severe headaches, dizziness, flickering eyes or ringing in the ears. Pre-eclampsia requires urgent medical treatment, otherwise it can cause serious harm to the mother and/or child. In addition, women who have concerns about edema during pregnancy can also consult a specialist (gynecologist) at any time.

Therapy (What to do?)

Edema that occurs during pregnancy can only be treated to a limited extent. However, since the water retention usually disappears completely immediately after birth without medical intervention, targeted treatment is usually not necessary at all. Women who tend to develop edema during pregnancy can do something to promote venous blood return in the legs by means of a balanced diet.

Above all, a sufficient intake of salt and protein can reduce the likelihood of developing edema during pregnancy. In addition, regular, moderate exercise may be something that can be done to minimize possible water retention. During pregnancy, sports such as swimming or walking are considered particularly suitable.

The venous blood flow can also be increased by elevating the legs as often as possible. In this way, one can do something to counteract gravity and the development of oedema. The water escaping from the more permeable vessel walls thus accumulates less in the legs.

Regular wearing of special compression stockings also helps to strengthen the veins in the legs and improve the drainage of blood.Women should also take care throughout pregnancy to avoid wasting food and drink. The water excreted by these substances is not removed from the tissues, but from the circulation. This in turn may lead to severe circulatory problems in expectant mothers.

When treating water retention during pregnancy, the focus is often on alleviating the symptoms. Women who suffer from edema-related joint problems should avoid long periods of standing or sitting if possible. Furthermore, despite the water retention, the well-being can be increased by wearing suitable clothing.

Affected women should prefer loose-fitting and comfortable clothing. It is also not advisable to wear high-heeled shoes if oedema is present during pregnancy. Special vein gymnastics and light massages are also something that can be done to relieve the discomfort associated with water retention.