Women experience numerous physical changes during their pregnancy. Not infrequently, pregnant women suffer from the accompanying symptoms such as fatigue, back pain or heartburn. These also include the so-called water retention during pregnancy, also known as “edema”. Although they do not usually pose a danger, they can certainly become unpleasant.
Not uncommon: pregnancy and swollen legs
Pregnant women, when the weather is particularly warm or the woman has already reached the end of her pregnancy, feel heavy and “plump”. The belly is large and breathing is also much more difficult than usual. And as if all this were not enough, edema is added. Water retention during pregnancy is unfortunately not uncommon. Even if the edema does not pose any actual danger, the women feel uncomfortable. The legs can be really thickly swollen and also tense. The rings on the fingers become tighter and tighter, the shoes don’t fit so well anymore and also wearing the clothes is felt as uncomfortable. Even if it will not satisfy the pregnant women, water retention in the legs (or even in the arms) is not uncommon and is part of pregnancy – just like nausea, malaise or even back pain.
Why does water retention occur during pregnancy?
Eighty percent of pregnant women suffer from water retention. So far, however, the cause of why pregnant women suffer from water retention has not been completely clarified. In this respect, science is still faced with a mystery. However, there is sometimes a link to progesterone. Progesterone is a hormone that is increasingly produced and released during pregnancy. Progesterone is also known to loosen tissue. If there is loose tissue, water can leak out of the bloodstream and settle into the tissues. Any deficiency of salt or even protein can also contribute to the formation of water retention. This is because protein as well as salt binds the water; if the body is supplied with too little protein or salt, the water then cannot be bound. Water retention mainly occurs in the extremities. This includes the legs and also the arms. However, other regions can also be affected. Many pregnant women suffer from water retention on the face, for example. The complaints occur mainly in the evening. Long periods of standing and warm weather also promote water retention. However, the edema can also occur only on one side of the body, depending on the position of the child.
What you can do against harmless water retention
There are tips and tricks, which can be implemented during pregnancy, so that the water retention is reduced. It is important that the pregnant woman consumes plenty of fluids. On the one hand, this may sound counterproductive, but on the other hand, it activates the metabolism. Two to three liters of water per day are advisable. Vegetables and fruit also help the body to flush out any deposits. Particularly beneficial here are cucumbers, raw celery, potatoes with skin, as well as raw pineapple, cherries and asparagus. It is important to avoid hot full baths during pregnancy. The water temperature should be below 37 degrees; sea salt can be used as an additive. Chestnut baths, which stimulate kidney activity, can also be helpful. Foot baths with salt water help against the feeling of tension; alternating showers (i.e. warm-cold) help to stimulate blood circulation. It is important that the pregnant woman, even if it may be difficult for her because of the edema, gets enough exercise and also takes walks. Occasional swimming sessions are also recommended. Pregnant women need a lot of rest and also sleep; this fact also helps against edema. A balanced diet also helps against water retention. The body sometimes also signals when it is lacking certain substances. A craving for a rollmop can sometimes mean that the body needs protein. The legs should be elevated if water retention is present. If the legs are very swollen, the pregnant woman should stand up slowly. Sometimes special support stockings can also help. However, it is important not to use socks or stockings with an elastic band, as these are constricting. Pregnant women should also wear flat and comfortable shoes. As a home remedy, a low-salt diet or even classic rice days are often recommended.But studies have already shown that these tips are not helpful, but can even be harmful. Electrolyte imbalance in particular should be avoided.
If it becomes dangerous: suddenly water and strong weight gain
If the woman suffers from water in the legs or in the arms and sometimes in the face and also records a strong weight gain, she should see a doctor. Sometimes this is a pregnancy complication that could well be life-threatening for the child. If water retention is associated with rapid weight gain, high blood pressure, headaches, dizziness, increased protein levels in the urine, ringing in the ears, flickering eyes or pain in the upper abdomen, medical advice should be sought. These symptoms may indicate pregnancy poisoning (gestosis or preeclampsia). Gestational toxicity also leads to increased water retention. If the first symptoms are present or there is sometimes the possibility that pregnancy poisoning is present, a doctor must be consulted immediately.
When will the water retention disappear?
Good news: water retention is as good as gone after birth. The edema disappears within a few hours or days after the birth process. As a rule, no further treatment is necessary; the edema dissolves on its own or is eliminated by the body. Constantly wet feet or hands are not uncommon and are completely normal.
