Water in the legs
Pregnancy brings with it many physical changes. One of them is the increased transfer of fluid from the vessels into the surrounding tissue. The water retention in the tissue is called edema. Due to gravity, they form mainly in the area of the feet and hands. Legs and arms can also swell and feel heavy. The overlying skin tightens, shoes or rings no longer fit or even cause pain. After prolonged lying down, the face may also be affected, especially around the eyelids.
How water retention & pregnancy are connected
But why do many pregnant women experience such water retention? Pregnancy brings with it, among other things, an increase in body water: at the end of a pregnancy, it accounts for the largest part of an expectant mother’s weight gain at four to six kilograms, along with the growing child and the uterus.
In addition, electrolytes such as sodium and blood proteins such as albumin play an important role in complex fluid regulation. During normal pregnancy, these values change and then promote edema.
Pregnancy with such water retention in the tissues is generally not a cause for concern. Although the edemas are unpleasant and not very pretty, they are usually completely harmless. However, if you notice certain signs, you should see your doctor immediately.
Beware of rapid weight gain
Water retention in the tissues sometimes indicates the serious pregnancy disease preeclampsia. This occurs in three to five percent of all pregnancies and is therefore relatively rare. Nevertheless, you should watch out for suspicious signs, because in severe cases it can be life-threatening.
What to do about harmless water retention?
Pregnancy is accompanied by decreasing mobility: The growing belly makes movements more and more cumbersome. But anyone who sits, stands or lies down for too long promotes the formation of edema. Regular exercise therefore helps to boost blood circulation and remove fluid from the tissues.
To promote the flushing out of fluid, you should also elevate your legs for 20 to 30 minutes several times a day. During the night, it is worthwhile to sleep with your legs slightly elevated.
You can also activate the return flow of blood by gently pressing your legs in the direction of the heart.
Warmth or heat dilates the blood vessels. Therefore, especially in summer, make sure that you prefer to stay in rooms with a pleasant temperature.
In order not to additionally depress the blood flow, you should not wear tight shoes, socks or rings.
Alternating showers (cold-warm) activate your blood flow and alleviate the symptoms.
Drink enough fluids to boost your metabolism and eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and protein. A low-salt diet is now discouraged because, on the one hand, it has no effect on edema formation and, on the other, deprives the body of important electrolytes.
Water retention: Over soon after birth
Even though edema can initially increase shortly after birth, it usually disappears quickly afterwards. Women who have recently given birth lose quite a bit of fluid by sweating more and producing more urine, especially in the first few days after giving birth.
So don’t lose patience with water retention. It may make pregnancy more strenuous, but afterwards you will soon be rid of the unpleasant edema.
