Pregnant women's legs swollen picture

Generally, if pregnant women experience swollen feet in the later stages of pregnancy, we need to seek medical treatment as soon as possible. What causes swollen feet in pregnant women? Why do pregnant women have swollen feet? So, for sick patients, what is the reason for swollen legs during pregnancy? Let’s take a closer look below.

First: During pregnancy, the blood flow of pregnant women begins to increase gradually from the 6th week of pregnancy, reaches a peak at 34 weeks, and remains at this level until two weeks after giving birth, when it returns to the pre-pregnancy level. Blood flow increases by about 40% compared to the non-pregnant period, so as blood flow increases, interstitial fluid will also increase.

Second: Because when the blood is increased, the increase in blood is greater than the increase in blood cells, so the blood components will be relatively diluted, and the relative concentration of blood albumin will be lower than that in the non-pregnant period. Human albumin is the main component in maintaining osmotic pressure in the blood. During pregnancy, the osmotic pressure is lower than during non-pregnancy. This makes it easy for the water in the blood to penetrate into the interstitial fluid, causing edema of the lower limbs.

Third: After pregnancy, the uterus enlarges, which increases the pressure in the pelvis, thereby affecting the blood flow in the veins of the lower limbs. This is also one of the key reasons for swollen legs and feet. If the edema during pregnancy is relieved after rest or sleep, it is physiological and there is no need to worry. Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Rest. People who work in standing or sitting positions for long periods of time will have more serious edema. It is best for pregnant mothers to rest for 10 to 15 minutes every hour of work, change their posture, and move their legs.

2. Raise your legs. Stretching your legs for 15 to 20 minutes before going to bed (or during a nap) can speed up blood flow and relieve venous gas pressure. It can not only reduce edema in pregnant women, but also prevent the occurrence of varicose veins in the lower limbs and other diseases.

3. If your abdomen feels like it is falling or swelling, you can buy a belly support belt to gently support it to relieve the pressure.

4. Eat a low-salt meal. During pregnancy, the body's ability to regulate salt and water is reduced, so in daily life, you should try to control salt intake and keep the daily intake below 6g.

5. Sleep on your left side. Lying on your left side when sleeping can prevent compression of the veins in your lower limbs and reduce the frictional resistance of blood flow back.