Swollen fingers during early pregnancy

We all know that women are particularly prone to body swelling in the late stages of pregnancy, especially in the legs and feet. Because the pregnant belly is relatively large, it will put pressure on the lower limbs of pregnant women, and it is easy to have swelling of the soles and legs. Some women also experience swollen fingers in the early stages of pregnancy. What is going on? Let me introduce it to you below

Causes of swollen hands in pregnant women

The main reason for swelling of the hands and feet in the late pregnancy is that the enlarged uterus compresses the veins and causes obstruction of venous return. During pregnancy, the blood is diluted and the blood volume increases, but the increase in red blood cells is not as great as that in plasma. The blood becomes relatively thinner, but the plasma protein does not increase. The plasma colloidal osmotic pressure decreases, and the movement of water into the tissue spaces can also cause edema.

In addition, there are many other causes of edema, including changes in endocrine function. For example, an increase in hormones secreted by the placenta and aldosterone secreted by the adrenal glands, which cause sodium and water retention in the body. Water accumulation in the body and a corresponding decrease in urine volume are also causes of edema.

Severe edema is mostly caused by pregnancy complications in pregnant women, or internal and external diseases, such as heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease, thyroid disease or malnutrition caused by other reasons. After pregnancy, severe edema is generally pathological and requires treatment to improve. Pregnant women should observe themselves regularly at home. If the swelling of their hands is severe, they should go to the hospital for examination as soon as possible to find out the cause and take appropriate measures.

What to do if pregnant women have swollen hands

Swelling of the hands in the late pregnancy is mostly a normal physiological phenomenon and does not require special treatment. You can raise your arms and do appropriate exercise. It is best to take off rings and other jewelry on your hands to allow your hands to move better. Until the baby is born, the problem of swollen fingers of pregnant women will gradually subside.

In addition, pregnant women also need to adjust their work and daily life rhythm. Make sure you get enough rest and sleep, and avoid being too stressed or overworked. It is best to rest for half an hour after each meal, two hours in the afternoon, and sleep 9-10 hours every night. If there is no condition to lie down and rest at the workplace, you can raise your legs and place them on a chair after lunch, taking a semi-sitting position.

Pregnant women should dress comfortably and avoid tight clothing to avoid affecting blood circulation. If your health condition permits, you can engage in appropriate physical exercise, such as swimming, which is beneficial in reducing edema. Pregnant women should also avoid emotional excitement and avoid strenuous or prolonged physical labor.

Most physiological edema will gradually improve after rest and adjustment. If the edema does not improve after the above treatment, and the weight increases rapidly, and symptoms such as high blood pressure and proteinuria appear, it is possible that you have gestational hypertension and you need to go to the hospital immediately for relevant examinations and active treatment.