What to do if you have edema in early pregnancy

Ten months of pregnancy is a particularly difficult process for women. During these ten months, expectant mothers often experience various discomforts, such as back pain, edema of legs and feet, and itchy skin. So what should you do if you have edema in the early stages of pregnancy? There are many causes of edema during pregnancy, both physiological and pathological. Physiological edema is often caused by the fetus compressing blood vessels, causing blood flow disorders and edema symptoms. It is recommended that pregnant women keep the fetus elevated on their upper limbs when sleeping at night to reduce swelling of the feet.

Pathological edema during pregnancy requires drug treatment based on the cause of the edema. If it is just physiological edema, no medication is needed, just pay attention to correcting your daily diet and lifestyle habits.

Daily care

1. Rest

Expectant mothers who suffer from edema during pregnancy should ensure adequate rest and sleep time, avoid excessive tension and fatigue, and avoid standing or walking for long periods of time. Mild swelling is best relieved by taking a short rest during the day and raising the lower limbs appropriately. It is recommended to lie on your left side when resting, which can effectively improve the blood supply to the placenta and reduce edema. You can elevate your feet when resting, or place a low stool under your feet when sitting. Local massage can also help reduce swelling.

2. Exercise

Expectant mothers should also insist on doing some simple exercises, such as walking. Walking can regulate the calf muscles and change the phenomenon of venous compression. You can also do some exercises for pregnant women.

3. Diet

Make sure to consume animal and bean foods every day, as these foods are rich in high-quality protein. Especially for pregnant women with anemia, iron supplementation should be ensured, because anemia and malnutrition are one of the causes of pathological edema. You should also supplement with a variety of vitamins and trace elements, and eat more fresh vegetables and fruits. In addition, edema during pregnancy is not caused by drinking too much water, but by uterine compression or excessive salt intake leading to water retention in the body. Therefore, expectant mothers should still drink water in moderation.

4. Dress

Wearing tight clothing can cause your blood circulation to be poor, which can lead to swelling. Therefore, expectant mothers should try to avoid wearing tight clothes during pregnancy. When choosing shoes, try to wear shoes that are comfortable for your enlarged feet. Avoid wearing socks with elastic bands that put pressure on your ankles and calves.

5. Massage

Massage is good for promoting blood circulation and can also effectively prevent edema. The technique for massaging is to move from the feet to the calves and gradually move upwards to help the blood return to the heart. Doing it before going to bed can relieve leg pain and help you sleep. Massage while taking a bath is also a good choice.