What are the causes of rubber legs during pregnancy?

The phenomenon of rubber legs during pregnancy is largely due to the pressure of the ever-growing uterus, excessive water retention in the body, obstructed blood circulation, and other reasons. Although this is a normal phenomenon, in order for pregnant mothers to have a pleasant pregnancy, they must get enough rest, wear loose clothes, not stand or sit for a long time, raise their legs when resting, etc., and try to get rid of rubber legs as soon as possible.

1. Causes of rubber legs during pregnancy

1. Pressure from the growing uterus

In the middle and late stages of pregnancy, as the uterus grows a little bit, the pregnant mother's lower limbs will experience varying degrees of edema. First the ankles become tight and shiny, then spread to the calves, thighs, etc. Sometimes when you press them with your hands, there will be a "pit", just like what the countryside calls "steamed buns"!

2. Too much water retained in the body

Edema, as the name suggests, means too much "water"! After pregnancy, the mother's weight increases rapidly, especially in the middle and late stages of pregnancy, and she gains several kilograms every month. Most of this increased weight is liquid such as water. The loosest tissue space under the mother's skin is the best place for these liquids to stay, which will cause skin edema over time.

3. Obstructed blood circulation

Bad sleeping and sitting postures of pregnant mothers can also lead to the formation of "rubber legs". When a pregnant mother lies on her back, the enlarged uterus will compress the inferior vena cava, hindering the venous blood from the lower limbs from flowing back to the heart. When sitting or standing for a long time, it will cause blood retention in the lower limb veins, leading to increased venous pressure, thereby forcing the blood in the blood vessels to run into the tissue gaps of the feet and ankles, causing subcutaneous edema.

4. Other reasons

There are many other causes of edema during pregnancy, such as severe anemia and low plasma protein in the mother, which can also force water to seep from the blood vessels into the surrounding tissue spaces.

2. How to eliminate rubber legs during pregnancy

1. Get enough rest

The best way to eliminate edema during pregnancy is to get proper rest, that is, to rest well. Because "when people rest, the burden on the heart, liver, kidneys, etc. will be reduced", edema will naturally decrease or disappear. Pregnant mothers should not overwork during pregnancy, and should pay attention to keeping warm in daily life.

2. Wear loose clothing

Wearing clothes that are too tight can cause poor blood circulation, leading to swelling. Therefore, pregnant mothers should try to avoid wearing tight clothes during pregnancy, especially socks should not be too tight. You can wear elastic tights, or buy pants and socks specially made for pregnant women. You should also choose comfortable, loose and lightweight shoes to avoid squeezing your swollen feet.

3. Do not stand or sit for a long time

During the middle and late stages of pregnancy, you should stand as little as possible, avoid sitting for long periods of time, and definitely not sit cross-legged. When standing, pay attention to changing your posture from time to time. Do not stand with both legs in the same posture. You can bend and relax the knee of one leg first, then change to the other leg so that the legs can rest in turn. When sitting, it is best to stand up and walk around every half an hour, move your legs and feet, to promote venous blood return.

4. Raise your legs when resting

Pregnant mothers can raise their legs for 15-20 minutes before going to bed (or during lunch break), such as putting a high pillow or other things under their legs. This can play the dual role of accelerating blood return and reducing intravenous pressure to relieve edema during pregnancy. In addition, pregnant mothers working in the office can put a stool or a stack of books under the table and put their legs on it to relieve congestion in the veins of the lower limbs.