Why do feet swell during late pregnancy?

Swollen feet in the late pregnancy is a normal physiological phenomenon. Because the blood volume during pregnancy is relatively high, it will lead to an increase in interstitial fluid, thus causing symptoms of edema. In addition, the plasma osmotic pressure is low, which will slow down the blood circulation to the lower limbs, thus causing swollen feet. These symptoms will automatically disappear after giving birth, so don't worry too much, but pay attention to get more rest and don't put too much pressure on yourself, so as not to affect the development of the fetus.

What causes swollen feet in late pregnancy

1. After pregnancy, blood volume begins to increase gradually from the 6th week, reaches a peak at the 34th week, and remains at this level until two weeks after delivery, when it returns to the pre-pregnancy level. Blood volume can increase by about 40% compared to the non-pregnant period, so as blood volume increases, interstitial fluid will also increase.

2. Because the increase in plasma is greater than the increase in blood cells when blood increases, the blood components will be relatively diluted and the relative concentration of plasma albumin will be lower than that in the non-pregnant period. Plasma albumin is the main component that maintains plasma osmotic pressure. Plasma osmolality is lower during pregnancy than during non-pregnancy. This makes it easy for water in the blood to penetrate into the interstitial fluid, causing lower limb edema.

3. After pregnancy, the uterus enlarges, which increases the pressure in the pelvis, thereby affecting the venous blood flow in the lower limbs. This is also one of the important reasons for lower limb edema. If the swelling during pregnancy is relieved after rest or sleep, it is physiological and there is no need to worry.

What to do if pregnant women have edema

1. Rest. People who work in jobs that require them to stand or sit for long periods of time will have more severe edema. It is best for expectant mothers to rest for 10 to 15 minutes after every hour of work, change their posture and move their legs.

2. Raise your legs. Raising your legs for 15 to 20 minutes before going to bed (or during lunch break) can accelerate blood return and reduce venous pressure. It can not only relieve edema during pregnancy, but also prevent the occurrence of diseases such as varicose veins in the lower limbs.

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 low-salt meals. After pregnancy, the body's ability to regulate salt and water decreases, so in daily life, you should try to control your salt intake and keep the daily intake below 6g.

5. Sleep on your left side. Lying on your left side when sleeping can avoid compression on the veins in your lower limbs, reduce resistance to blood return, and also reduce pressure on the heart.

After the introduction of the above content, I believe everyone has a certain understanding of the causes of edema in pregnant women. Edema in pregnant women in the later stages of pregnancy is a physiological phenomenon and there is no need to worry too much. At the same time, in terms of diet, you should eat enough protein, vegetables and fruits, don’t drink too much water, and don’t eat too salty things, as these will affect edema.