What causes swollen legs during pregnancy?

After a woman becomes pregnant, the presence of a baby in her belly puts a great burden on her body. She will experience many adverse conditions after pregnancy, such as nausea, vomiting, insomnia, nightmares, loss of appetite, etc. Some pregnant women will experience swollen legs after pregnancy. This is mostly caused by excessive pressure on the lower limbs of the pregnant woman as the fetus gains weight. Let's explain in detail what's going on.

Why are my calves swollen during pregnancy?

1. After pregnancy, the blood volume 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 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.

The above reasons for swelling are normal phenomena. However, if the edema is obvious and does not improve, further examination should be conducted to determine if there are other pregnancy complications, and timely diagnosis and treatment should be provided.

How to deal with swollen calves during pregnancy

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. Sleeping on your left side can avoid compressing the veins in your lower limbs and reduce the resistance to blood return. Therefore, the sleeping posture is also quite particular. Generally speaking, it is best for pregnant women to sleep on their left side, which is also good for the fetus.

Pregnancy precautions:

1. Abdominal X-ray is strictly prohibited in early pregnancy

During the early stages of pregnancy, especially the first 15-56 days, the embryo's organs are highly differentiated and formed, and are very likely to become deformed after exposure to X-rays. Therefore, X-ray exposure is absolutely prohibited in the first two months of pregnancy, and should be avoided as much as possible in the first three months to prevent the baby from having defects such as microcephaly, dementia, cerebral edema, and microphthalmia. Routine lung radiography for pregnant women should also be postponed until after the fourth month of pregnancy, and X-ray pelvic measurements should be avoided as much as possible. If it is necessary for obstetrics, it should be done after 36 weeks of pregnancy.

2. Avoid infection that may cause your body temperature to rise

Fever is a common teratogenic factor. The higher the body temperature and the longer it lasts, the greater the possibility of teratogenesis. In daily life, we should pay more attention to our own temperature, avoid places with poor air quality, and avoid contact with patients with respiratory infections. If you have a fever, see a doctor as soon as possible and get treatment to reduce the fever immediately.

3. Stay away from passive smoking environments

Pregnant mothers who smoke must quit during pregnancy. Although some pregnant mothers do not smoke, they must stay away from "second-hand smoke", as the pollution level caused by it is no worse than smoking themselves. Medical research shows that women who smoke frequently or are exposed to passive smoking, especially during pregnancy, can cause maxillofacial or oral malformations in the fetus, leading to a variety of dental problems and periodontal diseases, making it difficult for the baby to have a set of healthy and strong teeth from the beginning of life and to maintain physical and mental health.