Pregnant women's legs are swollen, is it time to give birth?

Pregnant women are prone to physical problems after pregnancy, which causes great changes to the body. Among them, soreness and swelling of the limbs are the most common symptoms, which makes many women feel a certain degree of discomfort. The symptom of swollen legs is a problem that cannot be ignored for women. So, does swollen legs in pregnant women mean that they are about to give birth? Let’s take a look at the explanation below, I hope everyone can understand it.

Generally speaking, there are two possibilities for edema in pregnant women's feet. If the edema is below the ankles, it may be due to the enlarged uterus compressing the inferior vena cava, causing poor peripheral circulation. This is a normal physiological phenomenon and generally does not require treatment. If it is above the ankle, you should consider the possibility of pregnancy-induced hypertension and need to go to the hospital for examination and treatment in time.

How to relieve swollen feet during pregnancy

1. Raise your feet slightly when sitting. This practice is also suitable for pregnant women at work. In order to allow the venous blood accumulated in the legs to return to the heart, you can put your feet on a small platform when sitting on a chair, or use cushions to raise your feet when sitting on the floor.

2. Take a proper walk. Walking is the most suitable exercise for pregnant women. In the late pregnancy, walking not only prevents and relieves edema during pregnancy, but also helps pregnant women to give birth smoothly. When walking, the contraction of the calf muscles can allow venous blood to return to the heart smoothly, which is particularly effective in preventing edema.

3. Massage. Massage can promote blood circulation and is also very effective in preventing and relieving edema. When massaging, move gradually from the calf upwards to help blood return to the heart. Massage before going to bed can relieve leg pain and help you sleep.

4. Step exercise. Using steps and moving your feet up and down can exercise the calf muscles, which helps prevent edema. Be sure to hold on to pillars, walls, tables, etc. when exercising, and do not exercise for too long.

5. Raise your feet when lying flat. It is suitable for pregnant women to use during a nap. They can raise their feet when resting or lying down to allow venous blood to return to the heart better, making it easier to eliminate edema.

6. Try to sleep on your left side. Lying on the left side is not only good for the fetus, but also helpful for relieving edema in pregnant women.