How to Control Swelling During Pregnancy

Pregnancy's a wonderful time. People remark on your glow and you are looking forward to a new baby in your house. So why, then, do you feel like a blimp? Swelling during pregnancy (known as edema) is not an uncommon phenomena, though it can be uncomfortable and distressing. There are, however, some ways to control the extent of your swelling.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Expect Swelling During Pregnancy

1. Expect to experience slight, uniform swelling during pregnancy. This is a time when your body increases its blood and fluid volume by nearly half as a way to nourish your baby. This increased water retention, while allowing for more muscle and joint flexibility, will create normal edema.
2. Contact your health care provider immediately if you experience significant and sudden swelling, particularly in your hands, face or ankles. This type of swelling, when accompanied by fluctuations in your blood pressure, can be a sign of a potentially dangerous condition of pregnancy, known as preeclampsia.
3. Expect to see an increase in swelling during the third trimester of pregnancy, in humid weather or after a long, active day. You will also experience more swelling in your ankles and feet after standing up for a long period of time.

Reduce Pregnancy Edema

4. Increase your potassium intake. Eating foods high in potassium (such as bananas) can not only work to reduce pregnancy edema, but it can also help the unexpected, painful muscle cramps that some pregnant woman experience.
5. Reduce the amount of sodium and caffeine you are consuming. Limit the amount of caffeinated soda or coffee you drink per day and avoid processed foods which contain a lot of sodium.
6. Control swelling in your feet and ankles by resting frequently with your legs elevated. Additionally, wear comfortable shoes that fit you well. Try, if possible, to avoid wearing high heels. Wearing support hose or stockings can also help to control swelling in your lower extremities.
7. Drink lots of water to control water retention. The extra water will also serve to keep you well hydrated and flush your body of excess sodium and caffeine.
8. Enjoy a swim in a cool pool or use cool compresses on areas that are particularly swollen. Some doctors have reservations about pregnant women taking baths. Check with your doctor before employing a cool bath as a method of relief.
9. Keep your blood and fluids flowing by moving around frequently during the day. Factor in movement breaks if you work at a sedentary job.

Tips & Warnings

• Bad headaches and seeing spots in conjunction with sudden swelling needs immediate medical attention. It can be a sign of a dangerous rise in your blood pressure.