Common Health Issues

How Much Swelling During Pregnancy Is Normal?

Edema is a natural physiological phenomena that happens in every human being in general. It is normal phenomena of the human body where parts of the body undergo swelling with the accumulation of water at that particular portion, which is part of the body defense mechanism. This makes the body to defend or protect the vital organs from undergoing further damage. Edema is the most common thing at the times of pregnancy in women. Ankles, Hands, arms, writs, including face edema is observed. This is a common phenomenon as a part of body’s mechanisms. During the summer heat, this edema is observed to be more.

Due to change in the blood chemistry making water content in the blood to escape into the tissues. There is also possibility that, by the third trimester weight of the uterus falls upon the pelvic veins and the vena cava that forces the fluid to accumulate below the knees resulting in edema. This edema is more particular after the 20th week causing some puffiness in the body.

Along with the puffiness of the skin and face, there also occurs redness, pain in moving and extending arms and legs, rashes like red streaks over the legs, at times the swollen area seems to be in purple color as a sign of blood clot in that area. It is sometimes casual and sometimes can be too fatal to be considered as a disorder. But the right times needed to be identified before everything becomes late. There are cases where failure of kidney and heart are being observed as a result of excessive swelling followed by pain.

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Regarding Swelling of feet during pregnancy there are many factors that affect and influence this swelling and with the proper care it can be prevented. Mostly the common factors such as increase of heat or humidity. Alteration in elevation can cause swelling. In the sense of diet, deficiency of potassium, excessive sodium/salt in the diet along with high caffeine intake. Preeclampsia or eclampsia majorly affect the swelling and can be considered very dangerous. Preventive measures like, resting at the right time, alteration of diet, managing with stress, Intake of plenty of water and fluids, to take more rest under cooler environments and avoid any stress related issues.

Swelling During Pregnancy Third Trimester

Swelling during pregnancy third trimester is very much more risky at this stage, if it goes more abnormal than usual. Third trimester is the stage where all the body labor related pains and strains start to work in full swing as the baby development and movement happens often.

Face swelling during pregnancy or attaining puffiness in face is commonly observed in all types of swelling during the pregnancy. As the skin stretches of very much due to swelling, soon after the swell decreases, the skin gets into its normal position leaving the marks behind. Stretch Marks during Pregnancy are common and there are many creams or skin ointments that can treat the same. Swelling during early pregnancy can be checked twice with the doctors as it is not a good sign at that early stage.

Disclaimer

This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

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Stephanie McClane About Author

Stephanie McClane is a mother of three and enjoys sharing the knowledge she gathered throughout her pregnancies. After approaching her last two pregnancies from a more holistic prespective and having two natural births, she was inspired to share her experiences with other moms-to-be.