Today, almost every second womanDuring pregnancy, one faces the problem of swelling. In many cases, it is noticeable to the naked eye. While others discover it only when they cannot remove rings from their swollen fingers or when their favorite pair of shoes, which fit just recently, start to pinch.
Swelling during pregnancy is the norm or is it all the same pathology?
First of all, let's try to figure out whatare there edemas? Edemas are divided into two types: physiological and pathological. The first of them occurs in almost every woman who is in an "interesting position". Most often, this type of edema occurs under certain conditions, for example, in too hot weather, physical overload or an error in diet. As a rule, they do not pose a health hazard and do not require treatment, since they disappear on their own when the factors that caused them are eliminated or at rest. As mentioned above, edemas can be both obvious and hidden. If the former can be easily recognized by the marks on the body that appear from the elastic bands of socks, when pressing a finger on the shin, as well as by swelling of the face, hands and anterior abdominal wall. Then the symptoms of hidden edema are both excessive weight gain and polyhydramnios. It is considered normal if a woman gains an average of 10 kg during pregnancy. However, depending on the weight and height before pregnancy, fluctuations can be plus or minus 2 kg. Starting from the 20th week of pregnancy, the norm for weight gain is 50 grams per day or 700 grams in 2 weeks. However, unfortunately, not everyone can follow these rules. Even a slight deviation in weight is a reason to see a doctor, since it is possible not only to worsen the condition of the pregnant woman, but also to develop serious complications.
Causes of edema
The appearance of edema in the first half of pregnancyis a clear sign of some disease (kidney, heart or diabetes). Edema that occurs in the second half of pregnancy is considered a manifestation of varying degrees of severity of gestosis, which is quite common in modern obstetrics. The main symptoms of gestosis, which complicates about 20-25% of pregnancies: the appearance of protein in the urine, edema, increased blood pressure. A pregnant woman can have one, two, or even three of these signs at the same time. Dropsy (edema) is considered an early sign of gestosis in pregnant women. If nausea, vomiting, protein in the urine, headaches and persistent increase in blood pressure occur, we can talk about preeclampsia. When, along with the above complaints, skeletal muscle cramps appear, this is already the most severe stage of gestosis - eclampsia. Diagnosis of edema How to determine whether there is swelling or not? First of all, it is necessary:
- Regularly monitor the dynamics of weight gain. If the weight gain per week is more than 350-400 grams - this is a sign of puffiness.
- Daily quantity comparisonconsumed and secreted fluid. Normally it is considered, if the pregnant woman allocates ¾ volume of the drunk liquid. Evaluation of the excretory function of the kidneys can be done using samples from Zimnitsky.
- Regularly measure the circumference of the foot. An increase of 1 cm or more in the ankle circumference during the week is a sign of fluid retention in the body.
- To detect hidden swelling it is necessary to doMKO trial (McLaura-Aldrich). When subcutaneous injection of 0.2 mm saline is detected, the time during which the blister formed from the injection dissipates. If it disappears very quickly (up to 1 hour), this usually indicates concealed swelling.
How to cope with edema?
A balanced diet will help avoid swellingNutrition. The diet of a pregnant woman should be rich in nutrients. It should include meat, fish, eggs, bread, fats of various origins, potatoes, pasta and, of course, raisins and dried apricots, which are rich in magnesium, potassium and calcium. The ideal diet is fractional nutrition (eating at least 5-6 times a day in small portions). You should limit the consumption of pickled, spicy, smoked products, as well as various sauces and fast food. Give preference to steamed or boiled products.
- Limit salt intake.
- Try to avoid a long stay in one position.
- Give up tight and uncomfortable clothes and shoes.
We hope that our advice will help you cope with swelling. If the measures taken are ineffective, you should consult a doctor. We recommend reading:
