Pregnancy: stop swollen legs and fluid retention

Feeling swollen legs and retaining fluids, something very common in hot weather, is very uncomfortable, and even more so if you are pregnant. We help you discover how to stop both circulatory problems.

From the third month of pregnancy, you likely feel the legs loaded and swollen. It is normal, it happens to most women and when it is hot the intensity of the discomfort can increase.

One of the causes that cause this swelling is fluid retention, but it is not the only reason. Another reason why the legs swell during pregnancy is the compression of the pelvic area when the fetus develops [1]. The pressure of the uterus on the veins of the pelvis makes the circulation, not as fluid as usual.

And, of course, there are other reasons common to all women: lack of fluid, heat, excess weight, too tight clothes and uncomfortable or very high shoes.

Read Also: Swelling In Legs, Feet and Ankles – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

How to relieve the swollen legs during pregnancy?

There will be days when what you most want is for your legs to be thin and light so you can rest at ease and move comfortably. Well, you can start by decreasing salt from meals. Also, do moderate exercise regularly promote your circulation. If you do not know what exercises to practice during your pregnancy you can choose disciplines such as pilates or yoga, highly recommended for pregnant women and that in addition to helping you with your swollen legs will make you feel better.

• If you are at home, you can massage from the feet to the thighs. With moisturizer or cold gels, gently massage, so you will promote circulation and improve skin elasticity.
• Drink water. At least two liters a day.
• Avoid foods that are too fat and too salty. And opt for fruits and vegetables such as garlic, onion or leek.
• Walk daily for half an hour. Set it as a goal to do it twice a day. If you keep your legs moving, don’t doubt that blood will flow much better.
• Avoid standing too long, but don’t spend the day sitting. Of course, when you do, change position often and use footrests.
• Sleep with your legs elevated. A cushion will help you be more comfortable.

It acts against liquid retention

The fluid retention is common in all women. However, during pregnancy, this problem can be accentuated, since the volume of the gut compresses the blood vessels that carry blood from the lower limbs to the heart. This causes fluid to accumulate in the tissues and, in addition to feeling swollen legs, varicose veins and cellulite may appear.

To avoid this fluid retention, we recommend that you sleep and rest with your legs elevated. Lie down and raise your legs about 15 centimeters, or lean them against the wall. When you rest, keep this position for about 20 minutes and you’ll notice a great improvement. On the contrary, when you drop your legs on a table or stool, what you get is to compress the blood vessels and thus increase fluid retention.

Read Also: How To Reduce Water Retention?

Drinking water, infusions or natural juices will also help you retain fewer fluids, as it helps cleanse the body of toxins. Another way to avoid fluid retention is through cold showers. The massages with the shower by the legs are wonderful since they tone and decompress the tension of the blood vessels, favoring the circulation of the blood and reducing the swelling.

Another way to avoid fluid retention is to sleep on the left side. When we do it on our backs, compression of the vena cava is caused and hinders the blood flow of the lower limbs to the heart.

Despite these tips and little tricks to keep you lighter during your pregnancy. Healthzigzag always recommends that you talk to your doctor because if fluid retention is excessive, it can lead to greater problems.