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What Causes Severe Edema In Feet And Legs During Pregnancy?
I just found out im pregnant monday and its friday now. I was abusing lazative before my pregnancy and quite cold turkey when i found out im pregnant. Ive been taking on a ton of water weight. Literally already gained 10 pounds and my freet and legs are swollen. What can help aleaviate the swelling
Tue, 29 Mar 2016
Hi Welcome to HEALTHCARE MAGIC..
I have gone through your query and can understand your concern...
Edema in feet and legs during pregnancy during third trimester is a common problem. It is due to pressure of developing baby on inferior vena cava (a large vein collecting blood from lower part of body) which leads to failure of blood to move upward the legs efficently. So fluid passes through veins into empty spaces of lower limbs causing retention of fluid in them.
You could do following methods to reduce swelling during pregnancy
1. Try resting on your left side instead of straight laying down or resting on right side. Since the vena cava is on the right side of your body. This would help relieve the increased pressure on inferior vena cava & thereby reducing the swelling.
2. Put your feet up whenever possible. At work, it helps to keep a stool or pile of books under your desk.
3. Don't cross your legs or ankles while sitting.
4. Decrease salt intake as this would help in reducing water retention in body.
5. Take regular breaks from sitting or standing. A short walk every so often will help keep your blood from pooling in your lower extremities.
Refer to a gynaecologist if problem persists
Hope this information helps
I have gone through your query and can understand your concern...
Edema in feet and legs during pregnancy during third trimester is a common problem. It is due to pressure of developing baby on inferior vena cava (a large vein collecting blood from lower part of body) which leads to failure of blood to move upward the legs efficently. So fluid passes through veins into empty spaces of lower limbs causing retention of fluid in them.
You could do following methods to reduce swelling during pregnancy
1. Try resting on your left side instead of straight laying down or resting on right side. Since the vena cava is on the right side of your body. This would help relieve the increased pressure on inferior vena cava & thereby reducing the swelling.
2. Put your feet up whenever possible. At work, it helps to keep a stool or pile of books under your desk.
3. Don't cross your legs or ankles while sitting.
4. Decrease salt intake as this would help in reducing water retention in body.
5. Take regular breaks from sitting or standing. A short walk every so often will help keep your blood from pooling in your lower extremities.
Refer to a gynaecologist if problem persists
Hope this information helps
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