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What Causes Swelling In Hands During 39 Weeks Of Pregnancy?
I am 39 weeks and 1 day pregnant, and my feet started swelling up along with my hands to where I could not close my hands or put my regular sandals on (the only footwear that fits) so I asked my mom to check my blood pressure and it was at 132/69. Should I be concerned? Usually I get checked at 112 or something. Thank you in advance.
posted on
Sat, 5 Sep 2015
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Wed, 23 Sep 2015
Answered on
Thu, 24 Dec 2015
Last reviewed on
Hi Welcome to HEALTHCARE MAGIC..
I have gone through your query and can understand your concern.
Swelling of hands/ legs during late stages of pregnancy is very common & means your body is holding onto too much fluid.
As your baby grows, your womb (uterus) puts pressure on your pelvic veins and your vena cava (a large vein on the right side of your body that receives blood from your lower limbs). This slows down blood circulation and causes fluid to collect in your body.
There are several things you can try :
1. Raise your feet whenever possible. Take regular breaks to stand up and move around.
2. At home, try to lie on your left side when possible because this takes pressure off the vena cava.If you have to spend a long time in the car, take regular breaks to stretch your legs and restore proper blood circulation.
3.Put on seamless socks before you get out of bed in the morning, so blood has no chance to pool around your ankles.
4.Exercise regularly, especially by walking, swimming, prenatal yoga or using an exercise bike.
Eat a well-balanced diet, and avoid salty foods like olives, namkeens, chips and salted nuts that may increase water retention.
Visit a gynecologist if problem persist
Don't worry you would be fine
I have gone through your query and can understand your concern.
Swelling of hands/ legs during late stages of pregnancy is very common & means your body is holding onto too much fluid.
As your baby grows, your womb (uterus) puts pressure on your pelvic veins and your vena cava (a large vein on the right side of your body that receives blood from your lower limbs). This slows down blood circulation and causes fluid to collect in your body.
There are several things you can try :
1. Raise your feet whenever possible. Take regular breaks to stand up and move around.
2. At home, try to lie on your left side when possible because this takes pressure off the vena cava.If you have to spend a long time in the car, take regular breaks to stretch your legs and restore proper blood circulation.
3.Put on seamless socks before you get out of bed in the morning, so blood has no chance to pool around your ankles.
4.Exercise regularly, especially by walking, swimming, prenatal yoga or using an exercise bike.
Eat a well-balanced diet, and avoid salty foods like olives, namkeens, chips and salted nuts that may increase water retention.
Visit a gynecologist if problem persist
Don't worry you would be fine
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