During pregnancy the amount of water in your body increases. Oedema occurs when extra fluid seeps out of the cells into the tissues and causes them to swell. It can be a common but completely harmless side effect of pregnancy but may indicate some complications so it is important to investigate it. If you swell, press the skin over your shinbone. If there is a white, pitted mark that lasts for over 30 seconds, it is oedema. If you feel bloated this may be connected to flatulence from poor digestion.
Oedema is more common with twins, if you are overweight or if your family has a tendency to retain fluid. Swelling in pregnancy often settles after birth. It can be worse in hot weather and after standing for a long time, and increases towards term, reducing when you rest in bed at night. After birth, as excess body fluid is excreted, your legs may swell excessively for 2-3 days. Sometimes oedema relates to a cause that needs treatment. It may be a symptom of pre-eclampsia, also indicated by a puffy face, high blood pressure, protein in the urine, headaches or abdominal pain. A rare cause of oedema is kidney disease: regular urine tests assess this. Oedema can also be associated with varicose veins. Swelling of one calf, with pain, may indicate deep vein thrombosis and needs attention.
How can you help yourself:
- Visit your doctor if you have a sudden increase in swelling, pain or facial puffiness.
- If your legs are bloated don’t cross them and rest with them raised when you can. This reduces pressure on the veins draining the extremities. You might find support tights comfortable, particularly if you have varicose veins.
- Avoid hot baths and exposure to hot weather.
- Exercise regularly. Exercising improves circulation and redistributes retained fluids. Walking is very effective. Swelling is often most marked in the legs, feet, hands and abdomen, so you may choose postures and exercises that encourage circulation in these areas. As part of a good diet, exclude excess salt and include 6-8 glasses of water a day (not tea, coffee or fruit juice) to help your kidneys eliminate excess fluid.
- Essential fatty acids and fish oils may help oedema associated with pre-eclampsia.