Edema

From WikiParenting

Edema is the term given to the uncomfortable feeling of having swollen extremities. This often occurs during pregnancy, particularly in the third trimester.

[edit] What Is Edema?

Edema is the result of excess fluid collecting in body tissues. Most often, when pregnant women have edema, it occurs in their hands, ankles and feet. This is caused by the fact that the growing uterus puts pressure on the vena cava (the vein that carries blood from the legs to the heart), making it harder for the blood to return to the heart. This blood then pools, most often in the ankles and feet, and forces fluids out of the veins and in to the surrounding tissues.

Pregnant women are also likely to retain more water than women who are without child, so this can also be a contributing factor to edema.

Rest assured, after the birth of the baby, the edema will quickly resolve itself. You may find that you eliminate the excess water by perspiration or by urinating more often.

[edit] Is Edema A Cause For Concern?

Edema by itself, although uncomfortable, is not a dangerous condition. However, edema can present itself as a symptom of a more threatening condition, known as preeclampsia. If you notice facial swelling, puffiness around your eyes, or extreme and/or sudden swelling of your extremities, seek medical advice as soon as possible.

[edit] Preventing And Treating Edema

Fortunately, there are a few things that you can do, to prevent and treat edema. These include:

• Taking time to rest, and lay down on your left hand side. This will assist with the blood flow from the legs to the heart, in turn reducing some of the swelling.

• It is important to keep drinking a lot of water, surprisingly, this helps to the body to retain less water, hence reduce some of the swelling.

• Elevate your feet wherever possible. This shift in gravity will assist with speeding up the flow of blood from the legs to the heart.

• Try to avoid wearing any restricting clothing on your legs or feet, including socks, and tight shoes. This will make the body have to work harder, to circulate the blood.