Pregnancy profoundly changes the women body and is one of the most intense experiences of their lives. Physically , the body undergoes huge changes. Psychologically , there may be some instability and emotions may change from happiness to despair in seconds; These disorders are related to chemical and hormonal changes in the woman organism during the 40 weeks of pregnancy. What is edema or swelling in the legs One of the most common changes during pregnancy is edema, commonly called swelling. It is are most often noticed on the legs, but also on the hands and face. These edemas are accumulation of fluids, usually develop gradually, and are more important when the pregnancy is more advanced. Swellings can persist after delivery, which is normal. They usually reverse progressively during the first week. Factors that contribute to swelling during pregnancy Several factors contribute to edema worsening during pregnancy, for example: The increased volume of the uterus as the pregnancy progresses, which compresses the abdominal veins and limits the circulation of blood returning from the legs to the heart; Some familial or genetic predisposition or the previous presence of varicose veins; Progesterone, a hormone that has high levels during pregnancy and is responsible for maintaining pregnancy until the end, has relaxing effects on the layer of smooth muscle that exists on the wall of organs and vessels. In the veins, smooth muscle relaxation contributes to blood stasis and worsening edema; The body weight pronounced increase during pregnancy and the overload it causes on the legs also contributes to the edema. How to prevent or fight swelling Several lifestyle changes and some other actions will make your pregnancy run smoothly, without feeling conditioned or limited by swelling. Help the drainage of accumulated liquids that cause swelling, which can be done in two ways: Postural drainage, avoiding spending a lot of time standing and lying down with your legs elevated during rest; Massage of the legs (lymphatic drainage), performed by a professional qualified for the purpose, to mobilize the accumulated liquid. Implement dietary measures that promote health: Control the intake of salt, for example in cheese, olives, sausages, usual seasoning; Drink enough water, improving kidney function and reducing fluid retention; Avoid overheated or crowded environments. Wear elastic or compression socks , ideally in the morning, when getting up, before the edema settles: Ideally, they should be type 7/8 socks and adapted to the size of your leg, with a compression class I / II; These socks are great for fighting edema and improving the feeling of heaviness in the legs, although they do not prevent the appearance or worsening of varicose veins during pregnancy. However, after delivery, varicose veins tend to decrease, and an evaluation by vascular surgery can be considered after 3-4 months, if they persist symptomatically or aesthetically limiting. Practice physical activity according to the possibilities and time of pregnancy: This activity should involve work on the leg muscles, which work as compressors of the veins and lymphatic vessels, helping to pump blood back to the heart; Practice of physical activity helps to maintain good shape and improves the adaptation to the cardiovascular changes of pregnancy. Venotropic drugs : These drugs do not work as a magic pill, but, in specific cases, may be used as adjuvants to conservative measures; Do not forget that you should not take medicines without medical advice, especially during pregnancy and breast-feeding. These recommendations can also be followed if the swelling persists after delivery. Attention If during pregnancy, in addition to swollen legs, you have severe headaches, nausea and blurred vision, you should contact your obstetrician, as this may be a more complicated condition, with increased maternal-fetal risk. Author : Pedro Oliveira Meet the obstetrics-gynecology team of Hospital da Luz network . The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
