Swelling During Pregnancy

Some pregnant women complain about swelling of their hands and feet during pregnancy. This swelling during pregnancy is called Edema.

Now, the question arises- How does this edema during pregnancy happens?

The fact is that when you are pregnant, your body tissues accumulate more fluid than before, and swelling occurs. Swelling in pregnancy is a common thing, there is nothing to worry about. But be careful in warm weather, as such a climate may worsen the condition making it difficult for you to go well with your household chores. If you have problems with edema (swelling), then go for these self-care tips that you can follow other than what your doctor says :

1. use cold water compresses, as it will bring a lot of relief to the swollen area of your body

2. eat a low-salt diet, otherwise it may aggravate the condition causing a rise in your blood pressure which is not at all good for you and your developing baby

3. lie down whenever possible; and also elevate your legs for an hour in the middle of the day

4. Do not ignore if you notice some sort of swelling on your face, especially around the eyes, it may be a sign of a serious condition called preeclampsia. And see your doctor immediately.

All the above self-help measures, if discussed with your doctor beforehand, then it will give you much relief. You will have no insecurity, as each pregnancy is different, so a doctor's help will only make things easier for you.