Pregnancy can bring about a lot of changes in a woman's body, including the dreaded pregnancy puff - swollen legs that make you feel like an elephant. While some ladies sport lovely round bumps and smooth, glowing skin throughout their pregnancies, others become enveloped by this mysterious ailment.
What is Pregnancy Puff?
The medical term for pregnancy puff or swelling during pregnancy is edema. It occurs when there's excess fluid accumulation in the tissues of your body. During pregnancy, edema usually appears as puffy feet and ankles that often progress to your thighs and hands.
Why Does it Happen?
Blame those pesky hormones! Yes- they are at it again! Hormones released during pregnancy cause water retention which leads to body fluids leaking into surrounding tissue spaces hence causing swelling.
Aside from hormones here are other factors responsible:
Blood Pressure
When you’re pregnant, blood pressure fluctuates constantly- it may go up or down depending on various reasons such as changes in physical activities like standing or sitting too long as well s hot weather . This affects the ability of your veins to transport oxygen-rich blood back to your heart causing gravity acting upon hydration circles thus resulting indirectly in swollen limbs
In addition toxemia also knowns as pre-eclampsia (type II hypertension) can occur due increase demand for circulation within one’s circulatory system and sometimes lead effects such reduced absorption rates during digestion cycles with subsequently impedes proper waste disposal systems leading supplementary difficulties which undoubtedly account increased retention levels.
Salt Intake
As much we would love our saffron rice meals salt content contributes significantly not just only inflaming existing conditions but hold onto fluid where sustained periods timelines promote vessel distention occurrences.
Note: Salt cravings while expected have being frequently linked individuals ingesting low nutrition foods adding further complications muscle weakening etc.
Standing or sitting for long periods
The most significant reason is simply prolonged lack of movement also evoking after-burn effects one's muscles causing extra build up within system hence leading to the precarious puff.
How Can I Reduce It?
Well, we are glad you showed up here because we have got some solutions for that puffy feet and swollen ankles during pregnancy
Comfortable Shoes
One secret weapon in combating edema during pregnancy is wearing comfortable and supportive shoes. Avoid heels as much as possible but instead opt for flats with good arch support
Pamper Yourself Often
Ever heard of manual lymphatic drainage? Yeah,you read right,this technique helps improve circulation which has a positive effect on reducing swelling. You don't need anyone- you can do it yourself by lying down at night and petting those legs.
Note: If manual lymphatic drainage sounds like rocket science try yoga, swimming or pushing pedal exercises done under supervision.
Hydration to The Rescue!
Although counterintuitive in nature drinking water actually reduces swellings! When your body receives less water supply than required, it’s more compelled to retain excess resources thus making hydration levels an integral part whilst countering pesky swells
Again reduce salt/sodium intake by limiting processed foods where feasible substituting them wholesome ingredients including lean protein or green leafy vegetables if recipes permit
Most importantly avoid standingsitting too long periods recommended minimum hour being thirty minutes with subsequent motions thereafter
Coping Strategies:
You may have wondered what other upcoming moms out there do when faced with this issue, Well worry no more -here are a few coping mechanisms others swear-by :
- Elevate those limbs every chance you get
- Get proper sleep without fail
- Water therapy
- Support stockings-woven fabrics always provide better compression
whether short-term (sedentary) needs or longer term aides
Unfortunately none these tips will guarantee complete cure for pregnancy puff, but hey they will significantly lessen the pain and have a positive effect on your daily activities.
When To Seek Medical Attention
If the swelling isn't limited to just your legs or if you’re experiencing other concerning symptoms such as headaches, double vision or shortness of breath please consult with you doctor immediately
In addition continuous redness associated with severe itching sensations sometimes signifying infections which imply immediate attention being sought.
The Bottom Line
Pregnancy is another one those events where nature likes playing pranks leaving us feeling bloated, swollen however these tips above outlined should help provide some sense relief even as we bask in radiance this special journey features.