Edema in Pregnancy: Causes, Management, and Tips

For some, growing a child is a magical period that brings a glow to their aura. For others, it’s rife with discomfort. Pregnancy brings many changes to a woman's body, and one of the most common yet uncomfortable experiences is edema (swelling). While mild swelling is a typical part of pregnancy, understanding its causes and effective management strategies can help improve comfort and overall well-being.

Understanding Swelling During Pregnancy

Edema in pregnancy refers to the swelling that occurs due to fluid retention, most often in the feet, ankles, hands, and sometimes even the face. This condition typically develops in the second and third trimesters as the body adapts to increased blood and fluid volume to support the growing baby. Several factors contribute to pregnancy edema, including:

• Increased Blood Volume: The body produces nearly 50% more blood and fluids to support fetal development, leading to fluid accumulation in tissues.
• Pressure on Blood Vessels: As the uterus expands, it places pressure on veins, particularly the inferior vena cava, which can slow circulation and cause fluid buildup in the lower extremities.
• Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy hormones like progesterone relax blood vessels, which can contribute to swelling.
• Hot Weather and Prolonged Standing: Warmer temperatures and extended periods of standing or sitting can exacerbate swelling.
• Dietary Factors: High sodium intake, dehydration, and insufficient potassium can all contribute to water retention.

How to Manage Edema in Pregnancy

While pregnancy edema is generally harmless, managing it properly can alleviate discomfort and prevent it from worsening.

• Stay Hydrated: It may seem counterintuitive, but drinking plenty of water helps flush out excess fluids and reduce swelling. Most providers recommend aiming for at least eight glasses per day. Filtered and better-tasting water from a British Berkefeld water filtration system may be more appealing than tap water, especially if your sense of smell and taste are more sensitive.
• Elevate Your Feet: Keeping your legs elevated while sitting or lying down helps prevent fluid from pooling in the lower extremities. Use a pillow to support your feet above heart level when possible.
• Wear Comfortable Footwear: Avoid tight shoes and opt for supportive, well-cushioned footwear to reduce pressure on swollen feet.
• Wear Compression Socks: Compression stockings or socks can help improve circulation and reduce swelling, particularly if you spend long hours on your feet.
• Incorporate Gentle Movement: Staying active helps improve circulation and prevent fluid retention. Low-impact activities such as prenatal yoga, swimming, and walking can be beneficial. The Juvent Micro-Impact Platform® is great for use in the home to promote circulation in a convenient space. It can be beneficial in supporting joint comfort and mobility during pregnancy, and it is easy to use anywhere in the home while you enjoy television or a phone call.
• Follow a Balanced Diet: A diet rich in potassium, like what’s found in bananas, spinach, and avocados, is helpful to most when trying to minimize edema during pregnancy. Aim to decrease your intake of processed, high-sodium foods as a way to help maintain fluid balance. Lean proteins, whole grains, and fresh vegetables also contribute to overall wellness.
• Get Regular Rest: Lying on your left side while sleeping can help reduce pressure on the inferior vena cava, improving circulation and reducing swelling.

Worsening and Severe Edema: When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider

While mild edema is a normal part of pregnancy, sudden or severe swelling, especially in the hands, face, or one leg more than the other, could indicate a more serious condition such as preeclampsia or deep vein thrombosis. If you experience headaches, vision changes, or severe swelling, contact your healthcare provider immediately. The golden rule is if there is ever doubt or worry, give your provider a call to be on the safe side. 

Combat Edema During Pregnancy

Edema in pregnancy is a common yet manageable condition. By having insight on how to reduce edema in pregnancy, like maintaining a healthy lifestyle, staying active, and taking advantage of supportive wellness tools, you can alleviate discomfort and promote better circulation. Prioritize self-care and listen to your body so you can enjoy a more comfortable pregnancy. 

FDA Disclosure

In the US, the Juvent device is considered investigational for the treatment of osteoporosis or improvement/maintenance of bone mineral density and our claims have not been reviewed or cleared by the FDA to treat any disease or condition. (2) Calculated over the 20+ year expected life of a Juvent. The JUVENT® Micro-Impact Platform® is Registered as a Class I medical device for exercise and rehabilitation. JUVENT products are covered by the following issued patents, pending patents and their foreign equivalents: 6,843,776 6,884,2277,094211 7,207,954 7,207,955 7,985,191 8,114,036 11/369,611 11/486,538. Juvent, Dynamic Motion Therapy, Micro-Impact Platform, and the symbol are Registered trademarks of Regenerative Technologies Corporation.