How to Manage Massive Pregnancy Swelling
Pregnancy Edema: How To Cope And Manage The Swelling & Be Sure To See Your Doctor If You Have This Swelling
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Shortly after the 4th of July, a sudden and unexpected swelling emerged, casting a shadow over what had been an enjoyable phase of my pregnancy. Captured in the photograph below is a memory of our final weekend at the family lake house, a time when I felt truly content in my maternal journey. However, as my pregnancy progressed, I found myself grappling with the challenging physical manifestation known as edema. This condition, characterized by pronounced swelling, became a central aspect of my pregnancy experience, prompting me to embark on a daily quest for remedies and guidance on handling the considerable discomfort it brought.
In a recent article published by The New York Times, the potential benefits of aspirin in reducing the risk of preeclampsia during pregnancy were explored. Preeclampsia, a condition characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to other organs, is a serious concern for expectant mothers and their unborn babies (just look at my photos!). However, researchers have discovered that a low-dose aspirin regimen could offer significant protection against this potentially life-threatening condition.
The study, which involved over 3,600 women at high risk for preeclampsia, found that those who took low-dose aspirin daily were less likely to develop the condition compared to those who did not. This finding suggests that aspirin could be a simple and cost-effective way to reduce the risk of preeclampsia and its associated complications. This lines up with my course of care I received when pregnant on my second child - my doctor recommended I take baby Asprin early on in my pregnancy. Luckily, I did not have preclampsia during my second pregnancy.
I love these shoe designs for swollen pregnancy feet. Click here for the Pillow Slipper Slide link and click here for the Project Cloud Shoe link on Amazon.com:
Check out the stretched ripples on they tops of my feet. This was all day every day for four week.
Full relief, I discovered, only manifested after the birth of my son. If you, too, are contending with swelling during pregnancy, it is crucial to seek medical counsel and tailor a strategy to address your specific health situation. Pregnancy-related swelling, while a frequent occurrence, stems from a convergence of factors such as increased blood volume, hormonal shifts, fluid retention, pressure on blood vessels, as well as gravitational and climatic influences. While a certain degree of swelling is considered normal, vigilance is essential for detecting any signs of preeclampsia, a more serious condition.
You can try some of the products on the market targeted at swelling like the Frida Mom foot spray below, which works by delivering instant cooling comfort + Vitamin E + Squalene.
Managing swelling necessitates a multi-pronged approach, encompassing practices such as elevating your legs, staying adequately hydrated, engaging in suitable exercises, wearing comfortable footwear, and seeking counsel from healthcare professionals. My personal journey was marked by a diagnosis of preeclampsia, a contributing factor to the considerable swelling experienced in my lower extremities. Preeclampsia mandates specialized care under the watchful guidance of a medical practitioner—strict adherence to their recommendations is paramount. My own experience culminated in doctor-prescribed bed rest during the final weeks of pregnancy, coupled with a scheduled induction, as mobility became increasingly challenging.
Reflecting on my pregnancy, I acknowledge its overall ease, though the latter stages presented a series of emotional and physical fluctuations. The initial trimesters were relatively devoid of morning sickness, giving me a sense of respite. However, the looming specter of change lingered, materializing in unexpected ways as my journey progressed.
Pregnancy-induced edema, commonly referred to as swelling, emerges due to heightened pressure on blood vessels and the accumulation of bodily fluids. While not necessarily a cause for alarm, pregnancy swelling can significantly impede daily activities and engender discomfort. Here, I offer insights and recommendations on effectively managing this aspect of pregnancy, helping you navigate these unique challenges with greater ease and confidence:
Tips for managing pregnancy swelling:
Consult Your Healthcare Provider: If you notice significant or sudden swelling, especially when accompanied by symptoms like headaches or blurred vision, consult your healthcare provider promptly. They can assess your condition and recommend appropriate steps.
Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help flush out excess fluids and reduce swelling. Aim for at least eight glasses of water per day.
Elevate your feet: Elevating your feet above the level of your heart can help reduce swelling in your legs and feet. Try propping your feet up on a pillow while sitting or lying down.
Exercise regularly: Regular exercise, such as walking or swimming, can help improve circulation and reduce swelling. Just make sure to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any exercise program during pregnancy.
Wear compression stockings: Compression stockings can help improve circulation and reduce swelling in your legs and feet. They come in different styles and pressure levels, so make sure to choose the one that's right for you.
Avoid standing or sitting for long periods: Prolonged periods of standing or sitting can worsen swelling. Try to take breaks and move around frequently throughout the day.
Reduce your sodium intake: Eating foods that are high in sodium can cause your body to retain water and worsen swelling. Try to limit your intake of processed foods and opt for fresh fruits and vegetables instead.
Get a massage: A prenatal massage can help improve circulation and reduce swelling. Make sure to choose a licensed massage therapist who is experienced in working with pregnant women.
There is swelling, and then there is preeclampsia and pregnancy edema. Many of us will swell a little when pregnant. Feet, fingers, face - no body part is safe (seriously, no part!) Developing edema greatly reduced my ability to excessively moisture my skin in an attempt to ward off stretch marks, because I could no longer pivot and bend my body! I was a big stocky stump filled with fluid.
Edema is trapped fluid in the tissue of your body. There are many people who have limbs that are in a permanent state of edema. I am SO THANKFUL that this painful, debilitating condition went away after I gave birth to my baby. In my research on edema, I began to see stories of women who had edema while pregnant, but the lymph node damage was so severe, that it did not go away post-birth.
Physically, my pregnancy was easy in the beginning! I felt great! No pain, no swelling, no morning sickness. This was me on June 28th, painting my son's nursery. I was 7 months pregnant. I did not have any early indication that preeclampsia and swelling were in my near future.
Over the course of the next week after the 4th of July, my legs started to take on more water. I was really uncomfortable! Or so I thought.....
As it turns out, I would have taken this minor swelling any day over what was to come!
Start of the day vs. end of the day during my first week with edema
I was miserable here. The left is in the morning, and the right is in the evening. My legs were growing, and they were growing fast!
In mid-July, I walked a trade show for 6 hours (FYI NOT a good idea). My foot flesh was oozing out of my shoes. People who knew me were freaking out over my swollen ankles. It was at this point that the swelling was no longer going down in the AM. This was a perpetual state. I was starting to think that I should be implementing my Stretch Mark Prevention Plan on me feet and legs at this point!
My feet after walking a trade show. Still 5 weeks to go!
I couldn't believe the amount of fluid retention! This was painful, and it felt like I was carrying 100 pound ball and chains around on my legs. The half of me that swelled was below my waist. I did not have any finger or face swelling. The fluid chose one half of my body and parked there for 5 weeks.
My legs are usually about the same size as my sister's legs. In the below, I am on the left, and she is on the right.
My leg (left) vs. My sister's leg (right)
My feet! They were gone! Much of my job is done while on my feet - my sweet boss was constantly suggesting to me that I sit down and put my feet up. I don't know how I kept on trucking with these legs.
I work in a closed-toe shoe environment. Let me tell you - it was no picnic going shoe shopping during this time. I had to buy foam Sketcher slipper/shoes, in two sizes bigger than my normal size 8. And my feet continued to overflow in them.
So, what did I do to help this swelling? I did several things that you can try as well to help alleviate any pregnancy swelling that you may have:
Tips for Managing Pregnancy Swelling and Edema
1) Do what your doctor recommends. Listen to them, they are the experts!
2) Feet up whenever possible. Elevate those legs!
3) Low sodium foods. Cut as much of it out as possible, it only makes the swelling worse. You're going to want to stay away from french fries, if possible.
4) Get a good pair of comfy foam shoes, in a size or two bigger than you are. My go-to shoes were Sketchers, they were extra foamy and cradled my oozing foot flesh the best. Here's one pair that I tried that worked well for me.
6) Foot baths - something to soothe!
7) Have you baby. This is one way to reduce your swelling (hopefully!) But of course, this is what we are all hoping for most during this time, isn't it?! It took nine full days for my swelling to go down after I had my son.
In the end, for my edema, the only solution was to have my baby.
But finally, it went away. There were other things that accompanied my postpartum physical recovery, which I will go into details later. Having the swelling gone was a step in the right direction.
So, partners of pregnant women, you better be giving the most epic foot massages during this time of your significant other's life. They really do need it - so pamper your other half! We go through A LOT for our precious children!
Ahhhhhhhh. I have feet again! Feet that fit into shoes!
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