Although pregnancy brings a lot of joy and happiness, it also changes the mother’s physical and mental health.
Of all the physical changes a pregnant mother undergoes, leg swelling is one of the most common changes.
Swelling of arms and legs during pregnancy especially in the third trimester is quite normal and it is usually nothing to worry about.
Is leg swelling during pregnancy normal?
Yes, a gradual increase in swelling of the legs is common during pregnancy.
However, if you experience sudden swelling that occurs overnight, be sure to contact your doctor immediately, as it might be a symptom of a health condition, including pre-eclampsia.
Causes of leg swelling in pregnancy
Leg swelling also called as leg edema in pregnancy can be caused by various factors including:
Water retention:
This means, during pregnancy, your body tends to hold more water resulting in swollen arms and legs.
Excessive blood volume:
Since the blood volume increases during pregnancy to support the baby’s growth and development, this can lead to swollen arms and legs in pregnancy
Baby’s growth:
Since the baby is rapidly growing and developing, it puts pressure on the blood flow leading to swollen arms and legs during pregnancy.
Hormonal changes:
The hormone progesterone interrupts the blood flow and causes the blood vessels to relax leading to leg swelling in pregnancy.
How to reduce leg swelling during pregnancy?
To reduce leg swelling during pregnancy you can follow a few tips including:
- Avoid standing for prolonged period of time
- Massage your feet and rest them
- Keep your legs elevated
- Stay hydrated
- Wear comfortable shoes
- Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day. Try out foot relieving exercises
- Soak your feet in warm water before bedtime
When to call a doctor?
Although leg swelling during pregnancy is common, it is important to call yur doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms:
- Blurry vision
- High blood pressure
- Severe headache
- Severe bleeding
- Swollen face and body
- High fever
- Vomiting
Conclusion:
Yes, leg swelling in pregnancy is common. But it is still important to consult with your doctor and check if everything is fine.
Contact your doctor immediately if you see drastic or rapid swelling in your arms and legs.
For consultations with the best gynecologist in Chennai, Dr. Deepthi Jammi, contact Jammi Scans at 07338771733.
Jammi Scans is one of the best gynecology clinics and scanning centers located in T Nagar, Chennai.
