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Thread: Edema on the second trimester
13th August 2014 01:58 PM #1
- Join Date
- Aug 2014
Edema on the second trimester
I suffered from edema during my pregnancy. It started when I was on my 4th month. I tried to have a low-salt diet and put my feet up every night but it still got worse as I approached my 3rd trimester. On my 8th month pregnancy, I could already barely walk because of my swollen feet. Is this something normal for pregnant women? Or can we prevent this condition?
16th August 2014 07:54 AM #2
- Join Date
- Feb 2014
It may not be possible to prevent some swelling from developing. But you can prevent it from becoming severe. Severe swelling can make your legs painful and your skin tender.
Try to eat a balanced diet so that you put on a healthy amount of weight during pregnancy. Your diet should include a small amount of lean protein such as meat, poultry, eggs, beans and pulses, with each meal.
Eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables every day. Aim to reduce how much salt, sugar and fat you have and drink plenty of water to help your kidneys to filter the excess fluid.
Some foods may help to maintain good kidney function and make you wee more (natural diuretics). These include celery, watercress, parsley (in small amounts), apples and citrus fruits. Onions and garlic may help to improve your circulation.
Try to avoid eating pre-packaged, highly processed foods that contain both salt and other additives, as these can make fluid retention worse. Opt for foods which are naturally rich in vitamins C and E.
Good sources of vitamin C include:
green and red peppers
Foods rich in vitamin E include:
vegetable oils (especially corn, soy and wheatgerm oil)
cashews and almonds
corn oil margarine
Smoking may contribute to your swelling, which is another good reason to quit during pregnancy.
Rest as much as possible, putting your feet up above your hips by resting them on a stool. Try not to cross your legs, as this restricts your blood flow. Sit down when you can, and if your work involves standing for long periods of time, move about from one foot to the other to increase blood flow.
Ask your partner to massage your feet and legs gently, using both hands and working upwards from feet to knees, using a base oil such as grapeseed. However, if your legs are excessively swollen and the skin is very tight, this may be too painful for you.
Avoid using aromatherapy essential oils for massage, but you can add them to a bowl of water and soak your feet in the mixture. Cypress oil is particularly good for circulation and varicose veins. Lavender and chamomile oil may ease your discomfort and make you feel more relaxed.
You could try placing green or white cabbage leaves on the swollen area to draw out excess fluid and relieve your discomfort. The leaves should be wiped clean but not washed, and may be cooled in the refrigerator, but not in the freezer.
Wrap the leaves around the most swollen parts of your legs and feet to make a compress. Leave them until they become wet, then repeat with fresh leaves until the pain is reduced. Repeat this as often as necessary until you feel more comfortable.
Dandelion tea, a herbal remedy, may help to prevent fluid retention, but don't take this if you have a gall bladder condition. Always drink herbal teas in moderation during pregnancy.
Hope this information can help you with your next pregnancy.
16th August 2014 02:39 PM #3
- Join Date
- Aug 2014
It did! Thanks a lot.