A lot of things happen to the body when you are pregnant. Some things are more fun than others. One of the issues that some are unfortunate enough to experience is fluid in the body. What fluid in the body is, why it occurs, and what can be done about it will be discussed below – so stay tuned! 😌
What is fluid in the body?
Fluid in the body is literally fluid that accumulates under the skin. It is visible to the naked eye, and if you press the skin with a finger, you will see that a depression is left in the skin. This is because the fluid is pushed out to the side. Fluid in the body is often worst at the end of pregnancy and most common in the summer. It is often worst in the lower legs, feet, and toes, but also hands and fingers are very common.
What causes fluid in the body?
You get fluid in the body because hormone production changes during pregnancy. This causes water to accumulate in the body's fat stores. An increased amount of the hormone progesterone is particularly responsible for the issue. It affects the body's venous valves and thus reduces the amount of blood that flows back to the heart. Another culprit is the uterus. It grows at the end of pregnancy and thereby puts pressure on the large blood vessels, which also makes it difficult for blood to flow back to the heart.
What can be done about fluid in the body?
And what if you are one of the unfortunate ones who are affected by this issue? Unfortunately, there is no medical treatment for it, but don't worry, there are tips to be had!
- Lie down and elevate your legs! It sounds almost too good to be true, but nonetheless, it helps with fluid in the body. So allow yourself to lie down and relax while watching your favorite series on Netflix.
- Compression stockings! Yes, you read that right. Compression stockings. They are not just for old people; on the contrary. Compression stockings keep the body in check and counteract swelling.
- Exercise! Yes, this somewhat contradicts the first advice, but by exercise, it means cycling, swimming, or a walk – all of which get the blood circulation going in the legs. Swimming is particularly popular among pregnant women, as it is a healthy and pleasant way to exercise, as there is no weight or impact on the body and joints while exercising. By the way, Mammashop has a lovely selection of swimwear for pregnant women, where there is room for the belly to grow 😉
