Swollen Hands During Pregnancy

Most pregnant women complain about swelling in ankles, feet and hands. Excess fluid is generated in the body of a pregnant woman which gets collected in the tissues. As the body tends to retain more water, a pregnant woman notices swollen hands and feet. Medically, the condition is known as edema. Minor swelling in hands during pregnancy is considered normal. But swollen hands and feet can also be the symptom of preeclampsia, a condition which needs prompt medical attention.

Causes of Swollen Hands During Pregnancy

As the woman gets pregnant, the circulatory system expands to provide blood to the growing fetus. A pregnant woman's body produces approximately 50% more blood and fluids to meet the demands of the growing baby. So, it is quite normal to experience swelling in hands. The woman may experience swelling in face, feet, ankles and legs too. Excessive amount of fluid is required for softening the body. It promotes easy expansion of the body parts as the baby starts growing inside the body. This extra fluid enhances the process of opening of the pelvic joints and tissues which in turn helps the body to get prepared for childbirth. Accumulation of extra fluid in the body is responsible for approximately 20% of the weight gain during pregnancy.

Some women may notice swelling in hands during early pregnancy but usually, swelling is noticed around the fifth month. During the third trimester, especially during last few weeks, swelling can increase significantly. Some other factors such as increased summertime heat, increased physical activity, high sodium diet, low potassium diet, excessive consumption of caffeine, etc. can lead to swollen hands.

Reduce Swelling in Hands

Avoid too much of physical exertion and working the whole day. As standing for long hours can cause swelling in legs, if you spend your whole day sitting in front of the computer and typing, it may cause swelling in hands. This does not mean that you should take complete rest. Just limit your physical activities, do not over strain the body. But you need to perform mild exercises which promote proper blood circulation. Avoid going out when it is too hot. Do not wear clothes that are tight around your shoulders and wrists. Cold compresses can be placed on swollen areas as they help reduce swelling. Though increased amount of body fluid causes swelling, it is essential to drink plenty of water during pregnancy. This helps in getting rid of toxins from the body.

The most important is the diet. You need to minimize salt (sodium) intake. You can avoid adding additional salt to your meals. A balanced and healthy diet is a must for a pregnant woman. Avoid fast food, junk food, processed and canned food. Here are some other causes of swelling in hands, which need prompt medical attention.

Swollen Hands: Preeclampsia Symptom

The condition wherein high blood pressure and protein in urine are detected during pregnancy, is known as preeclampsia. Preeclampsia usually occurs during second trimester of pregnancy. Swollen hands and feet, itching, headache, blurred vision, stomach pain, lower back pain, high pulse rate are some of the main preeclampsia symptoms which if noticed, need to be treated immediately. Neglected preeclampsia can result in serious complications. Doctors usually control the swelling and the elevated blood pressure with the help of proper medications.

For a layman, it might be difficult to differentiate between the normal swelling and serious swelling. Prenatal checkups are therefore necessary to maintain the health of the mother and the baby as well. So, if you are pregnant and if you notice swelling in hands, you should check with your doctor immediately.