Water Retention During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, your stomach bulges out to accommodate your baby inside your womb. You feel an overall heaviness, but your discomfort level increases when there's fluid retention in your body. This condition is quite common, that leads to swelling. The reason is very natural. During pregnancy, your body produces 50% more fluid and blood than normal, to provide favorable growing conditions to your baby. The baby needs to get accommodate himself in order to grow properly inside your womb. This leads to swelling and bloating, not only in abdominal region but also in some other parts of the body, like face, neck, ankles, hands, etc.

What Causes Water Retention During Pregnancy

Bloating of body is usually observed during second and third trimester of pregnancy, and there are several reasons behind this. During pregnancy, the body undergoes hormonal changes, that leads to water retention and swelling. This condition is known as edema. Apart from this, there are other reasons that lead to fluid retention in women's body.

Water retention normally occurs during hot and humid conditions. Inadequate intake of water triggers fluid retention during pregnancy. Lack of exercise and sedentary lifestyle during pregnancy leads to water retention. Standing for long time causes swelling of lower body parts, like legs, ankles, etc. Water retention can also be the result of over consumption of diuretic foods like coffee, tea, etc. Processed foods and intake of high amounts of sodium also causes water retention during pregnancy.

Swelling of body parts is normal during the second and third semester. However, sudden swelling of body parts during the end of second trimester is definitely a cause of concern. Sudden swelling of hands and neck during this period are signs of developing preeclampsia. This condition results in high blood pressure that can be life-threatening to mother and baby, both. It leads to excess fluid retention in body and excretion of protein in urine. This condition can result from hypertension and increase in body weight. It is also known as toxemia. Severe headaches and spots in front of eyes are other symptoms associated with preeclampsia. If you observe these symptoms and conditions, you must take prompt action to visit your doctor for safety of your baby and yourself as well.

How to Prevent Water Retention During Pregnancy

To avoid this problem, you need to modify your lifestyle, during this crucial period. Normal edema can be checked by including plenty of water and fluids in diet. You should consume foods low in sodium and potassium to minimize water retention. Include plenty of fiber in your food. During pregnancy, avoid wearing tight and stretchable clothes. Go for loose garments that shall keep you comfortable and let your body breathe.

If you have continuous working hours, take breaks in between to allow body movements. You must keep your body agile to prevent water retention during pregnancy. Elevate your body to reduce swelling. Do not sit or stand for long periods, as this slows down fluid circulation in body. While standing, you can periodically stretch your legs and shift your body's weight between legs. Regular exercises guided by doctors are highly beneficial to reduce swelling and bloating during pregnancy.

Though this causes certain amount of discomfort, is considered healthy by doctors. It allows sufficient room for expansion and growth of baby. The extra fluid also helps the tissues and joints to withstand labor pain. In any case, if you observe unusual symptoms, do not hesitate to visit your doctors and get yourself diagnosed. A healthy pregnancy leads to birth of a healthy child. Best Wishes!