A common physiological phenomenon in pregnant women, especially in the last months of pregnancy, is leg swelling. When pregnant in the eighth month, the legs swell, making pregnant women tired and uncomfortable. Although this symptom is not very dangerous, it can sometimes indicate that it can be dangerous. Pregnant women with leg swelling in the eighth month not only hinder walking and daily activities, but also have the risk of preeclampsia. So what are the risks?

A pregnant woman's body undergoes many physical, visual and emotional changes during pregnancy. Pregnant women often experience swollen feet, especially in the last three months of pregnancy. Although this is a common physiological phenomenon, it can cause problems in daily activities and walking. So what should pregnant women do when their feet swell? In the past, pregnant women were often encouraged to walk a lot to ensure that they would have an easier birth.

Let's find out with  Wilimedia  about the potential risks that can occur with this condition!

1. Factors that can cause swollen feet in pregnant women during pregnancy 

A pregnant woman's body undergoes many changes since pregnancy. These are factors that cause swelling in the feet. In this case, there are three main causes:

• Pregnant women's bodies produce 50% more blood and fluid than normal to provide adequate nutrition for the fetus. This causes edema in pregnant women.
• The fetus grows every day during pregnancy, especially in the last months of pregnancy. The pregnant woman's uterus must also grow larger to accommodate the fetus. The larger uterus puts pressure on and compresses the inferior vena cava. As a result, blood pools in the legs, causing swelling. The ankles and feet are the two most prone to swelling.
• Hormonal changes in a pregnant woman's body are one of two causes of edema. Edema occurs when hormonal changes cause blood vessel walls to become softer.

2. Phenomenon of Pregnant Women Having Swollen Feet in the 8th Month

Although it can be uncomfortable for many pregnant women, swelling of the feet during pregnancy is normal. Swelling (or edema) in the feet and ankles of pregnant women can be caused by excess fluid in the body and pressure from the growing uterus during pregnancy. As the due date approaches, swelling tends to get worse.

Progesterone levels increase rapidly during the first trimester, slowing down a pregnant woman’s digestion. This can lead to bloating and then swelling. You may notice some puffiness in your legs, arms, or face, but it’s not serious. You should see your doctor if the swelling starts early and is accompanied by other symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, or bleeding.

During the second trimester, which is the fourteenth week of pregnancy, pregnant women will begin to notice that their feet are starting to swell, especially after walking a lot or in hot weather. Swelling is a result of increased blood and fluid volume in the body. While this can be uncomfortable, the increased fluid will soften your body and prepare it for childbirth.

Pregnant women often experience the most swelling in their feet during the third trimester, which begins around the 28th week of pregnancy. During this time, the pregnant woman's body continues to supply blood and fluids. As the fetus grows, the uterus may become heavier, slowing the flow of blood from the legs back to the heart. However, pregnant women should not worry too much because this is not a serious condition.

2.1. Weight gain during pregnancy

When a pregnant woman is pregnant, her weight increases a lot and her body retains 50% more water. As a result, the body's ligaments loosen and stretch more, leading to swollen feet.

2.2. Pregnant women with swollen feet can be due to other factors such as

• Hot weather
• Unscientific diet
• Use caffeine
• Don't drink too much water
• Standing too long

3. What does it warn about when pregnant women have swollen feet in the 8th month? 

Swelling of the legs that lasts for a long time in the eighth month of pregnancy is a normal physiological sign. However, if it appears earlier and has unusual symptoms, it can be a dangerous warning sign. Pregnant mothers need to be careful because it can be a sign of preeclampsia.

• Pregnant women should quickly go to the hospital if they have any of the following symptoms:
• Sudden swelling of the face, hands, and feet
• Severe headache
• Vision problems such as blurred vision, eye flashes
• Pain just below the ribs
• Vomiting
• High blood pressure

The warning rate is ten percent. A dangerous pregnancy complication called preeclampsia can be life-threatening for both the mother and the fetus. If there are any signs that indicate suspicion, you should go to the hospital for immediate examination and treatment. The doctor may prescribe treatment or hospitalization depending on the condition.

In addition, swollen feet when you are in the eighth month can also be a sign that the mother is about to give birth. To be sure, pregnant women should observe their body to see if there are the following signs:

• The belly sinks deeper
• Vaginal discharge
• Lower abdominal contractions occur more frequently
• Pelvic expansion
• Water breaks or bleeding

If there are any unusual signs, pregnant women should see a doctor immediately to have a healthy pregnancy and a completely successful abortion.

Signs that a pregnant woman has deep vein thrombosis may include swelling, pain, warmth, and redness in one leg. If you notice these symptoms, you should see a doctor immediately because pregnant women are more likely to develop deep vein thrombosis than the general population.

4. How to reduce leg swelling during pregnancy? 

Although swollen feet may not be painful, they can certainly be uncomfortable and unsightly. There are some simple ways to reduce the symptoms of swollen feet during pregnancy, such as:

• Limit your salt intake:  One way to reduce swelling during pregnancy is to reduce the amount of salt in your food. Your body retains more water because of salt, so pregnant women should avoid eating canned or processed foods and using aromatic herbs such as basil and rosemary is also a simple way to add flavor to dishes without using a lot of salt.
• Increase potassium intake : You should eat more potassium-rich foods such as potatoes, sweet potatoes (eat the skin), bananas, spinach, beans, yogurt, beets, salmon, lentils, plums, pomegranates, oranges, carrots and passion fruit because potassium helps the body balance fluids, not supplementing enough potassium can make the swelling worse.
• Limit caffeine : While it's okay to drink coffee occasionally during pregnancy, drinking too much can make swelling worse. Caffeine is a diuretic, which makes you urinate more, tricking your body into believing it needs more fluids.
• Drink more water : Although it may seem strange to drink more water to combat swelling, it actually works. Your body will retain more water if it is dehydrated. So try to drink at least ten glasses of water a day to help your kidneys flush out toxins and ensure that you stay hydrated.
• Elevate your legs and rest properly:  Although you have a lot to do during pregnancy, try to spend time sitting and elevating your legs whenever possible. Blood circulation in the body is affected by sitting or standing for too long. Elevating your legs for a short period of time, especially at the end of the day, will help circulate the fluid that has accumulated in your legs throughout the day.
• Wear comfortable clothing : Wearing tight clothing, especially around the wrists, waist, and ankles, can make swelling worse. Try to wear loose, comfortable clothing and avoid clothing with elastic bands.
• Wear comfortable shoes:  As your weight increases and your center of gravity changes, wearing comfortable, well-fitting shoes is essential to reduce foot swelling and prevent back and hip problems. Pregnancy causes the ligaments in the body (including the feet) to stretch a lot, causing the size of pregnant women's feet to change.
• Exercise daily:  This will help reduce swelling during pregnancy if the pregnant woman exercises and moves regularly. Walking, swimming, aerobics, yoga and some other activities are considered safe for pregnant women.
• Swimming:  Many women say that spending time in a pool helps reduce swelling during pregnancy, but there is no research to show that water pressure reduces swelling. Try swimming in a pool that is about neck-deep or standing. You will feel more comfortable and relaxed. You may also notice a reduction in swelling in your legs and feet.
• Massage:  Massage helps circulate the fluids that accumulate in your feet, reducing swelling and edema.
• Sleeping position:  To reduce swelling in your feet, you can sleep on your left side. Your uterus presses on the inferior vena cava, the large blood vessel that returns blood to your heart, when you sleep on your left side.
• Limit wearing socks : Especially socks with tight straps at the calves and ankles. Socks specifically designed for pregnant women should be used.
• Foot soak:  Before going to bed, soak your feet in warm water for ten to fifteen minutes. This will relax your body, help blood circulation and reduce swelling.

5. Pregnant Women With Swollen Feet In The 8th Month Is It A Sign Of Imminent Labor? 

Swollen feet can occur at any stage of pregnancy, but it usually occurs in the last three months of pregnancy. Due to the increased weight of the baby in the pregnant woman's abdominal cavity at this time, the lower veins are put under more pressure, causing swelling. One of the signs of pregnancy in the 8th month is swollen feet, along with other signs such as frequent urination, back pain, increased vaginal discharge, uterine contractions, and a dropping belly.

5.1. Regular health check-up

Regular check-ups throughout pregnancy help monitor fetal development, early detection and treatment of abnormal symptoms in pregnant women. In addition, pregnant women are supported with advice to change their diet and lifestyle to suit each stage of pregnancy to minimize risks.

5.2. When should I see a doctor?

If you have rested but the swelling does not go down or have any unusual symptoms such as headache, nausea, blurred vision or sudden swelling in your hands or face, you should see a doctor immediately.

In the last three months of pregnancy, leg swelling often appears and is a warning sign of very dangerous preeclampsia. Therefore, pregnant women should have regular check-ups, monitor their blood pressure and report to their doctor if there are any unusual signs.

Conclude:

A common side effect of pregnancy is swelling of the feet. The increase and decrease in fluid circulation in the body causes swelling of the feet. If you experience sudden or severe swelling, you should seek medical attention immediately. Otherwise, a little swelling is normal. Avoid swelling of the feet by exercising regularly, drinking plenty of water, resting, and eating a balanced diet.

Pregnant women find that leg swelling often occurs in the last three months of pregnancy. Pregnant women should be careful during this period to reduce the risk of premature birth. It is necessary to have regular prenatal checkups and follow the schedule advised by the doctor. At this time, mothers should also start thinking about choosing a place to give birth to be ready to welcome the little angel as soon as there are signs of labor.

The mother has endured many hardships to welcome the little angel into the world healthy and safe. Therefore, both mother and baby are healthy when participating in light physical activities, such as walking or yoga.  Wilimedia  hopes that pregnant mothers will find the answer to the question "Swollen Feet in the 8th Month of Pregnancy?" by using the information shared above. Although swollen feet are not a dangerous symptom, if you have any other symptoms, see a doctor immediately.

Website: https://wilimedia.co
Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/wilimedia.en
Mail: support@wilimedia.co