Women are affected by endocrine after conception, pregnant mothers will have morning sickness, frequent urination, breast swelling and other changes, especially in the late pregnancy, there may be edema in the calves and feet. For these changes during pregnancy, it is important to give timely feedback if you have any questions during the prenatal examination.
What are the causes of swollen feet in expectant mothers?
First, blood volume increases gradually from the 6th week of pregnancy, peaks at 34 weeks, and does not gradually return to pre-pregnancy levels until two weeks after delivery. When blood volume increases, interstitial fluid also increases, leading to edema.
Second, the increase in plasma during pregnancy is more than the increase in blood cells, the blood components are relatively diluted, and the plasma albumin concentration is lower than that during non-pregnancy. Plasma albumin, the main component in maintaining plasma osmolality, is lower than that in non-pregnant periods, which makes it easy for water in the bloodstream to penetrate into the interstitial fluid, causing edema of the lower limbs.
Third, at 25 weeks of pregnancy, the uterus of the pregnant mother enlarges, which increases the pressure in the pelvis, which affects the venous blood flow of the lower limbs.
Fourth, after pregnancy, a large amount of blood flows from the uterus to the inferior vena cava, resulting in an increase in the pressure of the inferior vena cava, which hinders the return of venous blood, and the venous pressure of the lower limbs gradually increases.
In this special period for expectant mothers, in addition to prenatal examination to rule out pathological edema, the selection of shoes and socks should also be based on the principle of comfort, softness and moderate tightness, and shoes should be selected as much as possible with sports functions to protect the knees and spine. In addition, it is advisable to eat a healthy and light diet, less salt and sugar, and at the same time increase the intake of vitamins C, E and fiber, and eat more vegetables and fruits. The left decubitus position is conducive to improving the right rotation of the uterus and venous return of the lower limbs, and reducing the degree of foot swelling.