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231441 tn?1333892766

Swelling

Hi,

I'm now about 4 1/2 months pregnant with my first & am 38 today.  Have just started (actually yesterday) having significant swelling of my lower legs (I think this is what they call pitting oedema).  Fingers and calves feel tight.  It improved a bit after lying down all night, but still there....  My BP is fine, so I doubt it's anything serious.

My tummy is hardly showing and I've not gained much weight (I'm actually at my prepregnancy weight - having only gained back the weight I lost when I was sick), but I've got swelling. Is this early to start swelling?  Any advice on how to manage this?  I am trying to walk around as much as possible, and will try to resume regular swimming (been out of exercise since the surgery 6 weeks ago).  I know diuretics not recommended, but any natural diuretics with mild action recommended?

I want this baby very much, but I don't like what's happening to my body!
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Avatar universal
thanks..I think I actually carried him a full 40-41 wks and he was very jaundice!
Helpful - 0
448723 tn?1301454958
More than 25 percent of all healthy, full-term newborns become slightly jaundiced, usually on the third or fourth day of life. In premature babies the incidence of jaundice is higher.

For more info see-
http://www.****.***
I don't think it is possible to prevent.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
My son had jaundice when he was born and the doctors told me back then that there was absolutely no reason but hereditary that causes it. I didn't take any diuretics when I was pregnant with him nor do I now or anything at all. How can I prevent that from happening to this unborn child?
Helpful - 0
151668 tn?1239921105
I had severe swelling during my first pregnancy (of course, it was little later than 4 1/2 months).

Things to help the swelling (recommended by my dr) are:

- Drink lots of water (that's a given)

- Keep an eye on your salt intake. You'd be surprised at how much sodium is in everyday items that we eat AND drink.

- Prop your feet up whenever you get a chance. Although walking is good and helps the fluid from settling in one place (as if you were sitting at a desk all day), it is also best to raise your feet when possible.

- Lay on your left side as often as possible. I had gained almost 5 pounds within a two week period during the last month of my pregnancy. I was put on bedrest and told to lay on my left side all day (with the exception of a quick shower and occasional rolling over onto my right side). I swear to you, I actually lost 3 pounds within 48 hours. All of it fluid that was causing swelling. I guess I peed it out? :-)
I had heard to lay on your left side when sleeping because it was better for you as far as blood flow, etc... but I had NO idea it helped so much with keeping the swelling down.

I believe that's all he gave me. I definitely wouldn't try any sort of diuretic. If all else fails, just call your  OB and see what they suggest for your individual needs.

Hope this helps some, though!

Helpful - 0
448723 tn?1301454958
I'm just over 18 weeks and I've been experiencing the swelling for about 4 weeks now. It is VERY normal in pregnancy (as long as your blood pressure is ok) and any type of diuretic during pregnancy is harmful.

Pregnancy use issues with diuretics

Use of diuretics during pregnancy is not recommended. The effects of diuretics during pregnancy have not been studied extensively. However, it has been noted that diuretics given after the first trimester of pregnancy to treat hypertension may interfere with the normal expansion of fluid seen during pregnancy. The depletion of this fluid volume could, in turn, disrupt neurodevelopment of the fetus and increase the risk of conditions such as schizophrenia in the offspring. There is also a risk of jaundice, blood problems and potassium depletion in the newborn.

http://yourtotalhealth.ivillage.com/diuretics.html?pageNum=9#9
Helpful - 0
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