9 Unimaginable Ways Your Body Could Swell During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is synonymous with several problems, and a body that seems to swell like a balloon. It’s a rather uncomfortable feeling, as pregnant women dislike the heaviness in the body. Apparently, it’s the result of a 50% increase in blood flow and body fluids, which are essential for fetal development. When your body retains excess fluid and blood, your body appears bloated.

Swelling is normal during pregnancy. However, normal swelling, or edema, often affects your hands, legs, ankles, feet and face. Swelling reduces drastically after delivery over a period. But, you might be interested to know what parts of the body do swell during pregnancy. So, here they are:

In This Article

1. Feet

9 out of 10 pregnant women experience swollen feet. One way to alleviate the swelling is to soak the delicate feet in warm water with some salt in it. Another remedy is to increase the blood circulation to the swollen area simply by practicing few feet exercises.

2. Lips

Another common problem during pregnancy. And, it mostly occurs due to hormonal changes. It will take its own sweet time to reduce. However if you think the lips have begun to crack, simply apply olive oil or smear some butter on your lips.

3. Breasts

Swelling and tenderness of breasts are yet another common problem most pregnant women face. The most plausible reason for swollen breasts is lactation. The swelling and the pain decrease once the baby is born.

4. Nose

A swollen nose during pregnancy is a sign of fluctuating hormones. The swollen nose gradually decreases towards the third trimester. If myths were to be believed, a swollen nose in pregnancy is symbolic of bearing a baby girl. But, the belief, like most others, has no scientific basis.

5. Ankles And Legs

The ankles and legs swell when due to the intense pressure applied by a heavy tummy. Although, this is not a major problem but you, start getting concerned when blood clots form in the swollen regions of the legs.

6. Face

This is a concern for women who fuss about how they appear. A swollen face is quite possible during pregnancy, and it occurs due to the hormonal changes. There are a few facial exercises that can help you reduce the swelling of the face. You can make some changes to the diet by adding a shot of vitamin C-rich foods can also help in reducing the facial swelling.

7. Swollen Gums

Swollen gums during pregnancy are referred to as pregnancy gingivitis. You may also suffer from bleeding gums. An effective way to treat or prevent the problem is to floss your teeth after each meal and to brush twice a day. Good oral hygiene helps avoid the condition.

8. Veins

Varicose veins are one of the most common symptoms of pregnancy. These veins get bloated and fill up with fluids while you are expecting. Raising or elevating and resting both feet increases blood circulation. Try being at your comfortable best and wear comfy clothes and shoes.

9. Vagina

A swelling in the vaginal area most commonly occurs towards the last few weeks of gestation when the baby starts to grow bigger and heavier than earlier. The burgeoning weight aside, the fluid in the womb adds to the pressure and, the vaginal area becomes swollen. Vaginal swelling normally occurs in the eight or the ninth month of pregnancy.

Did you have any experiences like these? Write us back!

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