During pregnancy and especially in the last months, especially in summer, it is common to feel discomfort in the legs: tingling, swelling, pulling... Most disorders can be prevented by performing exercises and hygienic measures, but it is a Totally normal discomfort due to the growth of the uterus as the weeks go by.
Why do legs suffer during pregnancy? The legs are greatly affected by the changes that occur in the circulatory system, especially during pregnancy. During pregnancy, the heart pumps much more blood so that a sufficient amount also reaches the growing fetus.
Consequently, the volume of blood circulating through the veins and arteries increases, and so does the production of additional fluid in the body, to allow the tissues to support the development of the baby.
Furthermore, as the uterus grows, it compresses the veins in the legs and pelvis, making it difficult for the veins to return. Excessive weight gain also affects them negatively.
Most frequent disorders
Varicose veins
It is the most common discomfort that pregnant women report in the final weeks of pregnancy. It is due, above all, to weight gain and fluid retention, which makes return circulation to the heart difficult.
20% of pregnant women suffer from them. They are dilated veins that look like transparent blue lines across the skin. Many times dilated venous cords (varicose veins) can be seen, and on other occasions, there is an increase in the more superficial spider veins.
Sometimes, when they are very swollen, they cause pain and discomfort in the legs. They are generally hereditary, but they can appear due to many factors such as pressure on the veins in the legs due to pregnancy itself, standing for many hours, heat, or the action of female hormones. They usually subside after childbirth, although there are times when they remain permanently although less evident.
Leg cramps
They are painful muscle spasms, generally located in the calf. They usually occur when we are lying down (at night or in the morning) and are more frequent in the second or third trimester. They may be due to the overload of work to which the muscles and bones are subjected, but sometimes they also show a potassium deficiency in the diet. Some research suggests that lower blood calcium levels during pregnancy may contribute to leg cramps. And although the data is not very clear, low magnesium levels could also be related
Edema
Mild swelling of the hands, legs, and ankles is called edema and is normal in the last months of pregnancy. The pressure of the uterus causes fluid to accumulate in areas where circulation is slower, such as the feet or ankles, which become swollen. If it is very pronounced or appears suddenly on the hands, feet or face and is accompanied by dizziness or headache, you must go to the emergency room as it may be due to a possible complication such as hypertension.
It's advisable:
- Lie down with your legs raised, if possible, above your buttocks several times a day.
- Walking, doing foot rotation exercises, and swimming or wading through water.
- Wear elastic compression stockings, even in summer, as they promote venous return.
- In the shower, slowly move your legs from bottom to top , alternating warm and cold water. You can perform upward massages with cold gels after showering that are appropriate for pregnancy.
- Follow a diet rich in fiber to regulate intestinal transit. Constipation increases the risk of varicose veins. You can increase those foods in your diet that are rich in calcium and magnesium to also prevent the appearance of leg cramps.
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