34w3d- my amniotic fluid was 6.5 today and I was told I needed to increase the amount of water I'm drinking and if it gets below 5 I will be delivering that day, so I'm a little nervous. I already drink like 90 onces of water a day. What can I do to increase my hydration and water retention?
WeMoms
2 Apr 2024
Water Retention, a pregnancy symptom
Water Retention
Water retention, often known as edema, is a common occurrence during pregnancy, particularly in the later stages. It involves the body holding onto excess fluids, leading to swelling, often in the feet, ankles, and hands.
Understanding this condition is crucial for managing comfort and health throughout your pregnancy journey.
What Causes Water Retention in Pregnancy?
- Increased Fluids: The body produces approximately 50% more blood and body fluids to meet the needs of the developing baby.
- Pressure on Blood Vessels: As the uterus grows, it can put pressure on the blood vessels in the pelvic region, slowing down the return of blood from the legs, causing fluid to pool.
- Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy hormones can cause the body to retain more fluids.
Symptoms of Water Retention
- Swelling: Common in the feet, ankles, hands, and face.
- Puffiness: Particularly noticeable in the hands and face upon waking.
Managing Water Retention
- Stay Hydrated: Contrary to what you might think, drinking plenty of water can actually help reduce swelling.
- Elevate Your Feet: When sitting, elevate your feet to improve circulation.
- Exercise Regularly: Gentle exercises like walking or prenatal yoga can boost circulation.
- Reduce Sodium Intake: Avoid foods high in salt, as sodium can exacerbate fluid retention.
- Wear Comfortable Clothing: Tight clothing can restrict blood flow and worsen swelling.
When to Consult Your Healthcare Provider
- Sudden or Severe Swelling: If you notice a sudden increase in swelling or swelling in your face and hands, it could be a sign of preeclampsia, a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.
- Painful Swelling: If swelling is accompanied by pain, redness, or heat, it could indicate a blood clot, which is also a serious concern.
Q&A for Expectant Mothers
- Is water retention a sign of a problem in pregnancy?
- Can water retention be prevented?
- Will the swelling go away after I give birth?
- Does drinking less water help with edema?
- Should I limit my physical activity if I have edema?
Water retention is a common part of pregnancy, especially as you approach your due date.
While it's usually just a minor inconvenience, it's important to be aware of the symptoms and know when to seek medical advice.
By understanding and managing water retention, you can maintain your comfort and health throughout your pregnancy.
All I Need to Know
First Trimester Symptoms
1 min read
Second Trimester Symptoms
1 min read
Third Trimester Symptoms
1 min read
J
Jasmine
19 Oct 2023
Is it strange to start showing around 4 weeks… I know it’s not the actual baby…. But maybe more water retention? I also had a small fuppa. But it has definitely started to get more pronounced…. Thoughts?? #4weeks #belly
Camille
It's definitely not crazy I am currently 4 weeks and 7 days a day shy of 5 weeks. The date that I took this pictures on the picture and the bloating is crazy
27 Mar 2024
Answer
1
See more comments
Jasmine
Yes! I’m trying to hide it from my family because it’s so early… but main the bloating is not making it easy.
Answer
0
G
Ginger♉️
4 Oct 2023
C section moms ….. any of you have water retention on the lower fat pouch lol of the belly ? All this is water . It’s heavy full and hurts :( and don’t mind the left over sticky stuff from the tape. My legs , feet and hips are huge and hurt as well.
Amber
I swelled a lot after my c section too but I’ve recovered ok now. Have u spoken w your postpartum OB bout it yet?!
27 Mar 2024
Answer
1
See more comments
Ginger♉️
I go in tomorrow for them to look at the incision …. So I’m gonna see what they say.
Answer
0
A
Amanda
21 Jul 2023
Today was Kai’lani due date but she came last Friday on July 14th due to late pregnancy preeclampsia. In love is a understatement but Im struggling cause i lost so much blood from the placenta removal and had to have a blood transfusion. So yea emotional trauma from that! But the most immediate thing is the edema in my legs and feet. I can’t take water retention pills cause it affect my blood transfusion recovery so I’m lost and in tears!
Teri
Praying that your recovery becomes smoother 🙏
27 Mar 2024
Answer
0
See more comments
Amanda
Thank you!!
Answer
0
A
Allissah
2 Jul 2023
Anyone else get swollen ankles (water retention) in a matter of one day around their ankles? My ankles haven’t been swollen at all and yesterday they got huge out of nowhere.. no protein in my urine as of last Monday but I have a Dr appointment tomorrow curios to see what they say. 35 week 2 days today.
King’s👑Mommy
Mine Swollen Too, However Elevating Them Do Help But Soon As I Start Moving Around Doing Stuff Boom They’re Swollen Again 😂 I’m 35w & 1d
27 Mar 2024
Answer
1
See more comments
Allissah
Same girl!
Answer
1
E
Erica
16 Jun 2023
And my feet r so swollen with water retention it's not funny I can't even get my flip flopss on ladies so n e advice would b great
I'sha
Be careful with that. It could be/turn into pre-eclampsia.
27 Mar 2024
Answer
0
See more comments
B
Bri
14 Jan 2023
My feet and legs are SO swollen it’s absurd. Docs have said it’s normal after C-section but I’m so over it. The skin around my ankles hurt so bad I can’t wait for this fluid retention to fuck off already. Any tips on how to make it calm down faster? I’m trying to elevate feet, wear compression socks and drink lots of water but 6 days postpartum I’m still all gross & puffy
Tarea
Unfortunately it could last for a while... I'm 12w pp and I really didn't start to get relief until around 8w pp. I took Lasix (still on them now too) limited salt, wore compression socks, but most importantly I needed hot baths and massages. I had to elevate my feet a lot too. It will be better mama! ❤️
27 Mar 2024
Answer
2
See more comments
Dezmian
im sorry friend, im praying for you!! ❤️
Answer
1
C
Courtney
4 May 2022
I really did not like last week, I had really bad urine retention. Anybody else ever dealt with not being able to pee, like a uti but without pain? I told my midwife but she said to not worry unless there was pain so I see her soon and hopefully I can continue to urinate 🙄 Such a scary feeling when you have a full bladder but can't go, I've been drinking lots of water and cranberry juice to make sure everything is working. No problems this week so far .
Faith
I did but mine was related to hydronephrosis of the right kidney and possible kidney stone
27 Mar 2024
Answer
0
See more comments
Answer
0
Answer
0