Is swelling during pregnancy normal?

OBGYN Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz, MD, explains how swelling is normal during pregnancy, the factors that contribute to it, and how to reduce your swelling during pregnancy
Normal Swelling During Pregnancy & How To Reduce Swelling
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Is swelling during pregnancy normal?

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Swelling in pregnancy is very, very common. It is actually related to the increased volume of blood that you are carrying and then on top of that of course you literally have a mass in your abdomen which is interfering with the flow of lymphatic and blood. So it is going to pool down in your feet and your legs, especially for people who are sitting for long periods of time or standing for long periods of time. It is worse in the summer time when it is hot. Your diet can contribute to it. So if you are not getting enough fluids and you are getting too much processed or salty foods, that can make it worse. But some of us are just unlucky. I was one of those puffy people, too. It was just awful. The only things you really can do is put your feet up above your heart to drain that, get lots and lots of fluid, and then are some traditional teas, parsley and coriander, cilantro, are said to be natural and safe diuretics. So that is something you might want to try and see if that helps. At least it is another way to get a good tasting fluid in.

OBGYN Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz, MD, explains how swelling is normal during pregnancy, the factors that contribute to it, and how to reduce your swelling during pregnancy

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Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz, MD

Obstetrician & Gynecologist

Dr. Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz completed her undergraduate education at Wesleyan University and post-baccalaureate pre-medical studies at Mills College. She earned her medical degree in 1996 from the University of Southern California School of Medicine, completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Cedars Sinai Medical Center and has been in private practice of obstetrics and gynecology in Los Angeles, CA since 2000. After many years of a personal yoga and meditation practice, she completed her Clinical Ayurvedic Specialist degree at California College of Ayurveda in 2010 and was board certified in Integrative and Holistic medicine in 2008.

Suzanne is involved in women’s empowerment and public education, and appears frequently as an expert in women’s and integrative health on TV, online and in print. She is co-founder of Cedars Sinai Medical Center's Green Committee and is deeply committed to the promotion of healing that involves individuals, families, communities and the planet.  She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and two children in a "green" renovated home with a sustainable native plants garden and organic “urban mini-farm”.

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Transcription: 
Swelling in pregnancy is very, very common. It is actually related to the increased volume of blood that you are carrying and then on top of that of course you literally have a mass in your abdomen which is interfering with the flow of lymphatic and blood. So it is going to pool down in your feet and your legs, especially for people who are sitting for long periods of time or standing for long periods of time. It is worse in the summer time when it is hot. Your diet can contribute to it. So if you are not getting enough fluids and you are getting too much processed or salty foods, that can make it worse. But some of us are just unlucky. I was one of those puffy people, too. It was just awful. The only things you really can do is put your feet up above your heart to drain that, get lots and lots of fluid, and then are some traditional teas, parsley and coriander, cilantro, are said to be natural and safe diuretics. So that is something you might want to try and see if that helps. At least it is another way to get a good tasting fluid in.