Swelling or puffiness of fingers and hands is often seen during pregnancy. You can easily make out the extent of swelling with the help of your finger ring. While swelling is generally not a cause of concern, sometimes hand swelling during pregnancy can be indicative of some serious problem and may need medical attention.

What Are Swollen Hands During Pregnancy?

Swelling in the hands is generally caused by fluid buildup in the body, and is also known as edema. If swollen hands become painful, keep them raised for a few minutes every day. This is amazing as it reduces pain and swelling immediately, however, for lasting results you will have to follow dietary remedies too.

What Causes Swollen Hands During Pregnancy?

Pregnancy causes an increase in fluid retention because a woman's body generates more blood than needed to fulfill the fetus's developing needs. In actuality, the volume increases by about 50%, which implies that the infant receives more blood and other essential bodily fluids for healthy growth and development. Your hands, ankles, and legs' tissue gaps are filled with extra fluid. In order to facilitate your birth, these fluids soften the body and open the joints and tissues. From the fifth month onward, the swelling becomes more noticeable and lasts until the third trimester.

G forces also have an impact on swelling. It facilitates the accumulation of fluid in your body's lowest points, such your fingers and ankles.

When is Swelling Indicative of a Medical Intervention?

Mild swelling around ankles, face or fingers is normal during pregnancy. However, medical intervention is required if the following conditions are noticed:

• If swelling is confined to one leg and redness, tenderness, and lumps are noted in the calf.
• The swelling is more in the hands and wrists. This can be an indication of carpal tunnel syndrome where the nerves of the arm are compressed by the swelling.
• Pregnancy swelling often becomes worse a few days prior to the onset of labor pains. The swelling usually subsides after birth. The body expels all the extra tissues, fluid, and blood vessels that were required for the proper development of your baby. After birth, they are of no use and so are eliminated from your body.
• A common symptom that you experience with subsiding swelling is excessive urination.
• Consult your doctor if you notice sudden or more than slight swelling in your hands, which could be a sign of preeclampsia.

List of Top 11 Tips to Prevent Swollen Hands During Pregnancy

There are a few tips for preventing swelling from becoming intense. The fingers and joints become tender and painful if the swelling becomes severe.

1. Diet

Eat a balanced and healthy diet to ensure you get the proper amount of vital nutrients. Make sure to add lean protein. Poultry, meat, beans, eggs, and pulses are loaded with lean protein.

2. Fruits and Green Vegetables

Increase fruit and vegetable intake and make sure you take around five to six portions every day.

3. Cut Down on Salt

Salt intake increases fluid retention.  Therefore, reduce its intake to encourage the reduction of swelling. Foods enriched in potassium such as bananas can be effective in reducing swelling.

4. Increase Water Intake

Drink plenty of water around 12-14 glasses per day. Water aids the kidneys in filtering excess fluids out of your body.

5. Cut Down on Packaged Foods

Highly processed, pre-packaged foods have a lot of preservatives and salt and both are extremely harmful for fluid retention as they make matters worse.

6. Say ‘Yes’ to Vitamin C and E

Eat foods rich in vitamin E and vitamin C as they are beneficial in reducing fluid retention. Some rich sources of vitamin E are Wheat germ oil, vegetable oil, sweet corn, sunflower oil, cashews, almonds, margarine and corn oil. Foods rich in vitamin C are green and red peppers, citrus fruits, potatoes, melons, tomatoes, cabbage, strawberries, broccoli, etc.

7. Rest

Rest is a very important factor in expediting the process of swelling reduction. Unwinding not only rejuvenates your exasperated existence, but also helps in mitigating swelling.

8. Massage

Massaging is also helpful in reducing swelling. You can ask your partner to give you a gentle massage. Gentle massage increases blood circulation and helps in eliminating toxins from your body. Massaging gently with olive or mustard oil is helpful in easing the pain. Cold compress is also effective in relieving pain.

9. Say ‘No’ to Aromatherapy

Aromatic oil massages are not safe for pregnant women. So, avoid aromatic essential oils, though, you can add a few drops in a bowl and soak your hands and feet in it for a few minutes. Lavender oil, camomile oil, and cypress oil are good in reducing swelling and associated discomfort.

10. Place Green or White Cabbage

Keep a few white or green cabbage leaves on the swollen region and extracts excess fluid from your body.

11. Dandelion Tea

This is a fantastic herbal treatment that helps avoid fluid retention. But if you have a gall bladder condition, you should stay away from it. Don't overindulge—one or two drinks should be plenty.

Don't freak out! The condition of swollen hands and fingers is temporary and will go away when the baby is born. Your hands will become slim again as the fluid leaves the body, allowing you to tenderly touch and cherish your child.

FAQ’s

1. Does Drinking Water Reduce Swelling During Pregnancy?

Don't forget to stay hydrated. Contrary to popular belief, consuming more water can assist reduce edema. Your body will try to compensate for the lack of water by holding onto what it has, which could result in edema. The amount of fluid your body stores in its tissues is reduced when you are well hydrated.

2. Can High Blood Pressure Cause Swollen Hands During Pregnancy?

Your kidneys' tiny blood vessels may be harmed by high blood pressure, which could lead to malfunctions. Numerous symptoms, such as swelling hands (caused by water retention), may arise from this. Pregnant women who have preeclampsia, a disorder marked by elevated blood pressure, may also have swelling in their hands, feet, and legs. It may range in severity from mild to severe.

3. Can Dehydration Cause Swollen Hands During Pregnancy?

Indeed. Many people are unaware of the possibility that fluid retention could result from dehydration. When fluid leaks from the body's capillaries, edema develops. The kidneys start storing more water and salt in response. Fluid buildup in the tissues surrounding the injured location causes swelling.