Family Health Service - Minor Ailments in Late Pregnancy and Their Management

Minor Ailments in Late Pregnancy and Their Management

(Published 07/2016)

The rapidly rising oestrogen level during pregnancy causes water retention. As a result of gravity, most of the water accumulates in the legs. About 80% of the pregnant women have ankle swelling (oedema).
After delivery, oestrogen level returns to normal, the accumulated water would be excreted from the body.
If you develop ankle, hand or facial swelling suddenly or the swelling worsen rapidly, say within a few days, this might be a signs of pre-eclampsia (please refer to “Pre-eclampsia” leaflet) . You should see a doctor immediately.

Wear comfortable shoes of a slightly bigger size than that before pregnancy.
Elevate the legs comfortably on a footstool or pillows while resting.
Avoid taking diuretics because these medications will lower your blood pressure. The placental blood flow will be decreased and the oxygen and nutrient supply to the foetus will be impaired.

This is the result of increase in blood flow to kidneys by 50% during pregnancy and the relaxation effect of progesterone on smooth muscle of the urinary tract.
Besides, the urinary tract of the pregnant woman is more susceptible to infection. Urinary tract infection may lead to nephritis and preterm delivery if not treated properly. If you have frequent urination and pain while passing urine or you pass any blood, you should seek medical advice early.
As uterus becomes larger in late pregnancy, the urinary bladder will be under pressure and causes frequency in urination.

You should never restrict fluid intake because this might increase the chance of urinary tract infection.
In case you have a urinary tract infection, you should take a course of antibiotics according to the doctor's instructions.
If you have recurrent or persistent urinary tract infection, you should seek medical consultation early. This could be related to underlying anatomical problem of the urinary tract or kidneys.