Pregnancy causes numerous changes to the mother's body. One of them is swelling in specific areas of the body, such as the feet and fingers. This swelling is not dangerous, but it may cause discomfort. What causes swollen fingers during pregnancy and how do you treat them? Check out the following review.

Causes of swollen fingers and hands during pregnancy

Swelling in certain parts of the body during pregnancy is normal. Swelling is most common in the legs, but your fingers and hands can also become swollen, especially as you enter the fifth month of pregnancy until the time of labor.

Although this swelling is not dangerous, it may cause you discomfort. If you wear a ring, you should remove it and any other accessories until your finger size returns to normal. Wearing a tight ring can reduce blood flow, making you more uncomfortable.

Swelling during pregnancy can be caused by several factors, including:

• Fluid retention

During pregnancy, fluid accumulates in the body as the volume of fluid increases to support fetal development. Hormonal changes during pregnancy also soften blood vessel muscles, causing blood to not flow to the heart normally. As a result, fluid builds up in the feet and hands.

• Fetal development

Fetal development also causes swelling in the fingers. The fetus's enlarged size compresses the blood vessels and reduces blood flow, leading to the retention of fluid that causes swelling.

• Preeclampsia symptoms

Swollen hands during pregnancy can sometimes indicate preeclampsia, especially if they are accompanied by high blood pressure symptoms. Other symptoms of preeclampsia include persistent headaches, vision changes, abdominal pain, and nausea and vomiting.

If you experience these symptoms, you should see a doctor because preeclampsia can lead to serious pregnancy complications.

• Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)

Carpal tunnel syndrome can cause swelling in the wrist, although this is rare.

How to treat swollen fingers and hands during pregnancy

Swollen fingers and hands during pregnancy are not a serious condition and may resolve after delivery. If it bothers you, you can relieve the pain caused by swollen fingers and hands in the following ways:

• Hand massage

Massaging the hands can help to reduce swelling. However, this only provides partial and temporary relief.

• Drink lots of water

Maintaining fluid intake can help reduce fluid retention and keep your kidneys functioning properly. During pregnancy, the mother requires a lot of fluids, so drink plenty to avoid dehydration.

• Reduce salt and caffeine intake

Salt and caffeine make the body retain water. Reduce your intake of salty and caffeine-containing foods to help relieve swelling. Balance it with protein intake, which can help regulate the amount of fluid in the body.

• Try sleeping on your left side

Sleeping on your left side allows blood to return to the inferior vena cava. This is the large vein that returns blood from the lower body to the heart.

• Exercise regularly

Regular exercise promotes blood circulation, which helps to keep swelling at bay. During pregnancy, you can exercise regularly by swimming, cycling, or walking.

Swollen fingers and hands during pregnancy are common problems encountered during pregnancy. If you have questions about pregnancy, you can consult an obstetrician.

If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.

Looking for more information about pregnancy, breastfeeding, and the health of women and children? Click here!