What can you do for swollen hands during pregnancy?
What should I do to treat my swollen hands? Keep an eye on your sodium intake, which can cause even more fluid retention, and try eating foods high in potassium (like bananas). Using cold compresses and drinking plenty of water can also help.
Why do my hands swell when I walk during pregnancy?
Exercise increases blood flow to your heart and lungs, as well as to the muscles you’re working. This can reduce blood flow to your hands, making them cooler. In turn, the blood vessels in your hands may react by opening wider — which could lead to hand swelling.
What are some home remedies for swollen hands?
Put ice or a cold pack on your hand for 10 to 20 minutes at a time to stop swelling. Try this every 1 to 2 hours for 3 days (when you are awake) or until the swelling goes down. Put a thin cloth between the ice pack and your skin. Keep your splint dry.
Why do hands swell up?
Swelling occurs when extra fluid gets trapped in your body’s tissues. Several things can cause this, including heat, exercise, or medical conditions. While swollen hands usually aren’t anything to worry about, they can sometimes be a sign of an underlying illness that needs treatment.
Are fingers swollen an early sign of pregnancy?
You can expect swollen fingers, ankles, and feet when you’re expecting. But sudden swelling, especially in the hands and face, can be a sign of preeclampsia. That’s dangerously high blood pressure that can happen in the second half of pregnancy. Rarely, it comes after childbirth and is called postpartum preeclampsia.
What causes swollen hands in pregnancy?
Swollen, Painful 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 few minutes every day.
What is normal swelling in pregnancy?
Swelling is a normal part of pregnancy that is caused by this additional blood and fluid. Normal swelling, which is also called edema, is experienced in the hands, face, legs, ankles, and feet. This extra retention of fluid is needed to soften the body, which enables it to expand as the baby develops.
When is swelling during pregnancy a concern?
Not exactly. While a gradual mild swelling is to be expected, sudden swelling in your hands and face – particularly in the second or third trimester – could be a dangerous sign of preeclampsia, or pregnancy-induced high blood pressure, and a serious complication.