Water retention

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Replies

  • babybear_mt
    babybear_mt Posts: 81 Member
    I don't really have any suggestions, just empathy. My legs and feel swelled so bad by the last 6 weeks or so of my pregnancy (my son came 2 weeks early too) and the swelling didn't go down until almost 6 weeks postpartum. I got to deal with pre-eclampsia, though. Just keep pushing through, it'll get better one day ;-)
  • elphie754
    elphie754 Posts: 7,574 Member
    CattOfTheGarage wrote: »
    elphie754 wrote: »
    CattOfTheGarage wrote: »
    Yeah, you cannot reduce oedema by trying to "draw the fluid out" - for one thing it's a lot of fluid, pints and pints in each leg! It would be all over the floor if you could "draw it out"!! Also it would just come back, it's a sign of your body just not handling water as well as usual. It absolutely goes back to normal after birth, I've got no similar issues now.

    Does your doctor think surgical stockings (compression stockings) would help? They're used for oedema after surgery, I know the main concern there is thrombosis but maybe they help with the discomfort too.

    I've been wearing compression socks but aren't helping.

    Oh dear. Then all I can say is "hang in there".

    They ended up making my knees swell, pretty much just redistributing the fluid.
  • elphie754
    elphie754 Posts: 7,574 Member
    CattOfTheGarage wrote: »
    babybear_mt wrote: »
    Just keep pushing through, it'll get better one day ;-)

    Is this really the best wording? I suppose it's appropriate, though... :wink:

    Snort! This made me laugh more than it should have.
  • snickerscharlie
    snickerscharlie Posts: 8,578 Member
    CattOfTheGarage wrote: »
    babybear_mt wrote: »
    Just keep pushing through, it'll get better one day ;-)

    Is this really the best wording? I suppose it's appropriate, though... :wink:

    It'll all work out in the end. B)
  • CattOfTheGarage
    CattOfTheGarage Posts: 2,745 Member
    snickerscharlie wrote: »
    CattOfTheGarage wrote: »
    babybear_mt wrote: »
    Just keep pushing through, it'll get better one day ;-)

    Is this really the best wording? I suppose it's appropriate, though... :wink:

    It'll all work out in the end. B)

    Don't you mean "it'll all come out in the end"? :D
  • snickerscharlie
    snickerscharlie Posts: 8,578 Member
    CattOfTheGarage wrote: »
    snickerscharlie wrote: »
    CattOfTheGarage wrote: »
    babybear_mt wrote: »
    Just keep pushing through, it'll get better one day ;-)

    Is this really the best wording? I suppose it's appropriate, though... :wink:

    It'll all work out in the end. B)

    Don't you mean "it'll all come out in the end"? :D

    I was trying to be more subtle. o:)
  • chai22wallah
    chai22wallah Posts: 1 Member
    I still have swelling issues even after my daughter was born. The things I find helpful is lymph massage, magnesium, wearing hosiery up to my torso, water and some times just plain rest. Good luck
  • Alatariel75
    Alatariel75 Posts: 18,342 Member
    elphie754 wrote: »
    Just took a LONG Epsom salt bath, infused with a small amount of lavender oil (lavender essential oil was cleared by my OB in small amounts). Felt amazing on my joints and muscles. I don't really see the difference in legs but SO thinks that they don't look as bad as before the bath.


    I also got a surprise gift today that I was not expecting at all. My female SO feels bad that I've been having such a hard time lately so she bought me a prenatal massage package from a place that specializes in maternity massages/is also a birthing center, so is trust worthy. It was such a nice surprise that I cried for 30 minutes.

    That's so sweet! you will really enjoy that. You sound like you need it!!
  • elphie754
    elphie754 Posts: 7,574 Member
    Alatariel75 wrote: »
    elphie754 wrote: »
    Just took a LONG Epsom salt bath, infused with a small amount of lavender oil (lavender essential oil was cleared by my OB in small amounts). Felt amazing on my joints and muscles. I don't really see the difference in legs but SO thinks that they don't look as bad as before the bath.


    I also got a surprise gift today that I was not expecting at all. My female SO feels bad that I've been having such a hard time lately so she bought me a prenatal massage package from a place that specializes in maternity massages/is also a birthing center, so is trust worthy. It was such a nice surprise that I cried for 30 minutes.

    That's so sweet! you will really enjoy that. You sound like you need it!!

    I do. I'm so excited to go.
  • bbell1985
    bbell1985 Posts: 4,571 Member
    I drink dandelion tea, get in the sauna, and take a water pill. Maybe not all three.
  • Lolalikeslolagets
    Lolalikeslolagets Posts: 142 Member


    I'm not "a little" coffee person lol. When I start drinking it, I have at least 4cups a day lol.[/quote]
    elphie754 wrote: »
    emilk2016 wrote: »
    Hang in there, after you have the baby it will settle down.. walking and exercise helped me a lot and you can have a little coffee if you want it after second trimester. Sleep as much as you can.. it'll be over before you know it

    Been trying to swim everyday because walking hurts myback too much. Not sure if it's helping or not, but feels good to do.

    I'm not "a little" coffee person lol. When I start drinking it, I have at least 4cups a day lol.

    I hear you :)
  • elphie754
    elphie754 Posts: 7,574 Member
    bbell1985 wrote: »
    I drink dandelion tea, get in the sauna, and take a water pill. Maybe not all three.

    None of those are safe during pregnancy.

  • ronjsteele1
    ronjsteele1 Posts: 1,064 Member
    elphie754 wrote: »
    bbell1985 wrote: »
    I drink dandelion tea, get in the sauna, and take a water pill. Maybe not all three.

    None of those are safe during pregnancy.

    Technically, dandelion tea is safe during pregnancy. My doctor had no issues with me using it (especially because I get so water logged when preggo). Your doctor may not approve of it, or want you to use it, but those are separate from "not safe during pregnancy." It is commonly recommend by midwives.
  • bbell1985
    bbell1985 Posts: 4,571 Member
    elphie754 wrote: »
    bbell1985 wrote: »
    I drink dandelion tea, get in the sauna, and take a water pill. Maybe not all three.

    None of those are safe during pregnancy.
    I figured. Except for the tea.
  • JodehFoster
    JodehFoster Posts: 419 Member
    edited January 2017
    Asparagus is a natural diuretic. If you aren't already eating it, and if you enjoy it, try to work it into your meals.

    When I have it as a side with meals, I'm running to the bathroom far more often than usual.

    Good luck!
  • eissacf25
    eissacf25 Posts: 151 Member
    edited January 2017
    elphie754 wrote: »
    Went back to OB because feet literally looked like they were going to burst. She checked BP (which was low) and sent me for blood work as well as a 24 hour urine catch just to rule out preeclampsia (she highly doubts it since I have had any high BP readings). She also sent me for ultrasound of the legs just to make sure it wasn't clots.

    She didn't really have any suggestions other than drink a lot of fluid, elevate legs, don't sit too long, don't stand too long, wear compression socks, Epsom salt foot baths and remember that you only have ten more weeks to go lol. She did not want me to decrease sodium due to a slight electrolyte imbalance when I first found out I was pregnant, the low BP and low sodium levels the last time she did blood.

    I'm at a loss. Have tried all of those and still really uncomfortable no sometimes hurts to walk. Anyone else have any suggestions we may have missed?

    I hate to say it, but it probably won't go down until after you have the baby. Is this your first pregnancy? If not, did you swell with your first? Not that it really matters, each pregnancy is different. My hands swelled in the last trimester with my son so I had to wear my rings on a necklace, but with my daughter I was able to wear my rings until I went to the hospital to have her. I'm glad you ruled out all the bad stuff, I know how uncomfortable it is to be so swollen! ::hugs::

  • AmandaEdwards1
    AmandaEdwards1 Posts: 46 Member
    I lost about 20 lbs of water weight the week after I delivered. It was crazy. I still have swelling issues (I developed preeclampsia and the effects can last). I might try an epsom salt bath to see if it works. Thanks guys!
  • tinkerbellang83
    tinkerbellang83 Posts: 9,142 Member
    edited February 2018
    snickerscharlie wrote: »
    elphie754 wrote: »
    So I'm not really into products that are "woo" or snake oil, but was just told something that I'm not sure it's woo or not. Last night I went to the store I get my essential oils from and mentioned to the girl that my legs are so full of fluid that it's killing me. She suggested I try seaweed wraps to help with the water retention. I have never heard of that before . I am familiar with the scam/snake oil wraps for cellulite, whichbis making me hesitant to believe it would actually work.

    Anyone every trybthem for water retention? Did it help? Opinions on whether it is woo or true (even if you haven't tried them)?

    I'm going with woo. If you stop and think about it, how would wrapping your legs in anything draw out fluids? Are they like little sponges or something that can permeate the skin layer? ;)

    Seaweed wraps are a woo-filled recommendation for cellulite. Which isn't your issue anyway. :)

    Hang in there - the finish line is in sight! :)

    Whilst the wraps does sound very woo-ish there is a lot of stuff I've seen about using chilled white or light green cabbage leaves as a cold compress, and a cabbage is probably far cheaper than some wraps and you lose nothing by trying.
  • stanmann571
    stanmann571 Posts: 5,727 Member
    tinkerbellang83 wrote: »
    snickerscharlie wrote: »
    elphie754 wrote: »
    So I'm not really into products that are "woo" or snake oil, but was just told something that I'm not sure it's woo or not. Last night I went to the store I get my essential oils from and mentioned to the girl that my legs are so full of fluid that it's killing me. She suggested I try seaweed wraps to help with the water retention. I have never heard of that before . I am familiar with the scam/snake oil wraps for cellulite, whichbis making me hesitant to believe it would actually work.

    Anyone every trybthem for water retention? Did it help? Opinions on whether it is woo or true (even if you haven't tried them)?

    I'm going with woo. If you stop and think about it, how would wrapping your legs in anything draw out fluids? Are they like little sponges or something that can permeate the skin layer? ;)

    Seaweed wraps are a woo-filled recommendation for cellulite. Which isn't your issue anyway. :)

    Hang in there - the finish line is in sight! :)

    Whilst the wraps does sound very woo-ish there is a lot of stuff I've seen about using chilled white or light green cabbage leaves as a cold compress, and a cabbage is probably far cheaper than some wraps and you lose nothing by trying.

    It's just another way of providing compression and hydraulic action since walking is unpleasant.

    It's not going to hurt, and it will be at least as beneficial as a massage, or full length compression hose.
  • CattOfTheGarage
    CattOfTheGarage Posts: 2,745 Member
    I had terrible oedema in late pregnancy, I looked like I had elephant legs, too. I'm afraid nothing really worked for me - though resting and elevating legs helped it not to be worse. It reversed itself after the baby was born.
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