Why Does Pregnancy Cause Puffy Fingers At Night?
Puffy fingers are most noticeable at night. Swollen hands look unrecognisable, and rings leave marks on them by the time the expectant mother prepares herself to sleep. This is one of the most recognisable discomforts of pregnancy, and it happens for a simple reason. In this article, we can understand more about this phenomenon.
To shed some light on this question, we spoke to Dr Mannan Gupta, Chairman and HOD, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Elantis Healthcare, New Delhi.
Why Does Your Body Retain More Fluid During Pregnancy?According to Dr Gupta, puffy fingers are one of the typical symptoms experienced during pregnancy. As time passes during your pregnancy, your body starts retaining more fluid.
This is normal. During pregnancy, the blood volume in your body significantly increases, as well as the fluid retention in your tissues. Part of that fluid ends up accumulating in your hands and fingers due to gravity and the daily activities that you do.
Why Swelling Becomes Worse During the DayAs explained by Dr Gupta, the growing size of your uterus adds more pressure to the veins transporting fluid and blood upwards to your upper body. It results in fluid retention in your tissues.
Factors like standing all day or using your hands can lead to worsening of the swelling by evening.
Everyday Factors That Can Make Swelling Worse"Hot weather, salty foods, and sitting in one position may exacerbate the process."
Swelling During Pregnancy That Is Normal vs. AbnormalHere is Dr Gupta's differentiation between normal and abnormal swelling during pregnancy: If your swelling is gradual, mild, and occurs throughout t your pregnancy, it is normal. This is common during pregnancy, and it subsides after resting or elevating your hands.
On the other hand, if swelling is sudden and severe in intensity, it is abnormal. Look for swelling accompanied by:
When to Contact Your DoctorConsult your doctor if you experience:
Whether you’re pregnant, a new mom, or navigating postpartum, you don’t have to do it alone. Join our support group to connect, share, and support one another.
FAQS on Why Does Pregnancy Cause Finger Swelling At Night?Do I need to alter my sleeping posture to alleviate morning swelling?
Sleeping on one’s side, especially the left side, is advised when pregnant and can contribute to good circulation, which might help to prevent swollen fingers in the morning. Why does swelling look better in the morning?
Sleeping lying down allows the redistribution of fluid throughout the body, so swelling in the hands and legs is usually the least in the mornings. Does lowering salt intake have any impact on swelling?
Reducing intake of excessively salty foods helps reduce retention of water, but the swelling of pregnancy will not go away completely, as it is caused mainly by hormonal and circulatory changes.
To shed some light on this question, we spoke to Dr Mannan Gupta, Chairman and HOD, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Elantis Healthcare, New Delhi.
Why Does Your Body Retain More Fluid During Pregnancy?According to Dr Gupta, puffy fingers are one of the typical symptoms experienced during pregnancy. As time passes during your pregnancy, your body starts retaining more fluid.
This is normal. During pregnancy, the blood volume in your body significantly increases, as well as the fluid retention in your tissues. Part of that fluid ends up accumulating in your hands and fingers due to gravity and the daily activities that you do.
Why Swelling Becomes Worse During the DayAs explained by Dr Gupta, the growing size of your uterus adds more pressure to the veins transporting fluid and blood upwards to your upper body. It results in fluid retention in your tissues.
Factors like standing all day or using your hands can lead to worsening of the swelling by evening.
Everyday Factors That Can Make Swelling Worse"Hot weather, salty foods, and sitting in one position may exacerbate the process."
- Dr Mannan Gupta, Chairman and Head of Department, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Elantis Healthcare, New Delhi
Swelling During Pregnancy That Is Normal vs. AbnormalHere is Dr Gupta's differentiation between normal and abnormal swelling during pregnancy: If your swelling is gradual, mild, and occurs throughout t your pregnancy, it is normal. This is common during pregnancy, and it subsides after resting or elevating your hands.
On the other hand, if swelling is sudden and severe in intensity, it is abnormal. Look for swelling accompanied by:
- Headache
- Vision disturbance
- Abdominal pain
- Troubled breathing
- High blood pressure
When to Contact Your DoctorConsult your doctor if you experience:
- Swelling which happens quickly or develops fast, as opposed to gradual swelling
- Swelling of your face or around your eyes, in addition to swelling of your hands and feet
- Unrelenting headaches
- Blurred vision or floaters
- Discomfort just beneath the ribs or upper abdominal area
- Shortness of breath
- Blood pressure readings that are above your normal readings
Whether you’re pregnant, a new mom, or navigating postpartum, you don’t have to do it alone. Join our support group to connect, share, and support one another.
FAQS on Why Does Pregnancy Cause Finger Swelling At Night?
Sleeping on one’s side, especially the left side, is advised when pregnant and can contribute to good circulation, which might help to prevent swollen fingers in the morning.
Sleeping lying down allows the redistribution of fluid throughout the body, so swelling in the hands and legs is usually the least in the mornings.
Reducing intake of excessively salty foods helps reduce retention of water, but the swelling of pregnancy will not go away completely, as it is caused mainly by hormonal and circulatory changes.
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