THINGS TO BE CONSIDERED IN PREGNANCY

Is swelling in the hands and feet normal during pregnancy?

Swelling in the hands and feet (gestational edema) during pregnancy is one of the most common problems. It occurs as a result of water and salt retention under the influence of pregnancy hormones. It is more common in summer and increases as the standing time increases. It is one of the symptoms that are considered normal in pregnancy. When it is accompanied by high blood pressure and protein loss in the urine, it is called preeclampsia and it is a condition with very serious consequences. Gestational edema alone usually involves the feet, ankles, and hands. In the morning, bloating can also be seen on the face.

Women may not fit in their shoes and may not be able to wear their rings. The reason why swelling increases in summer is due to the expansion of the veins in the skin with the heat. It is recommended to limit salt in the treatment, to raise the legs above the heart level at every opportunity, and to be in cooler environments as much as possible. It is beneficial for women with varicose veins to wear compression stockings, but this can be difficult in the summer heat.

It is recommended that women with swelling in their hands do not wear their rings. Gestational edema usually increases in late pregnancy. After delivery, the swelling gradually decreases, but it may worsen in some women in the first 15 days after delivery. During the recovery period of swelling, excessive urine output is seen as a result of the removal of the retained fluid.

What is the Risk of Cell Phone Use During Pregnancy?

Children exposed to cell phone signals before birth are more likely to experience certain behavioral problems: hyperactivity, inattention, and problems concentrating.

Even if the scientific studies on the subject are not enough yet, it would still be a prudent approach to take some simple measures to reduce contact with mobile phones during pregnancy and in children. These are simple but important measures to reduce our risk of exposure to harmful signals by keeping your cell phone away from your body or using devices that prevent it from being brought to the ear.

Scientific studies say that it is time to take action to reduce contact with mobile phones. The purpose of these studies is to educate the public about health risks and to take the necessary measures to reduce these risks.

Fasting and Pregnancy

Studies on fasting during Ramadan have generally not shown the negative effect of fasting on maternal and infant health. In studies conducted on women who fasted at different periods of pregnancy and compared with non-fasting control groups, no metabolic problem was observed in the mother due to fasting, while no difference was observed in newborn weights.

Although the findings obtained in the studies are comforting, it is still necessary to pay attention to the periods when fasting coincides with the summer months when the time to stay hungry and thirsty is longer and the weather is warmer. As Istanbul IVF, we recommend that fasting pregnant women not stay in the heat as much as possible, consume plenty of fluids at sahur and rest in the shade during the day.

Traveling by Airplane

Pregnancy itself is a condition that increases the tendency of the blood to clot. Staying immobile for a long time during airplane journeys can cause blood to clot in the leg veins, even in people who are not pregnant, and this clot may break off and block the blood flow to vital organs such as the lungs and brain. Although this condition, called thromboembolic event, is rare, it is important in terms of creating a life-threatening picture.

In the guide published by the British Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (RCOG) in 2001, there are some recommendations for pregnant women who plan to travel by air to reduce their risk of thromboembolism. It is also recommended to wear compression stockings in order to minimize the risk in some cases, in addition to not being sedentary for a long time and taking adequate fluids.

These recommendations apply to all pregnant women from the beginning of pregnancy to the end of the 6th postpartum week (postpartum). However, there are additional recommendations in the presence of additional risk factors such as age, previous thromboembolism history, family history, preeclampsia, large leg varicose veins other than pregnancy.

About the treatment of influenza infection during pregnancy and the flu vaccine

Due to the suppressed immune system during pregnancy, influenza infection is more severe and lasts longer, and has more complications. Since nasal congestion is common during pregnancy, it cannot be interpreted as a flu infection unless there is no other accompanying symptom. In addition to nasal congestion, weakness, fatigue, muscle and joint pain, fever between 37-38 degrees, chest pain, cough and loss of appetite are other symptoms.

What should be done to relax?
Daily fluid intake should be increased. 8-10 glasses of water or fruit juices and ayran should be drunk daily. Loss of appetite is a common symptom. For this reason, it is beneficial to eat small meals at frequent intervals. Rest is very important. Bed rest as long as possible is important. To reduce nasal congestion, the head should be kept high. Steam engines are very useful. Especially cold steam is better.

Are there any medications that I can use without consulting my doctor?
Nasal decongestants such as Sudafed can be taken one tablet 3 times a day. Paracetamol tablet can be taken 3 mg 4-500 times a day. It is okay to use expectorant and cough suppressant syrups before going to bed during the day.

When should I call my doctor?
If the pregnancy is less than 12 weeks and greater than 38 weeks, if the fever rises above 38 degrees, if inflammatory sputum begins to appear, if you have sinusitis complaints such as severe headache and facial pain, if you have chest pain, severe sore throat or shortness of breath, inform your doctor.

Can I get the flu shot?
There is no indication that there is a risk of being vaccinated against the flu during pregnancy.