My feet and hands are swollen, what should I do?
Edema of the hands and feet are common in the third trimester of pregnancy. They are more likely to occur with prolonged standing or heat. But beware, if they increase suddenly, if they are accompanied by headaches, "floaters" in front of the eyes, ringing in the ears, nausea, vomiting, irritability and/or pain in the upper part of the stomach, consult your physician quickly as this could indicate a pregnancy-related disease, pre-eclampsia.
Practical advice:
- Cold showers from bottom to top
- Legs raised as soon as possible
- Compression stockings
- Rest
I have a headache, what should I do?
Headaches should not be accompanied by other symptoms, such as sudden increase in edema (swelling), "floaters" in front of the eyes, ringing in the ears, nausea, vomiting, irritability and/or pain in the upper part of the stomach.
If you experience several of these symptoms, consult your physician quickly as this could indicate a pregnancy-related disease: pre-eclampsia.
Practical advice if you are only experiencing a headache:
- Take two 500mg paracetamol tablets,
- Rest in a quiet, dark place and try to sleep on your side.
If this does not work, consult your physician.
