Water retention is the abnormal accumulation of fluids in body tissues, which is more common in women during menstruation or pregnancy. Although it is not normally a health risk, water retention can be quite uncomfortable for the person, as it is often noticed by swelling that can appear on the face, legs and back.
However, the onset of water retention may be a sign of disease and it is therefore important that the person consults the family doctor so that the tests can be performed and the cause of the retention is identified, with specific treatment indicated.
- Water retention can be perceived by swelling of one or more parts of the body.
- Being more common in the face.
- Stomach.
- Legs.
- Arms and back.
- In addition.
- It is common for water retention to decrease the amount of urine produced and released per day.
One way to know that this is a fluid retention is to press the swollen stain for about 30 seconds, if the area is marked, is an indication that there is a buildup of fluids in the stain. Water retention is very common in women during menstruation and is noticeable by increasing abdominal volume. However, as the menstrual cycle passes, the woman removes excess fluid accumulated naturally.
Although this is common during menstruation and pregnancy, water retention can occur due to other factors such as:
If water retention is accompanied by other symptoms such as impaired heart rate, hair loss, and excessive weakness, for example, it is important to consult your doctor to identify the cause and start treatment.
Water retention during pregnancy is a normal symptom, as during pregnancy there is an increase in the production of the hormone relaxin, which causes the dilation of the blood vessels and causes swelling of the legs and ankles, mainly.
In fact, when blood reaches the legs, it cannot return to the heart so easily, which stimulates fluid buildup in the space between the cells, causing swelling.
Thus, to avoid water retention during pregnancy, women need to rest a lot during the day, exercise regularly with their legs and lift them at night.
To avoid water retention, it is important that the person adopt certain habits such as drinking at least 2 liters of water a day, exercising regularly, reducing the amount of salt consumed daily, lifting their legs at the end of the day. and avoid standing or sitting for a long time. Learn how to stop water retention.
In addition, one way to promote the removal of accumulated fluid is to perform lymphatic drainage, which is a type of massage that favors the conduction of accumulated fluids into the lymph vessels, helping to deflate.
See more tips for combating water retention in the video below: