Edema

[Ginger]

Does anyone have edema? I actually have it in both breasts and my doctor said it's common although I have never heard of it before. I know it's common in feet and hands. My feet and hands swell sometimes but nothing too horrible. I'm 31 weeks now and can't wait to be done! HA HA

[preggers]

Hi Ginger,

Welcome to our website and podcasts! I am Royce's wife and we are 35 weeks now, due Aug. 24. I wish I could help you with the edema in your breasts but I have only heard of it in feet and hands. I just read somewhere that if edema is accompanied by protein in the urine and high blood pressure it could be a sign of preclampsia. I certainly don't mean to scare you. I assume that your dr. is on top of things with the urine checks at your appointments and blood pressure taken so you would know if you had either one of those things.

All the best to you Ginger,
Patti

[Ginger]

Hey Patti,
Nice to finally meet you (well sort of! ha ha) Yeah, my urine tests and BP is all good. I went from a C to a big DD and she said it's just fluid retention, I'm just concerned I'll have problems breastfeeding.
My doc doesn't seem alarmed so I'm not either, no need for any extra stress!
Glad to have joined, great work on the site!

~G

[Francie]

Drink water and reduce your salt and increase your proteins-
Hope that helps :)
Good Luck.
Francie

PS it could be also that your milk is tarting to come in- Are you sure about being 35 weeks?

[Ginger]

Oh I've had this edema for months and yep, I'm sure about my date, I'm actually 31 weeks. My doctor said she has seen this in other women - so I try not to worry. I've gone from a C cup to a DD cup though so maybe that has something to do with it too!

[tingzon72]

Edema is very common in breasts as it is in anything that hangs down (hands, feet, etc). You don't have to worry about the edema right now. When you have to worry about it is when you have copious amounts of IV fluids (like when you are induced or have an epidural). That is usually when it can present a problem with breastfeeding. Look up information in google or other breastfeeding websites about "Reverse Pressure Softening" by K. Jean Cotterman. This will get rid of the edema when it's time to feed, provided you do it at each feed. This also helps the milk going and flowing when your first engorgement comes in. I hope this helps.

Veronica Tingzon, IBCLC, RLC

[Ginger]

Thank you so much Veronica for easing my mind that it is common. I have such a fear of breast cancer and anytime you look online for breast issues it's always something to do with cancer!

I plan on using a lactation consultant so hopefully that will help.

Thanks again, I feel so much better already!

~Ginger

[douladawn]

Ginger,

There are two major reasons for Edema. First is that you may not be drinking enough water. Most pregnant mom's think they are drinking plenty, but are not even close. You should be shooting for a gallon of water a day. Having enough water prevents many issues during pregnancy, like preterm labor.

The other is protein. You should be eating 80 - 100 grams for protein a day at this point. That is a lot of protein! Protein drinks seem to be the best way to get a lot of protein. Nuts are alwasy great and anything dairy. Protein intake significantly reduces your chance of pre-eclampsia also.

Happy Birthing!
Doula Dawn