Swelling during pregnancy is normal, but it can feel uncomfortable and achy. We’re here to tell you what things you can do to relieve the symptoms and ease that restless discomfort.
6 Ways To Deal With Swollen Feet During Pregnancy
Pregnancy swelling doesn’t always go away after childbirth. Sometimes, your feet swell during the postpartum period as well. No worries, mama, we got you!
1: Regular Exercise
Regular gentle exercising, like swimming or walking, increases our circulation, which can help shift and ease swelling. There are specific exercises that target swelling.
Once the third trimester hits, it isn’t recommended that you spend extended periods on your back. The weight of the uterus can compress the inferior vena cava (a large vein), which can negatively impact your baby’s health.
2: Reduce Your Salt Intake
Foods that are high in salt should be avoided in general, but especially during pregnancy. Our body’s natural response to too much salt is to hold in or retain water. Water retention can cause puffiness and swelling. Instead, try to fill your regular diet with fresh fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and proteins.
3: Wearing Compression Socks
Compression socks or stockings place a light compression on our legs, which encourages circulation and fluid movement. Compression socks are usually only ankle-high, while the stockings go all the way up to the hip, compressing the entire leg.
Look for socks or stockings with a level of pressure of about 15 to 20mmHg to relieve swelling and aching. Be mindful that the band at the top of the socks isn’t too tight because it can block your blood return, proving counterproductive.
4: Hydration
Pregnant women should drink between 8 and 12 cups of water daily. While it might seem counterintuitive to drink more water when you’re already struggling with water retention, it’s an essential part of resolving the issue because our body will also retain water when it’s not getting the amount it needs.
5: Elevate Your Tootsies
Put your feet up, mama! Elevating your legs above the level of your heart periodically throughout the day will encourage the fluids and your blood to flow back to your heart, easing the swelling.
6: Epsom Salt Baths
Epsom salt or magnesium sulfate draws toxins out of our body and reduces inflammation. Not only can an Epsom salt soak ease body swelling, but it can also relieve muscle tension in our legs. All you need is about 15 minutes of a steamy soak. Shoot for the water temperature to be around 100 or below to avoid raising your body temperature, particularly during your first trimester.
You have a special bundle of joy growing inside your belly, or maybe they’ve already seen their welcoming into the world. Your body will go through various ups and downs, but there are ways to handle the achy discomfort in many cases.
Take your time, put your feet up, soak your body, and allow yourself to relax as often as possible. After all, your body and emotions are likely going through a lot.
