It’s obvious that you might be enjoying the joy of your upcoming baby and going through some different changes in the beautiful time of pregnancy. Still, when you enter the fifth month, your body may show some significant differences, which may gradually increase till your third trimester.
When these changes happen, you may notice swelling in the feet and ankles. While having Swollen feet during pregnancy is normal, it can get troublesome for many pregnant women. The extra fluid in the body and the increasing pressure on the uterus causes swelling in your ankles and feet.
While having mild swelling is common for many pregnant women, having swelling in your face and hands can indicate preeclampsia. Preeclampsia refers to high blood pressure during pregnancy. Because these swollen feet can be painful and uncomfortable, here are a few tips that can help you ease the symptoms:
1. Make sure that you avoid standing for a long time
It is recommended that you avoid standing for an extended period when you are pregnant. This puts more pressure on your feet and makes you feel uncomfortable. Try to lay down and relax, and sit in a comfortable position that makes you feel good. Make sure that you occasionally rotate each foot to stretch your muscles.
2. Wear Compression Socks
Wearing compression socks during pregnancy is the easiest and most effective way to improve blood flow and mitigate the chances of clots. It would be best to switch to compression socks because they pressure your legs and move some of the excess fluid back into your blood vessels and the rest of your body.
3. Reduce sodium intake
Reducing your salt intake during pregnancy can help you control the swelling. You should avoid eating canned or processed food since these are high in sodium, and it is also necessary that you avoid putting extra salt in your food.
4. Increase potassium intake
Potassium is an essential mineral needed by all tissues in the body, and it is found in multiple foods that we consume in our daily lives. Not getting enough potassium can make your swelling worse, and hence it is recommended that you eat these foods:
● bananas
● spinach
● potatoes and sweet potatoes with their skin on
● oranges
● carrot
● pomegranate
● yoghurt
● Salmon
● lentils
5. Immerse your feet and ankles in cool water
As the title suggests, dipping your feet in cool water for at least 30 mins can help you to reduce your swelling. Make sure you do this multiple times a week to minimize your swelling, and you’ll see the results in no time. You can use a bathtub, a large bowl or a swimming pool to do this.
6. Wear comfortable shoes
The last thing you want to do is step out wearing tight or uncomfortable shoes while you are having swelling because that’ll make your feet hurt more. Hence, it is recommended that you avoid wearing heels or tight shoes that can cause damage to your feet. Switch to shoes that come with mesh, so your feet get enough space to breathe, and they can help you to reduce your swelling.
When should you see a doctor?
While these home remedies to decrease swelling may work in some cases, sudden swelling in the feet, hands, and face should be evaluated with or without other symptoms. Seek medical care if you experience any of the following symptoms with swelling:
● Regular Headaches
● A feeling of flashing lights in your eyes
● Vomits in the later trimesters
● Swelling in your one leg
● Tender, red, or warm calf muscles on one leg
● Shortness of breath
● Swollen face and hands
Conclusion:
Having swelling during your pregnancy is normal for most women. You should do everything you can to lessen its impact on your body and seek medical attention if the condition worsens.
Rory is the R&D Director and passionate entrepreneur, fascinated by the workings of the human body and natural solutions for common health problems. He’s single-minded in his aim to make Copper Defence a brand that’s recognized across the globe, by partnering with global brands to make these high-tech materials easily accessible for everyone. If you’d like to get in touch, email Rory at [email protected] or visit copperclothing.com for copper-infused clothing, pet accessories, and more.
