Manage swollen feet during pregnancy
Swollen legs, ankles and feet are a common symptom of pregnancy. Swollen feet during pregnancy are a common discomfort due to weight gain and water retention typical of the last months of pregnancy. Your body adapts and changes in many ways during a pregnancy. This annoying phenomenon is most often a normal symptom of pregnancy.
Why do I have swollen feet during my pregnancy ?
You may find that your feet are swollen as early as the fifth month. This phenomenon can continue until quite late in your pregnancy. Hormones can also have a connection with your swollen feet. Relaxin, a hormone potentially responsible for relaxing your pelvic ligaments for childbirth, can indeed also relax those of the feet.
The bones of your feet then tend to spread out, which is added to the list of aches and pains you may experience during your pregnancy. Weight gain related to your pregnancy can also give you swollen feet.
When do I need to see my health care professional ?
Consult your healthcare professional if you notice any of the above symptoms or notice swelling. Consult your healthcare professional immediately if your face or hands suddenly swell during your pregnancy.
What to do to have less swollen feet during my pregnancy ?
There is no miracle treatment for physiological edema, but small preventive gestures, similar to those indicated in the case of "heavy legs", allow to limit its occurrence. In low doses, caffeine is not dangerous during pregnancy. Nevertheless, it can cause fluid retention. Find out what foods to avoid during pregnancy.
A low protein diet can create a risk of fluid retention. Too tight clothing can interfere with your blood circulation and increase the risk of fluid retention. Take a foot bath with cold water or apply a pouch of ice to the swollen parts. Raise your legs.
If you are lying or sitting, raise your legs with a cushion or footrest. Avoid crossing your legs. Eventually buy new shoes that are wider and better padded to less strain your swollen feet during your pregnancy. Low-toned activities can decrease fluid retention.
Before starting any new physical activity during your pregnancy, consult your health care professional. Protect your legs and feet. Of course, having swollen feet is an unpleasant side effect of pregnancy, but keep in mind that your feet will return as before after the birth of your baby, and you will feel that it was all worth it.
These are very good tips for present pregnant women and all future mothers. Maybe they start panic, when they see these changes on the body, but there is no need for that. It is natural process, and if woman feels some other symptoms, she need to call her doctor. Thank you for this.