With pregnancy, a woman experiences significant physical and emotional changes. The body experiences various physical transformations during the nine-month period of the pregnancy. These changes include either the enlargement of the breasts, expanding belly, swollen feet, or weight gain. And all these changes tend to bring out stretch marks on the skin.
Among mostly discussed issues about women’s bodies during pregnancy, the swollen feet problems often take a back seat. It’s not such an issue to ignore as it worsens when the delivery date comes near, at the end of a busy day, and during warmer weather. Whenever women’s feet got swollen, they need support during moving. Several treatment options have already come to light so that pregnant women dealing with swollen feet can comfortably go through these nine months.
How Is It Caused?
Medically referred to as Pedal edema, swelling of the foot happens when fluid gathers in your lower legs. Such conditions happen because of the growing uterus and tend to affect blood flow and increase blood pressure. Pedal Edema occurs among pregnant women due to grown capillary filtration and protein-poor fluid preservation from the venous system into the interstitial space. Capillaries are tiny blood vessels that convey oxygen and nutrients to individual cells everywhere in the body. This generally occurs during the third trimester of pregnancy.
When to seek professionals’ help
Swelling of the foot is normal in pregnancy. In many cases, it is one of the many consequences of the growing uterus. But swelling with pain, redness, and heat may indicate deep venous thrombosis. Therefore, if you are dealing with excessive pain, redness, or blood clots than normal, immediately seek a doctor’s guidance. You also need professionals’ help if you have a severe headache, swollen hand, eyes, and face. If the pain you are facing is not regular, don’t forget to talk to your doctor.
How to treat yourself when you have swollen feet problem
Maintaining a healthy habit can lessen swollen foot problems. Doctors also suggest the following habits to uphold strictly.
- Drink plenty of water
Drinking plenty of water prevents swelling. A dehydrated body holds more fluid to try to counterbalance that intensifies swelling.
Consuming at least 10 glasses of water every day flushes out the bad stuff from the kidney and keeps the body hydrated for long. You can also add lemon and mint to make the drink tasteful.
- Increase the consumption of foods that contain potassium
Consume foods that contain potassium as it helps your body to balance the fluids it holds on. Potatoes with skin, spinach, salmon, banana, yogurt, beet, beans, orange, carrot, pomegranate, etc., contain higher potassium levels.
- Reduce the consumption of sodium and caffeine
Intaking excess sodium increases blood pressure, and caffeine holds excess fluid in the body. It worsens the swelling problems. So, try to reduce these ingredients from your daily food menu. Excess consumption of salt also holds more fluid. You need to put less salt on food. Use oregano and rosemary to make your food tasteful.
- Elevate your feet and take a rest.
Sitting or resting all the time is not good for blood circulation. As well, standing nonstop is not permissible. Whenever you sit, try to elevate your feet for a little while. Elevating your feet help to drain the fluid merged in your legs during the daylong activities.
- Wear comfortable clothes and shoes
Clothes with tight elastic bands or extremely fitted clothes can make swelling worse. It interrupts easy blood circulation. On the other side, loose-fitting clothes make you more comfortable, ensure normal blood circulation. We are not saying to compromise you with style. Several maternity maxi dresses are stylish and comfy for summer. You may also choose joggers, flowy cardigans, or sweaters to slay in the winter.
Athletic walking shoes, loafers, big buckle side sandal, Ballet shoes are some options you may choose on pregnancy days to reduce foot swelling. Wearing comfortable shoes also prevent hip and back problems due to your increased weight.
- Everyday walking may help.
Being pregnant, do not stress yourself with a long time walking routine. Instead, stick to a five to ten minutes walk a couple of times within a day. It helps in better blood circulation, improves your mood, and most importantly, reduces feet swelling.
Swollen feet are common throughout the pregnancy period. But taking a professional’s help and maintaining some healthy habit, you will triumph over the pain you are bearing. In case you are suffering from sleep deprivation, you may follow this article to sleep well.
