Swelling of Feet and Solutions During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, the body changes rapidly and this can become an uncomfortable situation. Although the pregnancy process is a fascinating period for most women, the complaints during this period may overshadow the magic of this period. One of the ailments many women experience is swelling of the feet. This article provides information about why feet may swell during pregnancy, how to recognize this, when to see a doctor, and some simple remedies that can help.

Causes of Foot Swelling During Pregnancy

Complaints of swelling of the feet during pregnancy usually occur in later periods. In other words, even if this problem occurs in the early stages of pregnancy, swelling is seen later in the discomfort period. Yak swelling seen in periods is usually at the following levels:

• First trimester: Rapidly increasing levels of progesterone hormone literally slow down digestion. This can cause abdominal bloating long before the baby has visible improvement. She may notice some swelling on the mother’s hands, feet, or face, but not much. If you notice a lot of swelling at this early stage, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as dizziness, headache or bleeding, it is recommended to consult a doctor.

• Second trimester: The second trimester begins at the 13th week of pregnancy. Swelling of the feet begins to be noticed in the fifth month of pregnancy, but this swelling is not unusual, especially in those who stand up a lot or if the weather is hot. This swelling is due to the increased blood and fluid volume in the body. Blood volume increases by about 50 percent, and this is paired with retention of too much hormonal fluid throughout pregnancy. If the mother stops wearing her rings and chooses her shoes comfortably, this will provide relief and help prepare her for the birth.

• Third trimester: Starting from the 28th week of pregnancy, the third trimester is the period when feet are most swollen. Especially as the weeks pass and the 40th week is approaching, it is likely that the toes will look very much like small sausages. During this period, the body continues to build up the blood and fluid supply that can contribute to swelling. The baby in the womb gets heavier as it grows, which can slow blood flow from the legs to the heart.

Other factors that can contribute to swelling of the feet include:

• Hot weather
• Dietary imbalances
• Caffeine intake
• not drinking enough water
• Stay up for a long time

When to See a Doctor When Feet Are Swollen During Pregnancy?

Swollen feet are a very normal part of pregnancy, but most expectant mothers have this problem. So most of the time, swollen feet are a symptom of a baby’s development. However, sometimes swelling of the feet can be a symptom of a serious health problem. One of these problems is called preeclampsia, and preeclampsia is the cause of dangerously high blood pressure that can occur during pregnancy. However, if one of the following symptoms is noticed, it may be necessary to see a doctor:

• Sudden swelling of the hands, feet, face, or around the eyes
• Strikingly worsening swelling
• Dizziness or blurred vision
• Severe headache
• Confusion, confusion

Difficulty breathing

If he notices pain, redness, or swelling with heat in only one leg, it could mean that he has a deep vein thrombosis or DVT. DVT is a blood clot usually found in the legs. If these symptoms are noticed, it is important to consult a doctor because pregnant women are more likely to get blood clots than the average person. If you are not sure whether the swelling of the feet is normal or if there is any concern, it is always best to call the doctor. This attitude helps the mother and her baby to be kept safe and healthy.

Solutions for Foot Swelling During Pregnancy

Swelling in the feet can be an uncomfortable situation, whether it is painful or not. Fortunately, there are several simple ways to relieve symptoms during pregnancy, and these can include snacks, a cold drink, swimming, massage, and possibly shoe shopping. Solutions to reduce foot swelling complaints can be listed as follows:

Reducing Sodium Intake

One way to reduce swelling during pregnancy is to reduce the intake of sodium, or salt. Salt allows the body to hold on to extra water. Try to avoid canned or processed foods because they are particularly high in sodium. Also, try not to add extra table salt to the meal. Using salty herbs such as rosemary and thyme is an easy way to add flavor to dishes without salt.

Increasing Potassium Intake

Insufficient intake of potassium can increase the amount of fluid the body holds and worsen the swelling in the feet. Prenatal vitamins need to contain extra potassium, but it’s also important to eat good dietary sources of potassium. Some of the foods rich in potassium include:

• Potatoes with skin
• Sweet potatoes (also in shell)
• Banana
• Spinach
• Beans, some fruit juices (especially prunes, pomegranates, oranges, carrots and passion fruit)
• Yoghurt
• Beet
• Salmon
• Lentil

Reducing Caffeine Intake

While occasional caffeine is not harmful during pregnancy, drinking too much caffeine is not good for the baby. It can also make the swelling worse. Caffeine is a diuretic and causes more urination, which causes the body to think it needs to retain fluid. Instead, try to consume decaffeinated coffee with milk or herbal tea such as peppermint to help give you some energy boost.

Increasing Water Consumption

As strange as it may sound to drink more water to prevent swelling, it actually works. Given that the body is dehydrated, it will hold even more fluid to try to compensate. Therefore, try to drink at least 10 glasses of water each day to ensure that the kidneys expel bad things and the body takes in a healthy way. If drinking that much water seems too much, water should be taken by purchasing a cute cup to refill or a giant water bottle that needs to be filled only a few times a day. It is possible to flavor it with lemon, mint or strawberry to make it more enjoyable to drink.

Raising the Level of the Feet and Relaxing

Although there are millions of things to do before the baby arrives, try to sit down and raise the feet whenever possible. While sitting all the time is not great for blood circulation, standing up all the time is also difficult for a pregnant body. Sitting with the feet high for some time (especially at the end of the day) can help drain the fluid that accumulates in the legs throughout the day.

Wearing Loose and Comfortable Clothes

Wearing tight clothing, especially around the wrists, waist, and ankles, can worsen the swelling. Basically, it prevents blood from circulating easily. Try to wear loose, comfortable clothing or at least avoid tight elastic bands. Maternity maxi dresses in summer, draped joggers or sweaters in winter can be both cute and comfortable.

Trying to stay cool

Especially during pregnancy in the hot summer months, staying home in the heat of the day and avoiding vigorous exercise can help to stay cool and reduce swelling. You can also wear cool clothing, apply cold compresses to the feet, or have a fan nearby.

Wearing Varicose Stockings

If there is a lot of swelling in the feet or if standing is required most of the time, compression stockings up to the waist can be worn. These socks gently squeeze the feet and legs to maintain blood circulation. Try to avoid knee-high compression stockings, as they can be very tight in the middle of the leg and actually worsen swelling.

Walking regularly

Even a 5-10 minute walk several times a day can help improve blood circulation, which helps reduce swelling. It is also beneficial for pregnancy.

Wearing Comfortable Shoes

Even for those who love to wear high heels and are comfortable, it is recommended to wear flat shoes later in pregnancy. Wearing comfortable (even orthotic), well-fitting shoes is key to reducing foot swelling, as well as preventing hip and back problems that can occur as your center of gravity changes and weight increases. In addition to swelling, the ligaments in the body are stretched during pregnancy and the size of the feet changes. Some women’s foot sizes go back to pre-pregnancy, but many remain half a size larger. It can be annoying if something else changes or some of the shoes no longer fit, but this can be considered a good opportunity for shopping.

To swim

There are no studies proving that water pressure reduces swelling during pregnancy, but many women get rid of swelling when they spend time in the pool. Standing or swimming should be attempted in a pool where the water depth is almost as deep as the neck. At least the person will feel lighter, cooler, and have some exercise. It can also be observed that swimming makes the feet and legs less swollen.

Getting a massage

One of the most effective ways to get the partner involved in the pregnancy process is to ask for a massage. Massage helps to get rid of the edema accumulated in the feet and reduces swelling. Therefore, by purchasing a water bottle, the feet should be raised and the partner should be asked to gently massage the feet and legs. Adding some peppermint or lavender essential oil can make the massage even more relaxing. If the date of birth is near, it should be avoided to apply firm pressure to some acupuncture points associated with uterine contractions.

Sleeping on the Left Side

Sleeping on the left side when possible can improve blood flow, which reduces swelling of the feet. Lying on the left side reduces the pressure of the uterus from the inferior vena cava, the large blood vessel that returns blood to the heart.

Swollen feet are a very common side effect of pregnancy. Swelling is caused by decreased circulation as well as increased fluid volume in the body. If you experience sudden or severe swelling, it is important to see a doctor, as this could be a sign of something more serious. However, some swelling is absolutely normal. Regular light exercises, resting, drinking plenty of water and paying attention to a balanced diet are effective in preventing foot swelling.