Feet swollen during pregnancy? Did you look down and discover your toes looked like large sausages? Are you pregnant for the first time and unsure of how to manage your swollen feet during pregnancy? Having swollen feet and ankles in pregnancy is a common yet typical problem, especially during the last trimester.
After being on my feet for several hours working as a nurse, my feet were unrecognizable. My black and floral clogs felt snug, and my white socks felt like it was cutting off my circulation with every step.
I couldn’t take it, and I knew it would not end until delivery. But I knew I had to figure out how to manage the swelling in my feet until then. That’s when I discovered a few easy natural home remedies to reduce swollen feet in pregnancy.
Why do I have swollen feet in pregnancy?
Well, the fact of the matter is your growing a baby. During pregnancy, your body is retaining fluid to help nurture your baby. The pressure of the uterus on your pelvic veins causes the accumulation of this retained fluid within the tissues. As a result, you have a dreadful “kankles”.
Is having my feet swollen during pregnancy bad?
While it’s not the most exciting thing about pregnancy, swollen feet are normal and harmless. Some women don’t even get to experience this pregnancy phenomenon. Aren’t they the lucky ones?
However, if you have facial swelling or swelling in your hands and feet overnight, then contact your provider immediately. This could be a sign of Preeclampsia, especially if it accompanies, blurred vision, abdominal pains, rapid weight gain, elevated blood pressure.)
When do you get swollen feet in pregnancy?
Swollen feet can be noticed as early as five months into a pregnancy. Thus, increasing right up until birth, worsening in the last trimester. You may see swelling is worse at the end of a long day after being on your feet. Eventually, appearing better in the morning.
How to reduce swelling during pregnancy?
Here are a few natural home remedies for swollen feet during pregnancy. These will help reduce the discomfort associated with swollen feet and ankles.
Elevate your feet
One of the most effective home remedies for swollen feet during pregnancy is elevation. Elevating your feet will decrease the swelling and decrease fluid stagnation in your lower extremities. In other words, elevating your feet helps the fluid move toward the heart, creating better circulation throughout the body.
You’ve worked so hard today. Take some time to put your feet up, rest, watch Netflix, and chill. For the most part, elevating your feet helps the fluid move toward the heart, creating better circulation throughout the body.
Sleep on your left side
Finding the best sleeping position in pregnancy is challenging as the trimesters continue. You may have even noticed an increase in dizziness and shortness of breath when you lay on your back.
Try laying on your left side. Laying on your left side releases your inferior vena cava from the significant pressure from your uterus. Thus, improving blood flow and reducing swelling.
Wear compression socks
Another great way to cut down on feet and ankle swelling in pregnancy is by wearing compression socks. Having compression socks was a gamechanger for me.
As I’ve mentioned, I’m a Nurse, so I’m on my feet all day. I’d go home to extremely swollen feet, and at the end of the day, my feet felt like they were truly, not my feet. They were a hot mess. I felt like I was sporting someone else’s body. A coworker grabbed me a pair of compression socks, and it was a game-changer.
I love compression socks, and I would highly recommend them. I invested in two different brands, and they both worked great. Besides, I even went on a babymoon to Spain, using them, and they were definitely worth the price.
Stay hydrated
This is a no brainer. It would be best if you stay hydrated, even though you’re experiencing swollen feet and ankles.
Eat healthy and balanced meals
Eating balanced meals and getting your essential nutrients will aid your body in being successful at processing the extra fluid. For the most part, try eating more whole foods.
Reduce your salt intake
I know you’re probably craving those salty chips that you have been eyeing for days in the cupboard, but try to resist eating it. This isn’t the best time to binge on over-processed items. So yes, avoid processed snacks; they are full of salt and sugar.
Epsom salt foot soaks
Soak your foot in Epsom salt foot for 15-20 minutes. Epsom Salt helps to reduce toxins and inflammation. You can also add three drops of an essential oil like lavender or lemon.
Keep circulation going
Try to avoid standing or sitting in one place for an extended period. We don’t want your circulation to remain stagnant and fluid to settle in your feet.
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Try a massage for swollen feet in pregnancy
Try having your husband, partner, or massage therapist give you a relaxing prenatal massage with essential oils. This is my most favorite way to help reduce edema in feet and ankles and improve circulation. You can use lavender or geranium oil.
It would be best if you did a 1% dilution with your favorite carrier oil first. So three drops of essential oil per 2 tsp of carrier oil. If you have a preferred essential oil in mind, be sure to check to see if your desired essential oil and carrier oil is okay to use during pregnancy.
Lastly, make sure to be careful about the firmness on specific acupressure points such as those near the ankles. We don’t want to give you uterine contractions unless you’re naturally trying to induce your labor!
Try some tea
Some herbalists recommend drinking dandelion tea. Dandelion tea is known to be a gentle diuretic that helps reduce pregnancy-related water retention.
Feet swollen during pregnancy? then stay active
Walk every day and do simple stretching exercises to increase your mobility. This will help reduce the accumulation of fluid in the lower legs, ankles, and feet.
Hold the coffee please
Caffeine causes your body to get rid of the fluid, but it also causes your body to think that it needs more fluid. Therefore, increasing your retention of excess fluid.
I know how much you love your caffeine. But too much caffeine is not suitable for your baby. Some pregnant moms can’t go a day with a cuppa. Yea, I might be a bit extreme, but I reduced my caffeine intake drastically during my pregnancies.
In fact, I don’t think I consumed any caffeine during my last pregnancy. Surprisingly, I stopped drinking my beloved Chai Tea Latte because it had caffeine in it. I wanted a natural pregnancy as much as possible, free of crap and unnecessary things. Hence, that’s why I own a natural lifestyle blog.
Conclusion
Swollen Feet is a prevalent yet normal pregnancy problem in the later months. Having ways to manage it can be beneficial in coping with it. These natural home remedies should provide relief for dealing with and surviving swollen feet in pregnancy.
Remember to always check in with your doctor about your swelling before doing or trying any home remedies for swollen feet during pregnancy.
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