Pregnancy is a beautiful phase in life with its own pros and cons.While the pros outnumber the cons, there are several discomforts associated with pregnancy that can take a toll on the pleasure of motherhood.Morning sickness, nausea, gas, backaches and swollen feet can bring you to tears.
In particular, swelling of the feet, also known as edema, can be a nightmare. Your shoes may not fit right and you may feel pain while walking.Edema in the feet can occur at any stage of pregnancy, but it can get severe during the third trimester. These fluids build up and lead to swelling in the ankles, legs and feet. As the baby grows, it exerts extra pressure on the veins, and the return of blood to the heart from the ankles and feet slows down. This causes fluids to pool up in the lower parts of the body. However, swelling can also appear on your face, fingers, neck and lower back.
* Enjoy Walking
Walking can help deal with swollen feet when you are pregnant. It can help relieve fluid retention in several ways.
First of all, there is continuous contracting and pumping of the leg muscles when you walk. This helps the extra fluid get squeezed out of your tissues. Secondly, the elevated heart rate increases the blood circulation in your legs, which helps flush the fluid out of your extremities.
* Elevate Your FeetKeeping your feet elevated can also help deal with swelling during pregnancy.
It helps maintain proper blood circulation, prevents the pooling of fluids in the feet and facilitates elimination of waste products.Prop your feet up on cushions or pillows when you sleep.If sitting, use an ottoman or stool and put your feet on it.
* Epsom Salt Foot SoakEpsom salt (magnesium sulfate) may not only help with swelling on the feet but also in dealing with muscle pain. Epsom salt draws out toxins and induces relaxation.
- Fill a small tub with lukewarm water.
- Add ½ cup of Epsom salt and stir it well.
- Feel free to add a couple drops of lavender, rose, rosemary or wintergreen essential oil.
- Soak your feet in this tub until the water goes cold.
- Repeat up to 3 times a week.
* Massage Your FeetMassage can be great for swollen feet and can also promote relaxation.
Massaging with gentle strokes creates pressure on the affected skin and muscle areas. This activates the lymphatic system and the fluid drains away naturally. A good massage can also help you relax and refresh your mood, which is quite essential for pregnant women. As massaging your feet on your own can be difficult during advanced pregnancy, you can ask someone to massage them for you.
* Monitor Your Salt IntakeHigh blood pressure can contribute to edema during pregnancy. To lower your blood pressure, you need to monitor your salt intake.Do not add too much salt to foods when cooking. Instead, use herbs and spices to add flavor to your dish.Avoid processed foods, fast food and sports drinks, which are high in sodium even if they don’t taste salty.