Foot swelling during pregnancy
Swelling during and after pregnancy, also known as edema, can be very normal, although it can be quite uncomfortable. According to Healthline, about three-quarters of pregnant women are affected by edema. They would usually experience it from the 22nd week of pregnancy, depending on what the major cause is. For others, it can happen as soon as the first trimester.
One of the major causes of edema is water retention. Pregnant women’s bodies retain a lot of water that causes them to swell either on their face or their legs and feet. According to Medical News Today, pregnant women produce 50% more water than normal.
For first and second trimester mothers, increasing hormones and the hot weather contribute to puffy feet.
How to get some relief?
In simple English, eat less salt and eat more potassium-rich foods including:
Your body is already retaining water when you are pregnant, and salt does the same thing. So eating a lot of salt become counterproductive.
This may sound as counterproductive as eating salt, but “dehydration makes the body hold on to extra water” according to Medical News Today.
Healthline encourages pregnant women to get their circulation going by walking for at least 5-10 minutes a day. This will decrease the swelling significantly.
To improve more circulation, you can elevate your feet. Not only do fluids rush to the feet when standing, but you are also exerting weight on your legs, which may increase your swelling.
So kick your feet up and relax after that walk.
According to Healthline “wearing tight clothing, especially around your wrists, waist, and ankles, can make swelling worse”. To encourage more circulation and less swelling, ensure that the clothes you wear are loose and comfortable.
For more news your way, download The Citizen’s app for iOS and Android.
Download our app and read this and other great stories on the move. Available for Android and iOS.
