Swelling is caused by your body holding more water than usual when you’re pregnant. Throughout the day the extra water tends to gather in the lowest parts of the body, especially if the weather is hot or you have been standing a lot. The pressure of your growing womb can also affect the blood flow in your legs.
How can I reduce swelling in my feet during pregnancy?
How to get relief
- Reduce sodium intake. One way to reduce swelling during pregnancy is to limit your sodium (or salt) intake. …
- Increase potassium intake. …
- Reduce caffeine intake. …
- Drink more water. …
- Elevate your feet and rest. …
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing. …
- Stay cool. …
- Wear waist-high compression stockings.
Is walking good for swollen feet during pregnancy?
Any kind of exercise during pregnancy — even just getting up from your desk for a brisk walk to the water cooler — will help deflate your swollen feet by getting those pooled fluids flowing again. Swimming (or other water exercises) is an especially great choice to combat edema.
What does swollen feet mean during pregnancy?
During pregnancy, the extra fluid in the body and the pressure from the growing uterus can cause swelling (or “edema”) in the ankles and feet. The swelling tends to get worse as a woman’s due date nears, particularly near the end of the day and during hotter weather.
What can I eat to reduce swelling during pregnancy?
Try to eat more lean proteins like fish, poultry, turkey, or beef. You can also pair these proteins with lots of fresh or frozen vegetables. Increase your potassium by eating bananas, sweet potatoes, avocado, and kidney beans. Potassium helps to reduce swelling by keeping your body chemically balanced.
How much foot swelling is normal during pregnancy?
The Institute of Medicine recommends about 10 cups (2.4 liters) of fluids a day during pregnancy. Although mild foot and ankle swelling during pregnancy is normal, sudden swelling that is painful — especially if it’s in one leg only — could be an indication of a blood clot (deep vein thrombosis).
Is cold or hot water better for swollen feet?
Elevating the feet above the heart, drinking plenty of water, and reducing salt intake may all help minimize swelling. Soaking the feet in cold water can also relieve symptoms.
When should I go to the doctor for swelling during pregnancy?
Contact your midwife, doctor or hospital immediately if: swelling is there at the start of the day or doesn’t go down when you rest. your face or hands are swollen. the swelling is more than you have had before.
Is it normal to have swollen feet at 26 weeks pregnant?
The swelling, or edema, is from excess fluid that collects in your body tissues. It’s normal to have a certain amount of swelling during pregnancy, particularly in your ankles and feet, because you’re retaining more water. Changes in your blood chemistry also move fluid into your tissue.
How can I sleep with my feet elevated during pregnancy?
Rest: Make sure you rest your swollen feet by elevating them often to get the blood flowing again. Raise them 8-10 inches above the heart for 10-15 minutes at a time. Sleep on your side and avoid sleeping on your back to improve circulation.