Swollen Feet During Pregnancy: How to Find Relief

Although swelling of the feet of a pregnant woman can occur at any time during pregnancy, usually this swelling is more visible in the fifth month and the swelling of the feet increases more in the last trimester. Apart from this, there are many reasons for swelling in the feet such as -

• Summer heat
• Standing for a long time
• Being physically active throughout the day
• Taking a low potassium diet
• Consuming caffeine in large quantities
• Taking sodium in large quantities

As mentioned above, swelling of the feet is normal in pregnancy. If there is swelling in any other part of the body along with the feet, especially in the face and hands, then do not delay in contacting the doctor.

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Swelling in the feet and heels due to edema is not harmful. Even if some women do not have swelling in their feet during pregnancy, it is not a matter of concern. About 1 in 4 women usually do not have the problem of swelling in the feet during pregnancy. During this time, it is important for you to get your BP and urine checked regularly. If these are at normal levels, then there is no need to worry. 

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• To reduce swelling of feet, pregnant women can try some important measures such as-
• Do not sit or stand in one place for a long time. If you are doing any work that requires standing for a long time, then it is better to take breaks every now and then. If you work while sitting for hours, then take a gap of 5-10 minutes every hour. Go for a walk for some time. You will get relief.
• Pregnant women should not sit with their legs hanging for hours. This also increases swelling. If possible, keep your legs raised on the chair or sit cross-legged on the chair. If it is not possible to do so, then keep a small stool under your feet so that your feet can get support.
• Do exercises to stretch your feet while sitting. For this, first straighten your legs. After this, stretch your toes. This way, your leg muscles will get relief. If you have been sitting for a long time, then move your toes in a circular motion while sitting at your place.
• Do light exercises during pregnancy. For example, do walking or swimming. Walking increases blood circulation in the body. It would be better to 
• consult an expert once before swimming. While swimming, due to water pressure, the fluid of the tissues moves towards the veins, which reaches the kidneys. Due to reaching the kidneys, you can expel this fluid through urine. As a result, the swelling of the feet reduces. Joining aerobic classes during pregnancy is also beneficial.
• Take care of your position while sleeping. Instead of lying on your back, lie on your right or left side. Experts advise pregnant women to sleep on their left side. Actually, sleeping on the left side keeps the kidneys healthy. As a result, the chances of swelling in the feet are reduced.
• Do not wear socks and stockings with tight elastic during pregnancy. Allow the blood to flow properly during these days. Obstructed blood flow can cause swelling.
• Wear light and comfortable shoes. Never wear high heels and tight-fitting shoes. This can cause problems to the feet. Wearing light and slightly loose shoes will make you feel comfortable during pregnancy.
• Like shoes, choose comfortable and loose clothes so that there is no obstruction in the blood flow to the feet. Stay away from tight tops and jeans for a few months.
• Women should drink a lot of water during pregnancy. This is also necessary to reduce swelling of the feet. Usually swelling in the feet occurs due to sodium and residual sodium can be removed with the help of water through urine. Therefore, drinking water is necessary.
• Salt is very useful for your health. But excess salt can spoil your health. Therefore, eat only as much salt or include as much salt in your diet as is necessary. Excess salt can increase swelling in your feet.
• Take a healthy diet to reduce swelling in the feet. Stay away from junk food. Keep in mind that you have to take care of not only your health but also your baby's health. Therefore, do not eat such foods at all which can spoil health. Also, it can increase swelling of the feet.
• Avoid going out of the house during pregnancy as much as possible. Especially in the afternoon of summer.
• Rest is the best solution in case of swelling in the feet. By taking rest, the swelling of the feet automatically reduces in a few days.
• Overall, do not worry too much about swelling of the feet during pregnancy. Swelling in the feet is normal. It does not even indicate any serious disease. Yes, swelling in the feet can cause discomfort to the pregnant woman. That is why I try the remedies mentioned here. Surely, you will get some relief from swelling of the feet.

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Swelling of the feet in pregnancy, called edema, is a common symptom. Its symptoms include feeling swollen or heaviness in the feet, ankles, and sometimes hands. This usually occurs in the later stages of pregnancy when the growing size of the uterus puts pressure on the veins in the legs, affecting blood flow.

Causes of swelling can include hormonal changes, accumulation of excess water in the body, and standing for long periods of time. Preventive measures include resting, keeping the legs elevated, drinking plenty of water, and wearing loose clothing. Additionally, regular light exercise and limited salt intake can also reduce swelling. If the swelling is severe or increases suddenly, it is important to consult a doctor.