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.
A woman with preeclampsia develops high blood pressure and usually protein in her urine, and she often has swelling (edema) of the legs, hands, face, or entire body. When preeclampsia becomes severe, it can cause dangerous complications for the mother and the fetus.
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.
Slight swelling is expected during pregnancy; however, if you experience sudden swelling in your hands and your face, it could be a sign of preeclampsia. It is important to contact your health care provider about any sudden swelling.
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). A sudden increase in swelling also might mean that your blood pressure is higher than normal.
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.
Preeclampsia, formerly called toxemia, is when pregnant women have high blood pressure, protein in their urine, and swelling in their legs, feet, and hands. It can range from mild to severe. It usually happens late in pregnancy, though it can come earlier or just after delivery.
In addition, hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause relaxation of one of the sphincters controlling the reflux of acid from the stomach. Swollen feet and ankles: Pressure from the enlarged uterus may slow down the blood flow of veins in the legs, leading to fluid buildup.
Extra water in fruits can reduce foot swelling by flushing out extra water. Other vegetables, like cucumber and asparagus, are natural directs that eliminate water in your body. Drinking lots of water will also help your foot and ankle mobility with less swelling.
Soak your feet in cool water, or put an ice pack on swollen areas. Elevate your legs. When you're sitting or lying down, elevate your legs on a pillow or footrest. Avoid crossing your legs.
Soaking your feet for 15 minutes will not only help reduce swelling, but could help ease aching feet, too. If you want a full on bath, add a full cup of Epsom salt to your bathtub—just make sure your bath water isn't too hot.
Soak your feet and ankles for 15 to 20 minutes in a cool bath filled with Epsom salt to relieve swelling-associated pain. If you have diabetic neuropathy in your feet, check the water with your hands first to avoid exposing your feet to extreme temperatures. Magnesium supplements.
Some tips that may help reduce swelling:
- Put your legs on pillows to raise them above your heart while lying down.
- Exercise your legs.
- Follow a low-salt diet, which may reduce fluid buildup and swelling.
- Wear support stockings (sold at most drugstores and medical supply stores).
Here are some natural remedies to reduce swelling:
- Soak your feet in cool water.
- drink plenty of water.
- Wear shoes that allow your feet to breathe and move freely.
- Rest with your legs elevated.
- Wear support stockings.
- Do a few minutes of walking and simple leg exercises.
7 Helpful Ways to Reduce Swollen Feet and Ankles
- Walk it Out.
- Drink Lots of Water.
- Sleep on Your Side.
- Enjoy Some Pool Time.
- Limit Your Salt.
- Wear Compression Socks.
- Elevate Your Feet.
Keep in mind: Although compression socks are designed for extended wear throughout the day, pregnant women aren't advised to wear them to bed.
How can I keep my feet healthy during pregnancy?
- Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly.
- Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot.
- Wear shoes with good arch support.
- Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet.
- Elevate feet if you experience swelling.
If your doctor suspects preeclampsia, you may need certain tests, including:
- Blood tests. Your doctor will order liver function tests, kidney function tests and also measure your platelets — the cells that help blood clot.
- Urine analysis.
- Fetal ultrasound.
- Nonstress test or biophysical profile.
Seek medical care right away if your legs swell for no apparent reason, especially if you have unexplained leg pain, difficulty breathing, chest pain or other warning signs of a blood clot in your lungs or a heart condition. Many factors — varying greatly in severity — can cause leg swelling.
