There are many things that you will have to endure as you prepare to welcome your bundle of joy into this world. One of the most common pregnancy ailments is that of having swollen feet or what experts refer to as edema. Although normal swelling of the feet does not pose any significant danger to you or your unborn baby, it is still very uncomfortable. Here are 7 natural remedies for swollen feet during pregnancy that will likely come in handy.
#1 Change Your Shoes
Wearing the wrong footwear during pregnancy can cause edema or make it worse. The extra weight that you get during pregnancy means that your feet will be under more pressure and so shoes that are uncomfortable or too tight can exacerbate the problem. Changing your footwear to something that is roomy enough, comfortable and supportive can help to reduce the swelling. Your pregnancy shoes should also have an outsole that can absorb shock when standing or walking.
#2 Drink Plenty of Water
Accumulation of fluids is the primary cause of swollen feet during pregnancy and so drinking a lot of water might not seem like a good idea. However, water is one of the best remedies that you can use to deal with edema. It helps by flushing out the toxins that cause the swelling. Also, dehydration can make your kidneys want to hold on to water and so drinking up enough fluids will cause them to get rid of the excess instead of accumulating fluid in the feet.
#3 Avoid Standing or Sitting for Long and Elevate Feet
During pregnancy, you will notice that the swelling tends to get worse when you remain standing or sit for many hours. Keeping your feet in the same position makes it hard for the fluids to drain and so you will end up getting swollen feet. To avoid this, you should make sure that you pace around for a few minutes at least every few hours. You may also want to try to keep your feet elevated as much as possible when you are sitting to allow your feet a break from gravity pushing the fluid and blood down into them.
#4 Use a Salt Soak & Massage Your Feet
An Epsom salt soak after a long and tiring day is always very relaxing and it can also help to reduce swelling in your feet during pregnancy. Epsom salt contains magnesium sulfate crystals which can enter the body quickly. This compound improves circulation and reduces the swelling. The salt soak can also relax tired and sore muscles. For the best results, you should mix a few tablespoons of the salt with warm water and soak the swollen feet for about 20 minutes repeated every day or at least three times a week.
If you can reach your feet, massage them before, during and after the soak as desired. If you can’t comfortably reach them (common problem in the 3rd trimester), ask a loved one to help or go to a professional massage therapist.
#5 Drink Lemon Water and Eat More Cucumbers
Lemon water is a useful remedy for swollen feet because it helps to flush out the excess fluids and toxins and reduces the swelling in the body due to water retention. Also, drinking lemon water will keep you hydrated which also helps with swelling. Cucumbers, on the other hand, contain silicon and sulfur which can stimulate the kidneys and make them more efficient in flushing out the excess water and toxins. You can add cucumber slices to your lemon water or eat them raw. Apple cider vinegar and dandelion tea consumed have also been proven to help lessen edema symptoms.
#6 Exercise Regularly
For general health reasons, it is important to remain active during pregnancy. Exercise can help with swollen feet. Moving the body will improve circulation and prevent a buildup of fluids. You can also do some yoga for the same benefits. However, before you start working out, you should find safe exercises for pregnancy (some common mistakes are listed here) and talk to your doctor.
#7 Use Compression Socks or Pregger’s Tights
Preggers tights are a fashionable way to sport a compression sock. These help to promote proper circulation in your legs and feet and prevent too much swelling.
Conclusion
Swollen feet during pregnancy are normal yet often uncomfortable. It is important to talk to your doctor if the swelling does not appear normal. Abnormal swelling can be a sign of preeclampsia so please be aware of that and seek out professional help if you have concerns. But for normal pregnancy swelling of feet, using the 7 natural remedies above will help.
Author Bio:
I am Regina, a mother of three and a blogger at momdiscuss.com. I love providing many useful tips and guides for all parents or to-be parents on pregnancy stages and baby care.
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