How to Reduce Swelling In Legs During Pregnancy?

“A baby fills a place in your heart that you never knew was empty”

Pregnancy is a wonderful experience for a woman. It comes with plenty of hormonal fluctuations in the body. One of these changes is swelling in the feet, the most common pregnancy symptom during the second and third trimesters. Swelling of the feet occurs later in pregnancy when the uterus and baby put more pressure on the legs and feet. This pressure can affect blood circulation and induce fluid retention, resulting in swollen legs. 

We’ll look at some of the techniques women could follow at home to reduce the swelling in the legs. We will also cover a few symptoms as to when it’s necessary to visit a doctor. We have listed below what causes swollen feet, the reasons for swollen feet, along with their remedies. 

Remedies To Reduce Leg Swelling During Pregnancy

1. Reduce Extra Salt

Feet swelling during pregnancy is very common, so it is recommended to limit salt intake to control the swelling in ankles from the very beginning as a precaution. Due to the additional fluid in their bodies during the third trimester, pregnant women might gain up to 20 kg. Avoid processed foods, which might include a lot of normal table salt, and instead go for whole foods, which contain unprocessed sea salt as well as all the essential nutrients you and your baby require!

2. Say No To Coffee

While a little caffeine during pregnancy isn’t detrimental (after all, a girl’s got to remain alert), too much caffeine isn’t good for the baby. It can be one of the reason for swelling in feet. Caffeine should be avoided since it is a diuretic. In pregnant women, this can easily lead to dehydration and water retention. 

3. Stay Hydrated

During pregnancy, drinking at least 8-10 glasses of water is necessary. One of the primary reasons for swollen feet is the pressure of the growing womb that causes the fluid build up in the legs. Drinking more water means taking more bathroom trips, but trust me, We promise that this will help you flush the toxins out and keep you hydrated.  

4. Relaxing Massage 

Make the most of the time you have. Allow your partner to give you a relaxing massage now and then. It’s a fantastic opportunity for your partner to participate in the pregnancy. Massaging the feet regularly will improve blood circulation in the legs, reducing swelling in the legs and feet. It is one of the most effective leg swelling treatment at home, and ankle swelling and pain will reduce with regular foot massages with essential oils. 

5. Exercise

Swimming, walking, and prenatal yoga are some of the gentle activities that can be done during pregnancy, along with your doctor’s advice to keep you happy. Staying active boosts mood increases blood circulation, reduces swelling, and helps you maintain a healthy weight. Swelling in legs and feet can improve considerably by staying active. Under your doctor’s supervision, following a simple regime of exercising for 30 minutes can bring down ankle swelling and pain and act as a leg swelling treatment at home. 

6. Prop Up Your Feet

Another reason for foot swelling is not taking enough breaks during the day. If you are a working woman with a desk job, it is essential to take at least a 10-minute break every hour and walk around the office corridors to reduce the symptoms of leg swelling. 

Even if you have ten things to do before the baby arrives, it is vital to take a break and go at your own pace. It’s important to stay calm and get adequate rest during the day. Elevating your feet for 20 minutes three to four times a day will help your swollen feet tremendously! Cushions can be used to raise your feet just above the level of your heart. This will allow blood and fluid to return to your heart, reducing swelling in your lower limbs. 

7. Wear Compression Socks

Novomed’s medical compression stockings’ pressure pulls fluid up the leg, allowing blood to flow easily from the legs to the heart. Not only can compression stockings enhance blood flow, but they also help to decrease swelling and discomfort. Compression stockings for pregnancy help by increasing blood circulation in your legs and reducing the appearance of swollen legs. 

8. Wear Comfortable Shoes

With so many physical changes, another annoyance is the shift in shoe size. Yes, your favorite shoes would no longer fit in the later stages of pregnancy. In addition to the swelling, your body’s ligaments (including those in your feet) stretch during pregnancy, causing your feet to alter their size. Some women’s feet revert to their pre-pregnancy size after delivery, but many women discover that their feet remain permanently a half-size bigger.

When to Visit A Doctor

Swelling in the legs and feet during pregnancy is a common symptom that occurs during later stages of pregnancy, and many of you pregnant ladies may relate. So, most of the time, swollen feet are the only evidence of your body’s tireless efforts to nurture that new life. 

But there can be many other reasons for swelling in ankles and legs; on the other hand, it might sometimes indicate a more serious issue.  Preeclampsia is one of these complications. This is a critically high blood pressure disease that can occur during pregnancy.

It’s always advisable to call your doctor or midwife if you’re not sure if your swelling is normal or if you have any concerns. They’re glad to help you in keeping you and your baby safe and healthy! 

Women should get in touch with their gynecologist if they notice any of the following symptoms of leg swelling:

• If one foot is more swollen than the other
• Sudden swelling in any other part of the body like the face, hands 
• Pain in the abdomen
• Headaches
• Dizziness

Takeaway 

So, what is the reason for leg swelling in pregnancy? We have discussed the leg swelling causes, leg swelling treatment, and remedies that pregnant women can find comforting during pregnancy and take care of themselves to enjoy the journey of motherhood. 

The remedies to reduce the swelling in the legs during pregnancy listed above will make you feel better, ladies. Wearing loose, comfortable clothing and avoiding standing for lengthy periods will help you increase blood circulation in your feet, reducing swelling in feet and ankles.