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 beautiful 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 leg swelling. We will also cover a few symptoms regarding when to visit a doctor. We have listed below what causes swollen feet, their reasons, and their remedies. 

Reduce Extra Salt

Feet swelling during pregnancy is very common, so limiting salt intake to control the swelling in ankles from the very beginning is recommended 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 regular table salt, and instead go for whole foods, which contain unprocessed sea salt and all the essential nutrients you and your baby require!

Say No To Coffee

While a bit of caffeine during pregnancy isn’t detrimental (a girl must remain alert), too much caffeine isn’t good for the baby. It can be one of the reasons 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. Stay Hydrated and Drinking at least 8-10 glasses of water is necessary during pregnancy. 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 this will help you flush the toxins out and keep you hydrated.  

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 treatments at home, and ankle swelling and pain will be reduced with regular foot massages with essential oils. 

Exercise

Swimming, walking, and prenatal yoga are some 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 the legs and feet can be improved considerably by staying active. Under your doctor’s supervision, following a simple exercise for 30 minutes can bring down ankle swelling and pain and act as a leg swelling treatment at home.

Prop Up Your Feet

Another reason for foot swelling is not taking enough daily breaks. If you are a working woman with a desk job, taking at least a 10-minute break every hour and walking around the office corridors to reduce the symptoms of leg swelling is essential. Even if you have ten things to do before the baby arrives, taking a break and going at your own pace is vital. It’s important to stay calm and get adequate rest during the day. Elevating your feet for 20 minutes three to four times daily 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. 

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. 

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 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; conversely, 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 typical or if you have any concerns. They’re glad to help keep 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 causes of leg swelling, 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 listed above to reduce the swelling in the legs during pregnancy

will make you feel better, ladies. Wearing loose, comfortable clothing and avoiding standing for lengthy periods will help you increase blood circulation, reducing swelling in your feet and ankles. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How Does Stress Affect Leg Swelling During Pregnancy?

During pregnancy, stress can increase leg swelling by causing the body to retain more fluid and by increasing blood pressure, both of which can lead to increased swelling in the legs. Additionally, stress might lead to reduced physical activity, further impairing circulation and increasing swelling. Managing stress is therefore important to help alleviate leg swelling during pregnancy.

Q2. Can A Warm Bath Or Foot Soak Help Reduce Leg Swelling During Pregnancy?

Yes, a warm bath or a foot soak can be beneficial to reduce leg swelling. In addition, a warm bath with Epsom salt can help reduce fatigue. Soaking your feet in water for 10-15 minutes can be great for relaxation too. However, it is essential to remember that the water should not be very hot.

Q3. How Long Does Leg Swelling Typically Last After Giving Birth?

Postpartum swelling is natural and very common. Usually, it takes one to two weeks for the swelling to resolve. However, the exact duration can vary depending on individual health factors, the nature of the delivery, and how quickly the body readjusts.

Q4. What Should I Do If I Experience Sudden Or Severe Leg Swelling During Pregnancy?

If you experience sudden or severe leg swelling during pregnancy, it’s important to contact your doctor immediately. This could be a sign of a serious condition such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or preeclampsia, especially if the swelling is accompanied by pain, redness, or is only in one leg. Your doctor can assess your symptoms, provide a diagnosis, and recommend appropriate treatment to ensure the health and safety of both you and your baby.

Q5. How Does Weight Gain During Pregnancy Affect Leg Swelling?

As the baby grows inside the uterus, it pushes and puts extra pressure on the lower body. This added pressure can reduce the blood flow in the legs, causing fluid build-up and swelling. The added weight can also put more strain on the legs, leading to fatigue and further increase swelling.