Swelling, or edema, is common during pregnancy. It's estimated that about 75% of women will experience swelling around the legs and ankles at some point during pregnancy. It occurs due to excessive accumulation of the fluids.
At the end of the day after standing for a long time, or when the weather is warm, some swelling of the feet occurs. You may notice that your feet feel tight, your shoes don't fit, or just a general puffiness. Most women report that swelling subsides after a good night's rest, or several hours lying down.
When swelling is found all over the body it appears very serious. One should report this type of swelling to your midwife or doctor immediately. You should also report swelling that does not go away after many hours of rest. The swelling late in pregnancy is usually mild and limited to the ankles and legs.
The amount of blood in body increases about 40 percent during pregnancy. Body holds water naturally. Your heart needs to work harder to circulate this extra fluid. For about one out of three women, swelling of the hands and feet occurs during the last three months of pregnancy and is often greater during hot weather. Some swelling or puffiness is not unusual or serious, but it can be uncomfortable.
In the second and third trimesters, swelling in your legs and feet is a normal part of pregnancy. Fluids get "stuck" in these areas because more weight is pressing on them while at the same time your blood circulation has slowed down. Swelling usually appears in the second trimester, and can be lessened if you keep your legs raised for part of each day. You cannot avoid swelling by drinking less fluid or taking less salt.
- Boil some corn silk in a few cups of water and drink.
- Boil a few tablespoons of coriander seed in two cups of water. Reduce to a cup and drink twice a day for three days. This is very useful home remedy for foot swelling..
- Don't wear elastic topped socks or knee-hi pantyhose.
- Wear comfortable shoes. Slip on types work best.
- Put your feet up when possible.
- If you stand at work, try to move around slightly or get a stool to prop a foot up.
- Eat foods high in protein, such as beans, cheese, fish, meat, poultry and tofu.
- Do not stand for long time.
- Prepare a drink by adding the fresh juice of a lemon in a cup of warm water and drink to help decrease fluid retention. This is one of the important home remedies for foot swelling.
- Rest two or three times a day with your legs elevated higher than your heart. Lie down with pillows under your calves and feet or on your left side.
- Avoid wearing tight clothing such as pants, leotards and knee-high stockings. Varicose veins may be associated with swelling.
- Exercise is very important for reducing swelling. Exercise regularly by walking or swimming helps to remove the swelling.
- Avoid sitting with your legs crossed. Use a footstool when sitting and perform ankle circles whenever possible.
- Boil two cups of water with a teaspoon palm sugar and two teaspoons fennel seed. Reduce to a cup and drink thrice daily. This is one of the useful home remedies for foot swelling during pregnancy
- Your fingers, feet, and ankles may swell later in pregnancy. Lying down 2 or 3 times a day and raising your legs above your heart for 10 or 15 minutes will reduce the swelling.
- Lie on your left side while sleeping. In this position the blood flow is better from your legs back to your heart; and this helps prevent swelling. One of the useful home remedies for foot swelling during pregnancy.
- Reduce salt in the diet. This also helps to prevent swelling of the feet Even though you are retaining water, continue to drink plenty of liquids.
- You may want to wear elastic support stockings. They will help your legs feel better.
References
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Planning Your Pregnancy and Birth. 3rd ed. Washington, D.C.: ACOG, 2000.
Cunningham, F.; Gant, N.; Leveno, K.; et al; eds. Williams Obstetrics. 21st ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, 2001.
Pillitteri, A. Maternal & Child Health Nursing. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: J.B. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2003.
Quinlan, J.; Hill, D. "Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy." American Family Physician. 2003. 68(1): 121.
Scott, J.; Gibbs, R.; Karlan, B.; Haney, A.; eds. Danforth
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