Home Remedies for Foot Swelling During Pregnancy

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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 & quot;stuck & quot; 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.

 

Home Remedies for Foot Swelling During Pregnancy

 

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.

 

Boil two cups of water with a teaspoon palm sugar and two teaspoons fennel seed.

Reduce to a cup and drink thrice daily.

 

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 also

very useful home remedy 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.

 

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.

 

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.