4 helpful tips to reduce swollen feet during pregnancy
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Swollen feet in pregnancy is very common.It is almost inevitable not to have swollen feet during pregnancy. If you are one of the lucky preggo’s who doesn’t get swollen feet during pregnancy, Lucky!!
With both of my pregnancies I had swollen feet and looked like a cow trying to walk. For my singleton pregnancy I started noticing my feet building up with fluids and swelling when I was around 8 months pregnant. For my twin pregnancy my feet started swelling and my ankles hurting when I was about 5 to 6 months pregnant.
Did you know that If you’re pregnant with multiples you are more likely to experience more swelling and discomfort?
Having swollen feet in pregnancy is not fun and it’s not pretty at all to look at. It makes it very uncomfortable to walk and it hurts at times.
Why do pregnant women experience swollen feet?
The reason pregnant women experience swelling on their feet according to BabyCenter.com, is
- You are retaining more water
- Changes in your blood chemistry
- Pressure on your pelvic veins from uterus
- high blood pressure
- too much salt in your diet
- long periods of standing up or walking
When will you most likely experience swelling on your feet when pregnant?
Swelling is very common during your third trimester. But if you are pregnant with multiples, then you are most likely going to experience it before.
More serious condition related to swollen feet during pregnancy?
Yes, severe painful swollen feet may indicate other serious pregnancy condition like Preeclampsia or HELLP syndrome. I am a survivor from it and let me tell you, that I did notice my feet being extremely swollen. Contact your health provider if you feel something is wrong for immediate medical attention!
There are many ways that you can help reduce the swelling and I got your back girlfriend!
Like I said before, I suffered from Edema (medical term for swollen feet during pregnancy) with both of my pregnancies and more severely during my twin pregnancy. I tried everything to ease the discomfort and help reduce my chuleta looking feet, so I know a thing or two about this topic.
I hope these home remedies tips will help ease your swollen feet, so you can no longer feel pain or be uncomfortable.
4 helpful tips to help reduce swollen feet during pregnancy
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1.Eat pineapple with honey
This is like an old wives’ tale that my family swears by. So I go with it, what else can you do right? But eating pineapple with honey is believed to reduce the swelling. Let me just say, that I was having so much fun eating it because it’s basically dessert.
I love the sweetness from the pineapple and honey and the fact that it helps reduce the swelling, is amazing. Since pineapple has a lot of water in it, you will use the bathroom more often than you already do but it’s definitely for a great cause. This is such a healthy and delicious way to help with the swelling, don’t you think?
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Please note: Make sure the honey is pasteurized, of course!
2.Walk
I know that walking is the last thing on your mind when you have swollen feet but it’s so necessary. You need to get up and exercise, walk around the block, go to a park with your kids (if you have), do something. Moving your feet and walking helps with the blood flow circulation and it helps with not developing any blood clots. Walking and being active reduces your swollen feet and it will make you feel so much better.
Please note: Always carry a water bottle with you to stay hydrated during your walks.
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3.Lay down with your feet up
I know I said that you have to move your feet and exercise, but you also need to lay down and relax. So, every time or most of the time that you want to lay down have about 2 to 3 pillows under your feet. This will help keep your feet elevated and it reduces the unwanted pressure from your uterus. I would consistently do this when I was pregnant, even my 3 year old daughter (then) would remind me to put my feet up, it was so cute. This is something that can easily be part of your daily routine and it’s pretty comfortable as well.
Please note: Try your best not to wear tight socks or stockings, uncomfortable shoes that puts pressure on your feet because this will make your feet swell even more. You want your feet to “breathe”.
Here are great options for elevated pillow to put your feet on:
4.Reduce salty food
Eating junk food or any salty food can increase your swelling. According to Whattoexpect.com if you over do it with eating too much fries or chips then your body will have a hard time flushing out the water that it’s holding due to excess sodium.
Reduce the sodium but increase your potassium! It’s best to stick with a nutritious balanced diet and you will feel better. For my first pregnancy I ate a lot of fruits like bananas, watermelon and strawberries and not a lot of junk food even though sometimes I craved a nice hamburger with fries. With my twin pregnancy I kind of gave in and ate a lot more junk food than I should have which obviously didn’t help with the swelling. I automatically noticed the difference so eat wisely mama!
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other swollen feet in pregnancy remedies:
- Soak your feet in epsom salt
- massage your feet or have your partner do it, even better!
- use compression socks to stop the build up of fluids
- stay hydrated to eliminate dehydration
- avoid high heels
- reduce caffeine intake as it causes fluid retention
*If you are experiencing severe swelling and discomfort, please contact your doctor as this can be a more serious pregnancy condition*
Having swollen feet during your pregnancy can be uncomfortable and painful. Luckily, there are helpful was to reduce the swelling and the pain, so you can enjoy your pregnancy.
Making sure to reduce your sodium intake, walking and moving your feet, laying down with your feet elevated and eating delicious pineapples with honey can definitely help you!
