Pregnancy Week by Week

If you are experiencing swollen feet during pregnancy you are surely trying to find some real relief from the discomfort. You were probably thinking that your belly was the only thing that was going to swell! And you may have secretly looked forward to watching your breasts swell. But you did not plan on your extremities swelling. This is actually among some of the most common discomforts for pregnant women. Actually about 75 percent of those who become pregnant will have swollen feet during pregnancy. Many will also experience this condition in their ankles and legs as well. Warm weather and sitting for long times can make it even worse.

It would be nice to know what causes this uncomfortable condition. Basically, it comes down to the body retaining too many fluids. Actually the pregnant body will make about 50 percent more fluids and blood to help meet the needs of the baby growing in your womb. The extra fluids are necessary, but tell that to your poor feet. There are some ways to relieve the edema.

There are some things that you can do to help relieve your swollen feet during pregnancy. It may be as simple as wearing other shoes. Usually edema is nothing to worry about too much but at least try a few things to help relieve the discomfort. The first thing you can do is to keep your legs propped up. This means you’ll be sitting a little more. If you can, lie down on your left side to help relieve some of the pressure on the blood vessels.
It may sound counterproductive, but drinking more liquids can help you retain less fluids. The extra fluid will help wash the system out and keep the waste products out of the body. This can reduce the edema you are experiencing. Also use salt sparingly. It’s okay to use a little but any excess will certainly cause your body to tend to retain more fluids. Try to cut it out altogether if you can, but at least try to limit its intake.
Go to the store and purchase some support hose. They may not be the most stylish thing to wear today, but they may be able to make a difference in your feet and legs.

Mild edema is pretty normal when you are pregnant. But if your face and hands swell up quickly it can be a sign of a more serious condition and you should definitely seek medical attention. Perhaps if you practice these few suggestions you can find a way to ease your swollen feet during pregnancy.