Edema or swelling during pregnancy is something that most mothers experience during pregnancy. In fact, half of women experience swollen feet in the last few weeks of their pregnancy. It might not cause any health risks to the mother or the baby but it is uncomfortable. Luckily, there are many natural remedies for swollen feet during pregnancy.
Epsom Salt Soak
Epsom salt is a must have during pregnancy because there are many things that you can do with it. This salt works wonders when it comes to swollen feet and all you have to do is mix it with warm water. Epsom salt contains magnesium sulfate which the skin absorbs quickly and it helps to improve blood circulation and reduce swelling. Soaking your feet in this mixture for a couple of minutes will also relax sore muscles and neutralize foot odor.
Massage
Massage is one of the easiest and most useful remedies for swollen feet, and if you do it every day, you will never have to worry about edema. Rubbing the swollen area helps improve blood circulation which in turn reduces swelling. The gentle massage should always start on your ankles and move downwards toward your feet in a circular motion.
Wear the Right Shoes
Although many things cause edema during pregnancy, wearing the wrong shoes is also a contributing factor. During your pregnancy, your feet will expand by up to half a size or even a full size. Make sure you wear shoes that have enough cushioning and support to ensure that the shock and pressure that come with walking doesn’t make the swelling worse. Pregnancy shoes should also have the right outsole to help in shock absorption and they should be made from breathable materials.
