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 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.
Exercise
There is nothing wrong with working out while pregnant, in fact, doctors encourage it. Working out will improve blood circulation and help reduce swelling. Talk to your doctor about your fitness routine to see what’s safe for you and the baby. Yoga can be very helpful for swollen feet and there are programs designed specifically for pregnant women.
Magnesium Supplements
Magnesium deficiency is a leading cause of edema and it is one of the main reasons why prenatal vitamins will always include magnesium as one of the main ingredients. If you are already taking prenatal vitamins, talk to your doctor before you take any additional supplements to avoid overdosing. Eat more natural sources of magnesium like nuts, dark leafy greens, seeds, avocado, and soybeans.
Stay Hydrated
Excess salt and the accumulation of fluid in your legs are some of the causes of swollen feet, and this is why it is always important for a pregnant woman to drink enough water. You should drink a minimum of eight glasses of water every day. This will not only ease the swelling but staying hydrated benefits the pregnancy in many ways. Drinking water helps to flush out the accumulation of salts and prevent the retention of fluid around the ankles. It is also an excellent idea to mix the water with a few slices of lemon or cucumber to benefit from their anti-inflammatory properties.
Swollen feet during pregnancy are almost inevitable abut you should not let this affect your quality of life or prevent you from doing the things that you love. These tips will help you deal with the swelling.
Author Bio:
Regina Dinges is a blogger at MomDiscuss. She enjoys writing about useful tips for expectant mothers, as well as tips for after the child is born.