The majority of pregnant women experience swelling ankles and feet. It's normal to worry about swelling because it might be unpleasant, tighten your shoes, and sometimes even make you feel self-conscious. You may maintain the greatest level of comfort by being aware of what to look for and the best ways to handle it.
Why do women swell when they are pregnant?
There are three basic causes of edema in pregnant women.
- You create more blood than usual during pregnant to support the development of your unborn child.
- Your uterus expands as the baby grows, pressing against the veins that carry blood from your legs back to your heart.
- Your veins' walls become softer as a result of your hormones, which makes it more difficult for them to function normally.
Your blood tends to collect in your legs as a result of these factors. There, a tiny amount of blood escapes into the tissues through microscopic blood vessels, causing the swelling you can see and feel.
Where will the swelling occur and when?
Your ankles and feet should be the only areas that are swollen. Your fingers may enlarge somewhat, making any rings feel snug, but they shouldn't appear visibly swollen.
Later in the day, your feet and ankles are probably going to swell. Gravity is mostly to blame for this; if you spend a lot of time on your feet, any extra fluid in your body will tend to collect in your feet and ankles.
Additionally, as your pregnancy progresses, swelling is more likely to occur.
How do I lessen the swelling?
You can feel more comfortable and avoid swelling by doing a few easy things.
Try to:
- Avoid being still for extended periods of time.
- Put on DrLuigi medical shoes (avoid tight straps or anything that might pinch if your feet swell)
- Put your feet up as much as you can and avoid eating too much salt or eating salty foods
- Exercise regularly by walking or swimming – this helps maintain your circulation moving.
- Sleeping on your left side will help blood return to the heart.
- Try to walk around and switch positions frequently if you must stand for extended periods of time.
By assisting blood flow back to the heart and reducing swelling, compression stockings can help. Reflexology and massage may also help lessen swelling and its accompanying symptoms.
Remember to continue drinking plenty of water even if your swelling is irritating you. It's critical to maintain your fluid intake to prevent dehydration and maintain good health.
Is the swelling typical or unusual?
Most pregnant women have swelling in their ankles and feet at some time, which is quite normal. Swelling occasionally, though, can point to a more serious issue.
Contact your midwife, physician, or medical facility right away if:
Your face or hands are bloated, and the swelling is worse than it has ever been in the morning or doesn't go away when you rest.
These are the early warning signs of pre-eclampsia, which is pregnancy-related elevated blood pressure. Call your doctor or midwife as soon as you can because this is a very serious condition for both you and your unborn child. Do not wait until your upcoming scheduled appointment.
One of your veins may be experiencing a more significant issue, such as deep vein thrombosis, if one leg is swollen more than the other. Once more, get in touch with your doctor or midwife right away.
The majority of swelling is a common pregnancy symptom and typically goes away after delivery. However, talk to your doctor or midwife if you have any concerns, no matter how tiny or unimportant they may appear.