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Why Do Your Feet Swell When You Are Pregnant?

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17th Aug 2018




Swelling is one of the most common problems that any pregnant woman faces. Earlier, the doctors were very worried about it and recommended their patients to measure the amount of consumed liquid and salt. In some cases, diuretics were prescribed to drive the excessive liquid away from a woman’s body. Today, swelling feet during pregnancy is not considered a pathology anymore.

What is the mechanism of these specific swells formation? The growing uterus performs a pressure over the venous and lymphatic pelvic vessels. This interferes with the normal blood outflow from the lower limbs. This is the first reason of the swells appearance.

The second is the growing weight of a pregnant woman that increases strain on the legs, especially in a standing position. And the last one is the specific hormonal influence during this time. The hormones make the tissues accumulate more liquid. This liquid is hard to drive away, and it is better to not even try to interfere with a normal metabolism of a pregnant woman.

The swells are not the only problem. Pregnant women often have complaints on pain, cramps and feeling of heaviness in their legs, especially at nighttime. The reasons of such phenomena is still unknown. Some doctors connect it with the lack of calcium, some with pinched nerves, some with vein widening and the beginning of varicose. The truth is still to be discovered.

What to do if you suffer from feet swells? These tips will help you reduce the symptoms.

  1. The first thing to try is the stimulation of blood and lymph outflow. Try to differentiate the strain over your legs. Relax them every time you rest. Walks out in fresh air will enrich your blood with oxygen and improve its circulation.
  2. The popular advice to limit the consumption of liquid does not work, especially on hot days when the swells are getting bigger. Proper hydration is very important.
  3. A relaxing warm bath (but not hot) is an excellent way to help your feet and to sleep well.

If the swells are too severe and influence your quality of life, consult your podiatrist to solve the problem.