11 Natural Ways to Reduce Swollen Feet During Pregnancy

Tips on How to Reduce Swollen Feet During Pregnancy – Natural Remedies!

Today, we are going to discuss the different effective ways to reduce swollen feet during pregnancy.

Suffering from swollen feet while pregnant can be painful and uncomfortable. Unfortunately, they are quite common. Research shows that 8 out of 10 women experience edema at some stage while pregnant. (Source)

Being pregnant is a thing of joy, but there are also some problems that come with it. So, if you experience swollen feet and ankles while pregnant, just remember, you are not alone.

And there are simple things you can do to alleviate the problem naturally without any medication.

What Causes Swollen Feet During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, your body produces extra blood and fluid (about 50% extra fluid). This extra fluid build-up helps to prepare your body for your unborn baby to thrive in.

It helps to soften your body to allow it to expand as the baby grows inside of you. It also helps to prepare the pelvic joints and tissue for the delivery of the baby.

You can see that the extra fluid produced during pregnancy is important and needful.

Unfortunately, it also causes edema. The excess fluid has to be stored somewhere of course! In addition, it accounts for about 25% of weight gain during pregnancy

Other factors that can cause your feet to swell while pregnant include:

• Long period of standing
• Too much caffeine consumption
• Too much sodium intake
• Low potassium intake

When Does Swelling Occur during Pregnancy

Swollen feet can occur at any time during pregnancy, but it is more noticeable around the fifth month and gets worse during the third semester.

Swollen Feet During Pregnancy – Should I be Worried?

As I mentioned before, swollen feet while pregnant are quite common and may not a cause for concern.

However, I suggest you contact your doctor if you experience sudden weight gain and swelling, especially in your face and hands, because that can be a sign of preeclampsia.

Remember your Obstetrician is your best resource for any new or worsening symptom during pregnancy. Never wait. Always contact you physician for any new concern!

Natural Ways to Reduce Swollen Feet During Pregnancy

#1. Avoid Standing for Long Periods

Not only does standing for a long period of time put extra pressure on your legs and feet, it also causes fluid to accumulate in your lower extremities.

#2. Drink Enough Water

Sounds counterintuitive, doesn’t it? Yeah, you already have excess fluid in your body and I am saying to drink more fluid!

Truth is, water helps to dilute the excess sodium in your body as well as flush out toxins and other impurities that can cause water retention.

And when your body is dehydrated, your body tries to conserve the fluid already in your system, which ultimately leads to water retention.

#3. Herbal Teas

Drinking herbal teas such as dandelion or nettle twice a day can also help to relieve edema during pregnancy. Moreover, tea is fluid, so drinking tea helps to up your fluid intake.

Most experts recommend moderation when drinking dandelion tea during pregnancy. One cup a day is usually the amount recommended. This herbal tea is more useful during the 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy.

Make sure that the nettle tea is made from the leaf, not the root. Also, it is not recommended that you drink nettle tea during your first trimester of pregnancy as it can stimulate the uterus.

Before trying any herbal preparation or supplement during pregnancy I recommend discussing it with your Obstetrician first!

Traditional Medicinals Organic Roasted Dandelion Root Herbal Leaf Tea, 16 Tea Bags (Pack of 6)Nettle Tea, 1lb (16Oz) Cut and Sifted (Bulk Common Nettle): 100% USDA Certified ORGANIC Bulk

#4. Reduce Time Spent Outdoors When it is Hot

Spending a lot of time outdoors when it is hot can cause dehydration. So limiting outdoor time during hot weather can go a long way in helping to reduce water retention. And if you must go outdoors when it’s hot, I would suggest you carry your water along.

#5. Swimming

Swimming has been found to be helpful for relieving swelling in the legs and feet because the pressure from the water helps to improve circulation.

#6. Put Your Feet Up

Resting with your feet elevated can help reduce swollen feet during pregnancy. The best position is to raise your feet above the level of your heart. This helps to prevent fluids from pulling in your feet and ankles.

#7. Put Down the Salt Shaker

Sodium is one of the main factors that contribute to water retention. Unfortunately, our modern day diets are choked full of sodium. Strive towards limiting your sodium intake if you want to take care of those swollen feet.

#8. Up Your Potassium Intake

Low levels of potassium can cause dehydration, headache, heart palpitation and swelling of the glands and tissue.

Unfortunately, our diets these days are high in sodium and low in potassium. Not only can this imbalance is lead to swollen feet during pregnancy, but it also negatively affects your general health.

This is because potassium works together in synergy with sodium to support cellular functions.

So upping your potassium intake is highly recommended. Eat potassium-rich foods such as winter squash, sweet potatoes, white beans, banana, avocado, wild caught salmon, spinach, and coconut water.

You can also opt for potassium supplementation.

#9. Essential Oils for Swollen Feet and Ankles

Essential oils are one of the best natural remedies for swollen feet and ankles. (Read this article to see the best essential oils for swollen feet and ankles and how to use them effectively).

Related Read: Essential Oils for Pregnancy

#10. Compression Socks

Compression socks help to increase circulation and relieve edema. Below are a couple of compression socks for you:

Compression Socks for Men & Women, L/XL7 Pairs Compression Socks For Women and Men, Small / Medium

#11. Cold Compress

Cold compresses are one of the effective naturalways to reduce swollen feet during pregnancy. Simply apply the cold compress to your feet and ankles while lying down. Or you can use these cold therapy socks.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not intend to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition. It is always recommended that you seek the advise of your private medical doctor.