Are you surprised that your feet have become swollen in your first pregnancy? Do not worry. This is a common symptom in pregnancy. It happens as a result to a number of factors, one of which is edema or fluid retention during pregnancy. Also, the uterus causes pressure on the pelvic veins obstructing blood flow to the heart. The main cause however may be the hormonal changes that happen during pregnancy. Such swelling usually disappears after giving birth.
Tips to Reduce Foot Swelling:
• Avoid standing for long time. Elevate your feet while sitting down whenever possible. Move your ankle in a circular motion. Bend your feet gently backward to stretch your leg muscles. Elevate your feet when lying down.
• Sleep on your left side. This helps reduce the pressure on the veins pumping blood from your legs to your heart.
• Elevate your feet on a pillow.
• Ask your doctor whether you should use compression stockings.
• Wear loose clothes. Tight clothes may obstruct blood flow. Avoid wearing tights.
• Make sure you exercise daily by walking, swimming or using stationary bikes.
• Walk or stand in the pool. Being in water helps compress the tissues and reduce the swelling.
• Some researches have shown that foot massage may also reduce the swelling.
Despite it being a normal pregnancy symptom, sudden onset of swelling especially in one foot requires doctor's consultation