2007-05-02 08:34:55 · 7 answers · asked by sparkle 1 in Health ➔ Women's Health
It's normal to have a certain amount of swelling during pregnancy because you're retaining more water. Changes in your blood chemistry also cause some fluid to shift into your tissue.
In addition, your growing uterus puts pressure on your pelvic veins and your vena cava (the large vein on the right side of the body that carries blood from your lower limbs back to the heart). The pressure slows the return of blood from your legs, causing it to pool, which forces fluid from your veins into the tissues of your feet and ankles.
Edema is most often an issue during the third trimester, particularly at the end of the day. It may be worse during the summer.
You can help relieve the increased pressure on your veins by lying on your side. Since the vena cava is on the right side of your body, left-sided rest works best.
Here are a few tips:
• Put your feet up whenever possible. At work, it helps to keep a stool or pile of books under your desk. At home, lie on your left side when possible.
• Don't cross your legs or ankles while sitting.
• Stretch your legs frequently while sitting: Stretch your leg out, heel first, and gently flex your foot to stretch your calf muscles. Rotate your ankles and wiggle your toes.
• Take regular breaks from sitting or standing. A short walk every so often will help keep your blood circulating.
• Wear comfortable shoes that stretch to accommodate the swelling.
• Don't wear socks or stockings that have tight bands around the ankles or calves.
• Try waist-high maternity support stockings. Put them on before you get out of bed in the morning so blood doesn't have a chance to pool around your ankles.
• Drink plenty of water. Surprisingly, this helps your body retain less water.
• Exercise regularly, especially by walking, swimming, or riding an exercise bike. Or try a water aerobics class — immersion in water may temporarily help reduce swelling, particularly if the water level is up near your shoulders.
• Eat well, and avoid junk food.
2007-05-02 08:44:13 · answer #1 · answered by eliteskatbrat 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Keep your feet elevated as much as possible, cut down on salt intake, drink some cranberry juice. But all in all your pregnant and your gonna retain tons of extra fluids so your going to be puffy. AH the joys of Pregnancy..lol If it makes you feel any better I'm 30 weeks pregnant and suffering from puffy feet too :)
2007-05-02 15:49:33 · answer #2 · answered by Robin M 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It can't be cured but you can help by cutting down on salt and taking time to put your feet up throughout the day.
2007-05-02 15:38:47 · answer #3 · answered by horsinround2do 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
elevate your feet as much as possible
wear support hose
wear sensible proper fitting shoes
reduce salt intake
eat lots of vegetables like broccoli which is a natural diuretic
2007-05-02 15:39:20 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Stay off your feet as much as possible. Elevate them when you're sitting down. Avoid salt.
2007-05-02 15:38:09 · answer #5 · answered by MOM KNOWS EVERYTHING 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Stay off your feet and keep them elevated as much as possible.
2007-05-02 15:38:00 · answer #6 · answered by smartypants909 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Limit your sodium intake. Sometimes this doesn't help either, and you have to live with it.
2007-05-02 15:38:40 · answer #7 · answered by Sparkles 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋