Swelling is a normal condition of pregnancy. To accommodate the enlarged body, the body produces additional blood and fluids. This extra fluid helps open up the pelvic and joint tissues for labor and delivery. As a pregnant woman, you may experience swelling, called edema, on your face, legs, feet, ankles, and hands. There are many ways to treat and reduce swelling during pregnancy.
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Method 1 of 3: Coping With Swelling
Step 1. Wear compression stockings and comfortable footwear
Since swelling generally occurs around the feet and ankles, take care of your feet during pregnancy. Wear appropriate footwear and ask your doctor about compression stockings.
- Your doctor can recommend a brand of tight compression stockings to wear during the day. These stockings can reduce swelling and protect your feet during pregnancy
- You also have to pay attention to the footwear you wear. Narrow shoes or high heels can block blood flow to the feet, making swelling and pain worse. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting flat shoes or tennis shoes.
Step 2. Use a cold compress
Compressing the swollen area can reduce swelling and pain. You can use a cold cloth, an ice pack wrapped in a tissue, or ice packs purchased at a convenience store. Remember, store-bought ice cubes and ice packs should not come in direct contact with the skin. Make sure you wrap it in a cloth or tissue before using it.
Step 3. Rest your feet
Resting your feet during pregnancy can also reduce pain and swelling. Be sure to sit down and learn the right way to rest your feet after a long day of activity.
- Try not to stand for too long. If your job requires you to stand for long periods of time, talk to your boss about making exceptions during pregnancy.
- When sitting, raise your legs and occasionally rotate your ankles. If possible, lie down with your legs raised.
Step 4. Stand or walk in the pool
Standing or walking in a shallow pool can help support the tissue in your legs and ankles. For some women, this reduces pain and swelling. If you don't have a swimming pool, consider buying a children's pool that is made of plastic and filled with cold water.
Method 2 of 3: Changing Your Lifestyle
Step 1. Sleep on your side
While sleeping, tilting to one side can reduce swelling symptoms. The lower great veins are the large vessels that carry blood throughout the body. Sleeping on your side can reduce pressure on these vessels. This can improve blood flow and prevent swelling. Raising your legs a little while sleeping can also help.
Step 2. Limit salt and caffeine consumption
Salt and caffeine can trigger swelling during pregnancy. Both can also lead to other health problems such as high blood pressure, which can be detrimental to pregnancy in general.
- Limit overall salt intake. This is easily achieved by avoiding processed foods and not adding too much salt to the food. Salt can cause water retention and increase blood pressure, whereas high blood pressure during pregnancy can affect the health of you and your baby.
- The effects of caffeine on pregnancy have not been fully agreed upon because many studies are incomplete or give conflicting results. However, pregnant women are advised not to consume more than 200 mg of caffeine per day. This size is equivalent to a cup of coffee made from 12 ounces of coffee. Be aware that caffeine is also found in tea, chocolate, and some over-the-counter medications. Always read labels to check the caffeine content. But if you experience swelling, you can cut back on more caffeine and see the results.
Step 3. Drink water
Drinking plenty of water can reduce water retention, which can reduce swelling in general. If you are pregnant, it is recommended to drink 10 glasses, or 2.3 liters of water per day. Drinking plenty of water can help reduce swelling.
Step 4. Take care when traveling
Sitting in a car or plane for too long can make you uncomfortable and swollen even if you're not pregnant. The effect is more severe during pregnancy. Try to take frequent breaks during travel to get up and walk if you travel while pregnant.
Step 5. Exercise
Try to stay physically active during pregnancy to reduce swelling and maintain a healthy pregnancy in general. Talk to your doctor about a series of exercises that are safe for you and your baby.
- Leg exercises are very important to reduce swelling. Walking during pregnancy is generally a healthy and safe activity that has no ill effects for most pregnant women.
- Discuss other activities you may want to do with your doctor. Pilates exercises, yoga, and light aerobics may be allowed at certain stages of pregnancy, depending on your fitness level, general health and pregnancy.
Step 6. Don't overheat
Hot weather can worsen swelling during pregnancy as it can lead to increased dehydration and water retention. If you live in an area with hot weather, make sure you have access to air conditioning, especially if you are pregnant during the summer. Don't go outside if it's too hot or go to the pool or beach.
Method 3 of 3: Know When Medical Help Is Needed
Step 1. Tell your doctor about your swelling
While swelling is generally nothing to worry about during pregnancy, any changes should be monitored by a doctor. Report any unusual swelling at regular visits. Even though the swelling isn't really a concern, your doctor can suggest ways to deal with it
Step 2. Recognize the signs of preeclampsia
Preeclampsia is a medical condition in which blood pressure rises during pregnancy. This is a serious condition because it can affect the liver, kidneys, and placenta. Swelling can be a symptom of preeclampsia and you should see a doctor if this is accompanied by any of the following symptoms:
- Swelling around the stomach
- Sudden increase in swelling
- Stubborn headache
- Troubled vision
- Swelling of hands and face
Step 3. Get medical care immediately if needed
In some cases, swelling can be an emergency situation. This can be a sign of serious complications that threaten the safety of the pregnancy. Get medical care as soon as possible if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- You have had heart or kidney disease and then suddenly the swelling gets worse
- Swollen feet or legs feel warm to the touch
- Swelling suddenly increased
