8 Ways To Combat Swelling During Pregnancy

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Edema or excessive swelling is an acute medical condition that is characterised by build-up of fluid inside the tissues. It is a common medical problem that most pregnant women have to deal with. They tend to retain more water than what they do when they are not pregnant.

It is typically experienced in the hands, ankles, legs, face and feet. There are some ways to combat this problem. Cutting down on salt consumption, drinking a lot of water and eating healthy are some of the ways to reduce this problem to a large extent.

Make use of these tips to reduce swelling during pregnancy. Have a look.

Reduce Intake Of Salt
Cut down on your consumption of salt as well as foods with salt during pregnancy. Salt can cause your body to retain water, which is another reason why the limbs can swell up. Junk food can especially be high in salt content. So, make sure you do not overly consume processed foods.

Drink a lot of water
Pour yourself a glass of water every time you finish one. If you drink 8 glasses of water every day, you will reduce fluid retention significantly.

Give Your Legs And Feet Some Rest
Place your feet above your waist level by resting them on a footrest or table. The gravity will make your blood rush to the legs as well as feet, thus causing uncomfortable throbbing with swelling. Try to avoid standing for longer than 10 to 20 minutes at a stretch.

Stay Away From Heat
If the weather where you live is hot, try not getting out in the heat too often. Instead relax in a cool pool if there is one in your locality. If you are going outdoors in the summer heat, ensure to stay away from the sun as much as possible. Heat can aggravate swelling and thus, try to be in a cool and dry environment a lot.

Apply Cold Compress
Place a cold compress on the legs and ankles for about 10 minutes or more to reduce swelling and alleviate pain.

Perform Light Exercises
During pregnancy, try not sitting in the same place for too long. This will aggravate pain and swelling. Instead, stand up and walk around if you have been in a sitting position for long at a stretch. Try to perform water aerobics that increase heart rate. The cold water can be soothing to the legs.

Wear Comfortable Clothes
Avoid wearing tight clothes. Instead, wear clothes that are accommodating and comforting. Find stretchable shoes that will stretch when your feet swell. High heels and other formal footwear tend to not have much elasticity. So, you must try to avoid wearing them. Some of the best options in footwear include sneakers with insoles and breathable running shoes. Try to avoid socks as well as stockings that tend to squeeze the calves or ankles. This can inflame the area and lead to swelling. Make sure you purchase high-waist maternity stockings that provide extra support.

Eat healthy
Consume a healthy diet that is full of fruits and vegetables. Foods that are rich in potassium tend to be more helpful in reducing symptoms of edema.