Just In
- 2 hrs ago Aditi Rao Hydari Marries Siddharth, Exploring Heeramandi Star's Ethnic Style Statements, Bookmark Now!
- 4 hrs ago Solar Eclipse 2024 Date And Time: Will It Be Visible In India? When And Where To Watch It, Deets Inside!
- 6 hrs ago Balenciaga Tape Bracelet: Is It Worth Spending A Bomb On Adhesive Looking Accessory? Know Our Take!
- 8 hrs ago In China, GenZ Workers Are Ditching Formal Attire For Pyjamas, Know The Reason Behind This
Don't Miss
- Finance HDFC Bank Raises Home Loan Rates Following Merger With HDFC
- Education RSMSSB Junior Instructor Recruitment 2024; Apply online for 2500 Posts, Check out for more details
- News To Browbeat And Bully Others Is Vintage Congress Culture’: PM Modi Takes Dig Over Lawyers' Letter to CJI
- Movies Ramayana Cast: Addinath Kothare Joins Ranbir Kapoor's Film; To Play Bharat - Report
- Automobiles Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Reaches 6 Crore Sales Milestone
- Sports IPL 2024: Steve Smith also slams Hardik Pandya's captaincy - 'Perplexed, I mean you can't have...'
- Technology OPPO F25 Pro New Coral Purple Colour Variant Launched in India; Where to Buy?
- Travel Explore Tamil Nadu's Diverse Wedding Venues
14 Home Remedies For Swollen Feet During Pregnancy
Your feet take the most brute of your pregnancy weight. Also, your body produces almost 50% more fluids and blood during pregnancy which may cause your hands, legs, face and feet to swell [1] . Most of the women notice swelling in these parts of their body around 5 months into the pregnancy, which may continue until delivery.
However, there are many home remedies available for you to help manage the welling. Keep reading to know the cause of this quite common condition during pregnancy and how you can use some home remedies to get rid of it.
Causes Of Swollen Feet During Pregnancy
One of the major reasons for swollen feet during pregnancy is the retention of fluids. Apart from that, the capillaries in your feet expand due to the added pressure of your baby, giving rise to swollen feet. If you notice that your feet are more swollen at certain times than others, it may be due to the following reasons.
Standing for too long: Standing for too long can direct all the blood to your feet causing them to swell [2] .
Having an overly active lifestyle in spite of being pregnant: Too much activity means a lot of walking. This only increases the stress of your pregnancy weight on your feet and they swell up in response [3] .
High sodium and caffeine consumption: High levels of salt and caffeine [4] in your diet only make your body retain more fluids, resulting in swelling.
Low potassium intake: Potassium is known to constrict the blood vessels and reduce the swelling. If your diet does not have enough potassium in it, it just means more swelling [5] .
Being dehydrated for long hours: Being dehydrated is not only risky during pregnancy but it will make your body retain more fluids.
Home Remedies For Swollen Feet During Pregnancy
1. Include more whole foods in your diet
This is another reason for you to abstain from pre-packaged and store-bought food. They are high in sodium that will only make you retain more fluids in your body [6] . Instead, opt for natural and whole foods.
2. Exercise regularly
Leading a sedentary lifestyle is not recommended during pregnancy. On the other hand, it is important not to be very active as being on your feet for most of the day will only make matters worse for you. Light exercise will help you will blood and fluid circulation, reducing your chances of swollen feet [7] .
3. Soak your feet in Epsom salt water
Dipping your feet in warm water with Epsom salts are known to be very relaxing and an ultimate cure for swollen feet [8] . The salts will help constrict the blood vessels and direct the blood away from your feet, reducing the swelling to an extent.
4. Decrease caffeine intake
Caffeine increases water retention in your body, which is one of the major causes of swollen feet. Also, excess caffeine makes you urinate more, resulting in dehydration [4] . You can substitute your caffeinated drinks with warm herbal teas instead.
5. Eat foods high in potassium
Eating foods high in potassium will help you manage your water and salt levels, thereby reducing your chances of swelling up [5] . Foods like bananas, spinach, figs and avocados are good sources of potassium.
6. Get a foot massage
A relaxing foot massage can help you relieve the stress of pregnancy. It is also known to work wonders for reducing the swelling of your feet. A warm massage can help increase the blood circulation and give you relief from sore and aching muscles [9] .
7. Elevate your feet up whenever you can
Elevating your feet up for about 20 minutes at least 2-3 times a day will help you direct the extra blood away from your feet and relieve you of the swelling [10] .
8. Consume dandelion tea
Dandelion tea is known to have a good amounts of potassium in it that will help you with your swollen feet [11] . Drinking 1-2 cups of the tea every day will help you maintain the electrolyte balance in the body.
9. Lie on your left side
Sleeping on your left side is known to elevate the pressure on the inferior vena cave vein and help in maintaining proper blood circulation [1] . It also relieves pressure from your abdomen which helps the baby.
10. Eat oranges and watermelon
Oranges and watermelon are high on fluids and the vitamin C will help your body maintain a perfect electrolytic balance. These fruits are responsible for keeping you hydrated as well.
11. Snack on apples
Apples are quite healthy and have lots of nutritional benefits. When consumed during pregnancy, they help in the removal of excess fluids and reduce your chances of swelling.
12. Drink coriander tea
Coriander seeds are known to help with pregnancy swelling of hands and feet. Just soak a handful of these seeds overnight and sip the water throughout the day [12] .
13. Try wearing compression socks
Compression socks are a great way to combat swelling in the feet and ankles during pregnancy [13] . It is advisable to wear them at the start of the day itself to prevent any swelling for the entire day.
14. Wear comfortable footwear
It is important for you to wear comfortable footwear during pregnancy as ill-fitting shoes can increase your chances of swelling [14] . Footwear with orthodontic soles will give you the required support.
Swelling is quite a normal part of pregnancy and is usually nothing to worry about. However, you need to consult a doctor if you notice a sudden increase or abnormal swelling on your face and hands as it may be a warning sign of pre-eclampsia [11] .
- [1] Benninger, B., & Delamarter, T. (2013). Anatomical factors causing oedema of the lower limb during pregnancy.Folia morphologica,72(1), 67-71.
- [2] Sciscione, A. C., Ivester, T., Largoza, M., Manley, J., Shlossman, P., & Colmorgen, G. H. (2003). Acute pulmonary edema in pregnancy.Obstetrics & Gynecology,101(3), 511-515.
- [3] Soma-Pillay, P., Nelson-Piercy, C., Tolppanen, H., & Mebazaa, A. (2016). Physiological changes in pregnancy.Cardiovascular journal of Africa,27(2), 89–94.
- [4] Fujii, T., & NISHIMURA, H. (1973). Fetal hypoproteinemia associated with generalized edema caused by administration of methyl xanthines to the rat during late pregnancy.The Japanese Journal of Pharmacology,23(6), 894-896.
- [5] Macgillivray, I., & Campbell, D. M. (1980). The relevance of hypertension and oedema in pregnancy.Clinical and experimental hypertension,2(5), 897-914.
- [6] Reynolds, C. M., Vickers, M. H., Harrison, C. J., Segovia, S. A., & Gray, C. (2014). High fat and/or high salt intake during pregnancy alters maternal meta-inflammation and offspring growth and metabolic profiles.Physiological reports,2(8), e12110.
- [7] Artal, R., Sherman, C., & DiNubile, N. A. (1999). Exercise during pregnancy: safe and beneficial for most.The Physician and Sportsmedicine,27(8), 51-75.
- [8] Rylander R. (2015). Treatment with Magnesium in Pregnancy.AIMS public health,2(4), 804–809.
- [9] Spielvogel, R. L., Goltz, R. W., & Kersey, J. H. (1977). Scleroderma-like changes in chronic graft vs host disease.Archives of dermatology,113(10), 1424-1428.
- [10] Liaw, M. Y., & Wong, M. K. (1989). The effects of leg elevation to reduce leg edema resulting from prolonged standing.Taiwan yi xue hui za zhi. Journal of the Formosan Medical Association,88(6), 630-4.
- [11] Gupte, S., & Wagh, G. (2014). Preeclampsia-eclampsia.Journal of obstetrics and gynaecology of India,64(1), 4–13.
- [12] Dhiman K. (2014). Ayurvedic intervention in the management of uterine fibroids: A Case series.Ayu,35(3), 303–308.
- [13] Lim, C. S., & Davies, A. H. (2014). Graduated compression stockings.CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association journal = journal de l'Association medicale canadienne,186(10), E391–E398.
- [14] Waters, T. R., & Dick, R. B. (2014). Evidence of health risks associated with prolonged standing at work and intervention effectiveness.Rehabilitation nursing : the official journal of the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses,40(3), 148–165.
- healthHow To Keep Feet Hot During Winters: 12 Tips That Will Tackle Cold Feet Issues And Make Your Feet Thank You
- health5 Reasons Why Your Feet Become Numb Quick
- beautyFoot Packs To Get Rid Of Dry Foot Skin
- wellness6 Common Warning Signs Your Feet Can Show About Your Health
- wellnessDid You Know These Benefits Of Massaging Feet Before Bedtime?
- wellnessWhat Your Feet Say About Your Health: Know About The 15 Warning Signs And Ways To Keep Your Feet Healthy
- diabetes12 Safe And Effective Tips For Diabetic Foot Care
- body careHow To Use Pumice Stone To Heal Dry And Cracked Feet
- disorders cureWhat Are Corns And Calluses? Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Treatments And Prevention
- body care8 Wonderful Tips To Take Care Of Your Feet This Winter Season
- skin careUse These Amazing Essential Oil Remedies To Treat Dry Feet
- disorders cureBunions: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment And Prevention