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Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Swollen Feet in Pregnancy? Here Is What You Need to Know

Pregnancy brings many changes, swollen feet being a common change. Fortunately, the majority of these changes are brief; they fade or disappear a few weeks to months shortly after birth.

Some, though, may persist or even become permanent, such as your requirement for a larger shoe size.

Apart from a bulging abdomen and weight increase, one of the physical changes a pregnant woman may encounter is a large or huge foot.

My experience forced me to purchase larger shoe sizes, and it took me more than 6 months to get back into some of my previous shoes.

Why swollen feet during pregnancy?

There are three reasons why your feet may become larger, and they are as follows:

  • Oedema
  • Ligaments that are loose
  • gaining weight

1. edema

The swelling of the feet induced by fluid retention is known as oedema/edema. Furthermore, the pressure from the developing uterus might cause it.

It may be associated with discomfort and agony, which can be concerning for most pregnant women.

This usually appears around the third trimester, especially in hot conditions and at night, but some people may experience it sooner.

You would most certainly require a larger shoe size in this instance. However, the swelling fluctuates during pregnancy and returns to normal following delivery.

How to Treat Oedema

  • Elevate your legs to assist drain extra fluid from your feet and ankles.
  • Wear compression stockings to reduce swelling by applying pressure.
  • Massage and increased mobility can improve blood circulation and minimize edema.Reduce your salt consumption. Sodium can induce or aggravate fluid retention.

2. Loose ligaments

Hormones are at work during pregnancy. One of these hormones is relaxin. Relaxin is a hormone that begins to be produced by the ovary and placenta during the first trimester. It exits the body roughly 5 months after birth.

It prepares the body for childbirth by relaxing the ligaments and muscles around the pelvis, as well as allowing your body to accommodate all of the load.

One of the symptoms of loose ligaments during pregnancy is waddling or unsteady walking.

Another reason your feet appear to expand is that this hormone loosens the ligaments that surround them, leads to flat feet, and causes the bones to spread. That is why your hips and feet may become permanently wider after childbirth.

How to Deal with Loose Ligaments

You can’t halt the process since it’s normal for the body to do so. You may, however, manage them;

  • Wear shoes that fit well. You can always change what makes you feel uncomfortable as the pregnancy progresses.
  • Shoes with adequate arch support may be beneficial.
  • Maintain the strength of your foot muscles. Consult your doctor for some beneficial workouts.

3. Increase in weight

These causes can create falling arches or flat feet, which can lead to the feet spreading and stretching more than they should.

As a result, adding weight might put it under undue strain or stress. It can also cause fat buildup around the ankles and feet.

The feet are the pillars of the body because they carry all of the weight.

How to Deal with Weight Gain

  • Weight gain during pregnancy might be tough to regulate, but it is not impossible.
  • To enhance physical activity, get appropriate exercise advice from your doctor.
  • Drink plenty of water and eat healthily.
  • Eat plenty of veggies and fruits.
  • For flat feet, use supportive insoles.

All of these things can help you maintain your weight and manage your condition. Swollen feet are common and unavoidable during pregnancy. You can only manage them to make them feel more at ease.

Overall, swollen feet are not something to panic about during pregnancy except when they come with pain or other discomforting symptoms, in that case you can’t check in with your physician. Also, certain foods have been known to trigger or worsen swelling in some women so be observant to identify your triggers and avoid them.

 

 

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