One may enjoy the magical and incredible time of pregnancy. It also comes with a few less than magical side effects and experiences for the mothers. There are rapid and unusual changes in the body, one of which is swollen feet. They can be painful, non-painful, uncomfortable, or just heavy and bothersome. But not to worry; it is a common side effect, and here are a few easy home remedies for swollen feet during pregnancy that you can follow to put yourself at ease.
Some Remedies for Swollen Feet During Pregnancy:
1. Increase Potassium Intake
Potassium is the main thing that helps in reducing swollen foot. It also helps your body to balance the number of fluids it holds on. Lack of potassium is a reason for swollen feet, prenatal vitamins and minerals have an extra dose of potassium. But dietary potassium is essential. Few of such potassium-rich foods include:
- Beans
- Lentils
- Salmon
- Spinach
- Bananas
- Yogurt
- Beetroot
- Potatoes along with the skin
- Sweet potatoes (also with the skin)
Fruit juices: orange, carrot, prune, pomegranate, and passion fruit in particular.
2. Drink More Water
It is contradictory, but drinking water is a remedy for swollen feet. When your body dehydrates, it will keep all the body’s liquids and hence you may notice swollen feet. So, keeping yourself well hydrated helps you reduce swollen ankles.
There are many theories on how much water to drink in a day. An average of 8 glasses of water every day is necessary to listen to your body and its requirements. When the kidney is functioning well with flushing out toxins, other processes in the body come to improve.
3. Reduce Caffeine Intake
Drinking caffeine during pregnancy isn’t harmful, you can enjoy a mug of coffee now and then. But drinking too much caffeine is not good for the baby. Too much caffeine is a reason for swollen feet. Consult your doctor regarding the foods to avoid during pregnancy.
Try decaf coffee, with milk or herbal tea such as peppermint, which is one of the natural remedies for swollen legs and feet. It also adds a boost of energy, which is an added benefit.
4. Reduce Sodium Intake
One way to reduce the swollen during pregnancy is to limit your sodium intake (salt content). It is best to avoid processed or canned foods, as these are high in sodium content to preserve the food. Also, try not to put extra salt on your food. Using savory herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano is an easy way to add flavor to your recipes without using common salt and is one of the best remedies for swollen feet.
5. Sit, Elevate The Feet
We understand you are excited and planning your baby’s welcome with all interests and preparations. But don’t forget to rest and sit down whenever you have time and put your feet up. Standing too much gushes your blood and liquids to your feet. So sitting down often with elevated feet serve as one of the natural ways to reduce swollen feet.
See also: Best exercises for easy childbirth
6. Loose-Fitting, Comfortable Clothes
Wearing tight clothing, especially around your ankles, wrists, and waist makes the swelling worse. It prevents easy blood circulation, so keep the fluids and blood from abnormal circulation, prefer wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothes, or at least avoid any tight elastic bands clothes. Maternity maxi dresses that we wear in the summer and flowy sweaters or cardigans with joggers in the winter can be comfortable.
7. Don’t Forget To Walk
Walking is crucial at every stage of life and even during pregnancy. It has several bonus points in the category of natural home remedies for swollen feet. You need not walk for too long just 5-10 minutes of walking twice a day is a great way to improve circulation, thus protecting your swollen feet. It is a good break in your day, and a great way to get pregnancy-safe exercise. During pregnancy time, doctors suggest you to go for safe pregnancy exercises to induce normal delivery.
8. Shoes Compulsory Comfortable
High heels may look adorable, but late pregnancy is a good time to give those shoes a break. The key to reduce swollen feet, as well as preventing hip and back problems, is by wearing comfortable, even orthotics, well-fitting shoes that can fix your center-of-gravity shifts and your feet may change the size during pregnancy, the ligaments in your body do stretch, including your feet.
9. A Good Massage! Indeed!
During the pregnancy process, your partner may look for ways to be involved, and this is the perfect opportunity to take their help. The fluids accumulate in your feet, and massage helps circulate, which will be a remedy for reducing the swollen feet. So put your feet up, grab your water bottle, and let your partner gently massage your legs and feet.
If you’re not near to your due date, to be safe, you’ll need your partner to avoid firm pressure on some acupressure points that are associated with uterine contractions.
10. Stay cool
Especially if you’re pregnant during the hot months of summer. Eliminating vigorous exercise and staying indoors during the heat of the day can help reduce swollen feet and keep you cool. You can also put cold compresses on your feet, wear cool clothing, or keep a fan nearby as a natural way to reduce swollen feet. So don’t forget to try all these remedies for swollen feet.
Hope this list of 10 most simple and easy steps will help you find your way to treat swollen feet.