It is a normal part of being pregnant.You can accommodate your expanding body with additional blood and fluid.The retention of fluid helps open the uterus to allow labor and delivery.If you're a pregnant woman, you may experience swelling in your face, legs, feet, and hands.There are many ways to manage swelling during pregnancy.
Step 1: It's a good idea to wear compression stockings and comfortable footwear.
When swelling occurs around the feet and ankle, it's a good idea to take care of them.Ask your doctor about compression stockings.During the day, your healthcare provider may be able to recommend a brand of compression stockings.Swelling can be reduced with the help of stockings.You need to be careful about what kind of shoes you wear.Blood flow to the feet can be restricted by tight fitting shoes or heels.Stick with flats and tennis shoes.
Step 2: Use a cold compress.
Pressing a cold compress to the swollen areas can help reduce swelling.You can buy an ice pack at the supermarket, use a cold cloth, or wrap ice in a paper towel.Store-bought ice packs shouldn't go on the skin.Wrap it in cloth or paper towels.
Step 3: Rest your legs.
Pain and swelling can be lessened by resting your feet.Stay off your feet and know how to rest your legs after a long day.Don't stand for too long.If you have a job that requires you to be on your feet for long hours, talk to your boss about making accommodations.When you have a chance to sit down, roll the ankle and elevate your feet.Lying down with your feet elevated is possible.
Step 4: People can stand or walk in the pool.
The tissues in your legs and ankles can be compressed by standing or walking in a shallow pool.It seems to reduce pain and swelling for some women.Purchase a plastic child's pool from the store and fill it with cool water if you don't have a pool.
Step 5: You can sleep on your side.
Swelling can be alleviated by shifting your weight to the side.The inferior vena cava is a large vein that helps with blood flow.It is possible to take pressure off this vein by sleeping on your side.It can help prevent swelling and encourage blood flow.It might help to raise your legs when you sleep.
Step 6: Decrease salt and coffee intake.
Salt and caffeine can cause swelling in pregnant women.They can lead to other health issues, like high blood pressure, that could have a negative impact on your overall pregnancy.Limit your salt intake.If you avoid processed food and don't add table salt to your meals, you can achieve this.Salt can cause water retention and raise blood pressure, which can lead to a number of health effects for you and your baby.Many studies have conflicting results when it comes to the effect of caffeine on pregnant women.It is advised that pregnant women don't consume more than 200mg of caffeine a day.This is equal to a cup of coffee.Coffee, tea, chocolates, and some over-the-counter medications contain caffeine.You should always read the labels for caffeine.If you're experiencing swelling, you might want to reduce your caffeine intake further.
Step 7: Don't drink water.
Reducing water retention can have a positive effect on swelling.You should drink 10 cups of water a day if you're pregnant.It may help with swelling.
Step 8: Travelers need to take precautions.
If you're not pregnant, sitting too long in a car or airplane can cause swelling.The effects are more intense when you're pregnant.If you travel during pregnancy, try to take frequent breaks to get up and walk around.
Step 9: It's a good thing to exercise.
Stay physically active throughout your pregnancies to reduce swelling and have a healthy baby.Discuss workout routines with your healthcare provider to make sure they are safe for you and your baby.Swelling can be reduced by exercising to the legs.Most pregnant women don't experience any adverse effects from walking during their pregnancies.Discuss your interests with your doctor.Depending on your fitness level and overall health, yoga, and aerobics may be okay at certain stages of pregnancy.
Step 10: Stay hydrated.
Increased dehydration and water retention can be caused by warm weather.If you're pregnant and live in a warm area, you should make sure you have access to air conditioning.If it gets too hot, stay indoors or go to the beach.
Step 11: Tell your doctor about the swelling.
Swelling isn't usually a medical concern during pregnancy, but it should be monitored by your doctor.Mention any swelling you experience during a visit.If the swelling is not a cause for concern, your doctor may be able to give you suggestions on how to better handle it.
Step 12: The warning signs of preeclampsia can be identified.
There is a medical condition where blood pressure goes up during a pregnant woman.This is a serious medical concern as it can affect several organs.If your swelling is accompanied by any of the following symptoms, you should make an appointment with a doctor.
Step 13: If you need immediate medical care, seek it.
Swelling can become an emergency in some cases.It could be a sign of a serious problem with your baby.If you feel short of breath, seek immediate medical attention.You have chest pains.A swollen foot or leg is warm to the touch.There is a sudden increase in swelling.