During pregnancy, you may experience swelling in your hands, feet, legs, ankles and face. This is because your body produces 50 percent more blood and fluid to provide the fetus with a healthy and appropriate environment to grow. However, this extra fluid can get trapped around your feet, which can be extremely uncomfortable. Activities such as swimming can help reduce swelling.
Causes
According to the American Pregnancy Association, you may notice increased swelling starting about the fifth month of pregnancy. Your activity, diet and environment can affect how much you swell. A hot summer day can increase swelling. Days in which you stand for a long time or participate in a lot of activity may increase swelling. If your diet is lacking in potassium but high in sodium and caffeine, you may also experience increased swelling.
Swimming
Swimming can be very beneficial to the reduction of pregnancy-related swelling. According to Dr. Roger W. Harms with the Mayo Clinic, swimming laps in a pool or even just soaking in a pool can reduce swelling. The weight of the water as well as the change in gravity can help force excess fluid back into the body instead of resting in the feet and ankles.
Exercise Safety
Exercise is safe for most pregnant women; however, you should always get the approval of your doctor before participating in an exercise program during pregnancy. According to the American Pregnancy Association, swimming is one of the safest forms of exercise during pregnancy. Just keep the intensity low by controlling your heart rate and keeping it to less than 140 beats per minute.
When to Contact Your Doctor
Swelling is a normal part of pregnancy, but there are certain symptoms that you should look out for that can indicate an underlying condition. Harms suggests contacting your doctor if you experience a sudden onset of extreme swelling. Also contact your doctor if you experience swelling in just one of your legs.
