Each phase of your pregnancy can be accompanied by new -- and often uncomfortable -- symptoms. For example, morning sickness often occurs during the first trimester, and swelling can occur particularly in your third trimester. The swelling tends to be especially pronounced in your feet, making them difficult to move and hard to walk. You also may find your shoes do not fit properly. Although swollen feet during pregnancy are not typically cause for concern, it is important to recognize the symptoms of a more serious condition.
Time Frame
The farther you advance in your pregnancy, the more likely you are to experience swollen feet. As your uterus grows, it places more pressure on the veins in your legs, which keeps blood from returning to your heart. As a result, the blood can pool in your feet, ankles and legs because they are farthest from your heart. While this foot swelling can be very uncomfortable, it will likely go away after you deliver, according to MayoClinic.com.
Dietary Modifications
Some dietary changes can help you reduce pregnancy-related swelling. This includes drinking more water, because extra water can stimulate the kidneys to release fluids via your urine. Read food labels carefully and avoid excess sodium, which can attract water in your body and lead to swelling. Frozen and canned foods tend to have added salt and should be avoided.
Lifestyle Adjustments
You can take several steps to reduce pregnancy-related foot swelling. The best position to relieve swelling and take pressure off your veins it to lie on your back with your feet elevated. Move your feet occasionally in this position to stimulate blood flow. Applying cold compresses to your feet also can help to reduce swelling. Avoid wearing tight socks or jewelry around your ankles, because this can affect your circulation. If your physician recommends it, you can wear support hose, which stimulate blood flow toward your legs.
Warning
Some swelling is normal, albeit somewhat painful, during pregnancy. However, some symptoms associated with foot swelling can indicate a more serious condition. If your feet seem to swell suddenly or your swelling quickly advances in severity, contact your physician immediately. This can be a symptom of pre-eclampsia, a condition that causes high blood pressure, which can be dangerous for you and your baby. Also, swelling in only one leg can indicate the presence of a blood clot due to poor circulation, an occurrence that requires immediate medical attention.
