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Pregnancy is an exciting phase of life for most women. With all the fun fluttery kicks and anticipation of baby’s arrival comes tired, swollen muscles. One area most pregnant women experience aches and pains are in the feet. If you are looking for some relief, here are some simple tricks for giving your legs and feet the treatment they deserve.
Hot temperatures are hard on veins, causing them to dilate. This can cause swelling and extreme discomfort in the limbs. When the uterus expands, it puts pressure on the blood vessels in the body and can restrict the flow to the legs. Having the increased pressure and the heat means that the legs can become very uncomfortable, especially in hot weather. Keeping yourself cool and comfortable is important to prevent a condition called Deep Vein Thrombosis, or DVT.
With the extreme tiredness of pregnancy, it is hard to get up and move, especially during the third trimester. However, sitting or standing for extended periods of time can cause cramps. Being mindful and moving around can help increase the circulation in your legs, keeping swelling, achy feelings, and varicose veins at bay. If you don’t want to get up and walk around, there are simple exercises you can do to help with circulation too like stretching and writing words in the air with your toes.
During times of rest, it is beneficial to keep the feel elevated. This helps with circulation, but it is also great for reducing edema, a common side effect of swollen feet in pregnant women. The elevation forces fluid to flow back into the body, reducing inflammation in the feet and making legs more comfortable. If the skin of your feet and legs is starting to feel tight, elevating your feet while you rest can make a big difference.
If you have tried all these tactics and still can’t seem to get relief, try compression therapy. There are stockings specifically for helping with reducing swelling and supporting the legs and feet during pregnancy. The compression is effective because it enhances blood flow and prevents fluid from pooling in the feet, ankles, and legs. Doctors often recommend wearing these to prevent discomfort, but they can also help reduce the risk of varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis, and other foot and ankle conditions. There is no prescription required for compression stockings, so get a pair if you’re feeling like you need some extra support.
If you are still experiencing a lot of discomfort during pregnancy in your ankles and feet, come in and see one of our doctors. They might have other suggestions for you to try. Taking good care of your feet can make all the difference for your heart by keeping your blood pressure regular. It is important that you feel comfortable and take the best care of your body for your sanity and for the health of your unborn baby.
