Treatment - Swelling Of Feet During Pregnancy

Swelling may be experienced at any point during pregnancy, but it tends to be noticed around the fifth month and can increase while you are in the third trimester. Swelling may be reduced by eating foods that are high in potassium, such as bananas, and by avoiding caffeine.nnThe natural remedies here are submitted by numerous people from around the world, and we have no way to test or verify every remedy. As such these home remedies should be used for academic purposes only. Never use any home remedy or other self treatment without being advised to do so by a physician.nnDrink a lot of water when you are pregnant. You must drink at least six to eight glasses of water per day. Water is the most natural therapy to flush out the excess toxins from the body. Thus, the water will expel all the toxic fluids of the body which would otherwise settle in the feet and cause them to swell. Drinking a lot of water could increase the frequency of urination in pregnant women, but that is actually a good sign, as urination is a way to expel the wastes from the body.nnDo not wear tight trousers or jeans when you are pregnant, as this would increase the pressure on the legs. Instead, you could wear somewhat loose stockings or pantyhose to give good support to the feet.nnAvoid sitting or standing without moving for prolonged periods of time. When flying, stretch your legs often and get up to walk when possible. When driving, stop to stretch and walk every hour or so. Avoid wearing restrictive clothing or garters around your thighs. Exercise regularly. Lose weight if you need to.nnLying on your side, or elevating your feet when sitting sometimes helps decrease the swelling. The best treatment is swimming or any sort of total body immersion in cool water. The water pressure on the skin forces the tissue fluid back in to the veins. In addition, although salt is necessary in pregnancy, avoiding very salty or spicy foods may help a bit. Water pills should not be used as a treatment for swelling during pregnancy.nnEssential oils can help to alleviate swollen legs and tiredness that may overtake your whole body. Their uplifting qualities will help to ease the aches and lethargy, soothe the spirits and put the world back in perspective. Add them to a warm bath or a soothing and relaxing body rub.nnA relaxing and uplifting bath is especially beneficial for swollen legs. For this add one drop each of chamomile and lavender oils to the bath water after it has settled.nnStay off your feet as much as possible. Take periodic breaks if you must stand, and elevate your feet above the level of your heart.nnSit on the carpet and stretch your leg in the front, rotate your leg 10-15 times in a clockwise direction and then in the same way rotate in the anti-clock wise direction for 10-15 times. This reduces swelling of feet and improves blood circulation in the feet.