Chances are your belly isn't the only thing getting bigger right now. Your feet may also swell when you're pregnant.
Why?
- You have more blood and other fluids circulating in your body
- Because of gravity, some of that fluid settles in your feet
When?
- Many women notice the swelling while they are pregnant, but mostly during the last three months
- It seems to be worse during the summer months
What you can do about it
- Lift up your feet!
- Put your feet up at least three to four times a day
- When lying on a sofa or in bed, prop your feet up on pillows
- When sitting in a chair, put your feet on a footstool
More tips
- Don't sit for long periods of time
- Make it a point to get up and walk for a few minutes every hour
- Wear full-length support stockings as often as you can
- Avoid socks with tight bands on the calf or ankle
- Working out helps
- Water aerobics are ideal
- Ask your partner to give you a foot massage
- Drink more fluids
- The more water you drink, the less swelling that will happen and the less water that will be held in your body
- Don't squeeze your feet into ill-fitting shoes
Back to "normal"
- The swelling linked to fluids will go away soon after delivering your baby
- Some women find that their feet have grown a size larger after having a baby
Is something wrong?
- Some swelling in your feet is normal
- But if it appears all of a sudden or you notice your hands are swollen at the same time, call your doctor right away
These could be signs of preeclampsia, which causes high blood pressure and swelling in pregnant women.
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