Having swollen feet and legs during pregnancy is very common, it is caused by the accumulation of fluids in the tissues, and it usually appears in the third trimester. Although, in principle, It has no consequences for the fetus, it does have consequences for the mother, with frequent discomfort. The advantage is that the swelling usually disappears with a night's rest, but if not, we are going to give you some tips and home remedies to deflate your feet and legs, and make you feel better.
These advice you can also follow after childbirth, when it is common for fluid to accumulate. However and as we always like to remind you, these are only advice, if you see that your feet do not deflate, consult your doctor, there may be other causes of swelling.
Postural and everyday tips
If you are pregnant and from the first day you want to prevent your feet from swelling, get used to following some guidelines. These can always help you, even after delivery. The feet and legs tend to swell more with high temperatures. This happens in summer, when you must avoid exposure to the sun, and in winter, with direct heat from heating.
Avoid spending a long time in the same positioneither standing or sitting. Try to change positions every 20 minutes. If you have a sedentary job, remember to get up, go fill a glass of water, go to the bathroom, or simply stand up and sit down several times an hour. If, on the other hand, you are standing, without moving for many hours, sit for a while with your legs as high as possible. Wear footrests and rest socks.
Don't cross your legs maintain maximum fluidity in circulation to get deflated feet. And this includes comfortable, loose-fitting clothing, and super flexible, non-squeezing shoes! Try rotating your ankles, or up and down. 20 times to each side is enough.
Food and physical exercise to deflate the feet
Drink plenty of water, at least 2 liters of water every day, Staying hydrated helps flush waste from the body. One trick is to always carry a bottle of water and drink small sips of water. Some people like to add a few drops of lemon to make it feel more refreshing. Some foods that are diuretic and help deflate are watermelon, melon, orange, celery, watercress, leeks and tomato.
We once again insist on a rich and varied diet, full of nutrients, light and low in fat. And to the usual tips we add that you eliminate the salt. Salt worsens edema, swelling, and raises blood pressure. You can substitute the salt for aromatic herbs and spices.
Do physical exercise every day improvement is one of the basic recommendations during pregnancy. Walking for at least half an hour, swimming, yoga, or aquafitness for pregnant women are some of the activities that will best suit you. But if you are not used to exercising, talk to your doctor before starting.
Massages to deflate the feet
Massages on the calves, and ankles, if you arrive are very beneficial. If you also have notions of reflexology, you will improve many points of your anatomy. You can give them yourself or ask for them, and take advantage of the moment before going to bed. The movements should be circular and upward to deflate, applying pressure, but not too much.
El Olive oil is one of the traditional remedies to deflate the feet in pregnancy. This moisturizing oil is also a great natural anti-inflammatory, so it is also recommended in case of muscle and joint pain. You can also use anti-inflammatory and calming medicinal plant essences, such as chamomile, sage, peppermint, or rosemary.
Before starting these massages, put your feet in warm or cold water. If you use warm water add a handful of coarse salt, baking soda, or oatmeal (the latter will leave your feet much softer) and put your feet in the water for 10 or 15 minutes. If you prefer cold water, add ice to it, so that it is as cold as you can hold it. Let your feet soak for 5 minutes, this will activate circulation.