Swelling of the feet occurs later in pregnancy when the uterus and fetus put extra pressure on the legs and feet. This pressure can impair circulation and promote fluid retention, leading to oedema.

We'll be looking at some of the things women can do around the house to minimize swelling. We also go over symptoms that might suggest a more serious problem and when you should contact a doctor.

Causes
Swelling in specific areas of the body is a common occurrence during pregnancy. This usually happens when the body produces excess fluid to support the growth of the fetus. In addition, circulation slows down, which can contribute to fluid build-up.

As the uterus swells with the growing fetus, the feet and ankles may swell, which puts additional pressure on the veins in the lower body.

Swelling of the feet most often occurs in the third trimester of pregnancy. This is because the fetus is larger, which puts additional pressure on the legs and feet.

When a woman's feet swell during pregnancy, the swelling usually looks like this:

[*]It's the same on both feet
[*]appears gradually
[*]looks worse at the end of the day
[*]it's worse when it's hot
[*]decreases when you lie down or raise your feet

Home remedies
During pregnancy, women may be able to minimize oedema in the feet by performing the following steps at home:

[*]Avoid standing for long periods of time, as this can increase pressure on the legs and feet and create swelling.
[*]Increase blood flow to the heart by slightly lifting the feet
[*]While you sleep, lift your legs up on pillows.
[*]To improve circulation in the legs by wearing support tights or compression stockings
[*]Limit your salt intake by being active throughout the day with short walks or light exercise.
[*]Stay hydrated by drinking 8-10 glasses of water Every day, drink a reliable source of hydration to prevent the body from retaining excess water.
[*]Caffeine should be avoided because it is a diuretic, which means that it encourages the creation of more pee.
[*]Casual and comfortable clothing
[*]A pair of roomy socks and a pair of comfortable shoes
[*]Avoid long hours of sitting
[*]In hot weather, it's important to stay cool and spend as little time outdoors as possible.
[*]Sleeping on the left side of the body can help the heart receive more blood.
[*]To improve circulation, consider massage or reflexology.

Exercises
When you are relaxing, you can stimulate your circulation by doing foot exercises.

Pregnant women can try bending one foot up and down 30 times before repeating the movement with the opposite foot.

They can then lift one foot off the ground and turn it clockwise eight times, then counterclockwise eight times. They should then do the same with the opposite foot.

Medical treatment
Swollen feet are a typical side effect of pregnancy, despite their discomfort. Medical treatment is unlikely to be needed, and many women find that home remedies can help relieve swelling.

If a woman's swollen feet are caused by an underlying disease, she will need medical attention.

Complications
Swelling during pregnancy can sometimes indicate a health problem. If a woman notices a sudden or rapid increase in swelling, she should immediately call her midwife, doctor or healthcare team.

Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia can be identified by a sudden increase in swelling of the foot. A puffy or swollen face, oedema around the eyes, or sudden swelling of the hands may also be noticed by women.

If the swelling of the feet is severe, pressing the skin for a few seconds may leave an imprint. There may also be discolouration in the legs.

Preeclampsia is a medical condition that can occur during pregnancy or after childbirth. Preeclampsia is a condition that affects pregnant women and causes high blood pressure and organ problems.

This usually happens after 20 weeks of pregnancy or up to 6 weeks after childbirth. Preeclampsia can develop quickly and, if left untreated, can be extremely harmful to the mother and the fetus.

To lower blood pressure, a doctor may prescribe antihypertensive drugs. Health care providers may advise giving birth early if the pregnancy has progressed to 37 weeks or more.

Deep vein thrombosis
Deep vein thrombosis, or a blood clot, can cause uneven swelling of the feet or legs (DVT).

Women who are pregnant or who have given birth within the past three months have a higher risk of DVT than women who are not pregnant. The reason is that, during pregnancy, blood clots are more easily avoided by excessive blood loss during labour and delivery.

The weight of the fetus on the legs also increases, which can restrict circulation. Blood flow to the legs can be reduced by being less mobile than usual during pregnancy and recovery time after childbirth.

To prevent or treat blood clots and DVT, a doctor may prescribe a medicine called low molecular weight heparin. The medicine will be injected under the skin.

When to see a doctor
If women are worried about their swollen feet during pregnancy or are unable to alleviate the uncomfortable sensations, they should discuss treatment alternatives with their healthcare professionals.

If they notice any of the following symptoms, they should contact their doctor or midwife immediately:

[*]a sudden increase in oedema of the foot
[*]Sudden swelling of the hands, cheeks or eyes
[*]a severe headache or a dull headache that never goes away
[*]Seeing "stars" or flashing lights, or having blurred vision
[*]severe pain in the stomach or under the ribs, especially on the right side
[*]nausea, vomiting or generally feeling unwell
[*]The swelling occurs early in the day and does not go away with rest or lifting your feet.

The symptoms listed above could all be markers for preeclampsia, and pregnant women should see a doctor immediately to prevent the condition from getting worse.

Women should also call their doctor immediately if they notice any of the following symptoms:

[*]Reddened or discoloured skin on the legs
[*]One leg or foot is more swollen than the other.
[*]In the calf or elsewhere in the leg, there is pain or heat.

DVT can be identified by uneven swelling or pain in the leg. DVT, if left untreated, can cause a blood clot to migrate to the lungs and cause a pulmonary embolism. It is essential to see a doctor immediately if you have:

[*]breathing problems
[*]blood is coughed up
[*]a faster or more irregular heartbeat
[*]Chest pain that gets worse when you cough or take a deep breath

Conclusion
Swelling of the feet is a common symptom of late pregnancy and is usually not a cause for concern. During pregnancy, the body retains extra water. In addition, the pressure of the fetus can reduce circulation in the legs, causing swelling of the feet.

Elevating your feet while sitting and wearing soft, comfortable shoes are two home remedies for swollen feet during pregnancy. Drinking plenty of water, doing a steady, gentle movement, and avoiding long periods of standing could all help.

If a pregnant woman notices a rapid increase in swelling in the feet, hands, face or around the eyes, she should seek medical attention immediately.

Preeclampsia, a disorder that requires medical attention, can cause sudden swelling. Uneven swelling, pain, redness, or warmth in one leg in a pregnant woman should be reported to their doctor immediately, as these symptoms could suggest DVT.

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