Pregnant women experience a swelling in their feet and ankles generally from the fifth month of the pregnancy. This condition in pregnant women is known as edema. The fluid volume in pregnant women’s body increases by almost fifty percent normally during pregnancy in order to keep the expanding skin and joints soft. Hormonal changes are responsible for bringing about this condition. Water retention problems in the body due to less intake of water and wrong dietary habits can lead to extra fluid retention in the body.
The extra fluid tends to accumulate more in the lowest points, thus giving rise to swelling in the feet and ankles. Poor blood circulation in the area can worsen the symptoms. As the baby grows, more pressure is exerted in the pelvic region and legs, which can cause further swelling with the advancement of pregnancy. Some women experience mild swelling that goes away after resting, but in others edema may cause difficulty and pain in walking.
While edema is normal during pregnancy, if the condition is more serious and causes lot of pain, a serious consultation with the doctor is recommended. Natural treatments are also very beneficial for providing relief from edema to pregnant women and can be taken safely during pregnancy as they do not cause any harm to the foetus. Given here are some of the useful remedies.
Natural Treatments For Edema During Pregnancy
Epsom Salts
Epsom salts work wonders for swelling due to edema. You will find it really relaxing and get rid of the swelling as well. These can be added to a bathtub of lukewarm water and you should soak yourself in it for at least half an hour as it will help bring down the swelling in your feet, ankles and calves.
This can be done twice or thrice a week. You can even simply add a cup of Epsom salt to a bucket of warm water and soak your feet in it.
Massage
A simple massage every day using grapefruit oil is great in providing relief from the pain and reducing the swelling in legs due to edema.
Add just a few drops of grapefruit oil to a carrier oil such as olive or almond oil, and massage your feet and legs with it in upward direction instead of doing it in circular or downward motion. This will bring down the swelling significantly and provide relief from pain.
Coriander
A very age old and effective natural treatment for edema during pregnancy involves the use of coriander seeds. Two to three tablespoons of coriander seeds should be boiled in two cups of water till the water reduces to half its original quantity.
Strain and have this liquid two tot here times a day in small sips. This helps prevent swelling in the feet that women experience during pregnancy. You can also add a little honey to this mixture to improve the taste.
Buttermilk
Buttermilk is very beneficial for pregnant women as it helps clear away the accumulated harmful toxins in the body, thus reducing swelling due to edema significantly.
It will aid digestion and keep your digestive system in good health. Have a glass of freshly prepared buttermilk two to three times a day to get its best health benefits during pregnancy.
Magnesium Supplements
While it is normal to have a little swelling in the body during pregnancy, magnesium deficiency can worsen this condition. Hence, it is important for pregnant women to take magnesium supplements regularly, especially in the advanced stages of pregnancy, to prevent edema.
Since you also get it naturally from your diet, consult your doctor for the right dosage that your body requires and have the supplements regularly in the evenings.
Healthy Diet
A well-balanced diet is very essential for women during pregnancy. This should comprise of freshly prepared food, fruits and salads. Any deficiency or wrong kind of food can cause toxic build-up in the body and worsen the symptoms of edema. If you have swelling in your feet due to edema, it is also best to reduce your salt intake.
Avoid foods that cause water retention in the body. It is best to avoid caffeine intake. Instead, drink plenty of water throughout the day and have fruit juices as well. This will increase urination and expel the harmful toxins from your system, thus resulting in a significant reduction in swelling due to edema.
Wear Proper Clothing
Pregnant women should be careful about what they wear. It is important to wear loose clothing and footwear during pregnancy that do not put extra pressure on the affected area. Tight socks or jeans can restrict the blood flow in the region and cause further harm.
Wear support stockings that cover up the legs till the knees, or a support hose may also be a good idea. These should be worn early in the morning before the fluid builds up in the legs due to edema.
Yoga
Certain yoga postures and exercises are very beneficial during pregnancy in improving the blood circulation and can help reduce swelling due to edema significantly.
Your circulatory system will improve with special postures meant for this particular purpose, so ask your yoga instructor about these. It is best to learn these exercises under guidance and then practice at home by yourself once you have mastered them.
Homeopathy
Homeopathy is very beneficial as a natural treatment for edema during pregnancy. Homeopathic remedies are made with natural substances that do not cause any harmful side effects and are the best for pregnant women who are suffering from swelling and pain in the legs.
You can consult a homeopath for the right homeopathic medicines that will work on your body as these are prescribed as per the nature of the person and the types of symptoms observed. Homeopathy helps you to have a healthy pregnancy and is good for you and your baby as well.
Elevate Your Feet
If you stand for too long, gravity tends to pull down more fluids in your legs, causing further swelling and pain. So, if you have a day job, elevate your feet with the help of a small stool.
Avoid standing for long hours and while relaxing in the evenings, use some pillows to prop up your feet. Elevating the feet helps in reducing the swelling due to edema and is one of the best natural treatments for this condition.
Caution: Please use Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.
