The cause of swollen feet during pregnancy is not a condition to worry about. However, if it is accompanied by several other symptoms it could indicate a medical condition that needs to be treated. Cause swollen feet during pregnancy generally due to the addition of blood and fluids in the body. Fluid retention is needed by the body to make it more flexible.
A woman’s body during pregnancy is naturally able to adjust to support the growth and development of the fetus and prepare for birth. These changes can cause various complaints, such as swelling of the legs or in medicine called edema.
What causes swollen feet during pregnancy?
Many pregnant women complain of swollen feet in the third trimester. However, the condition of swelling of the feet can also occur in pregnant women in the first and second trimesters of pregnancy. This condition can appear depending on the age of the pregnancy. Here are some of the causes of leg swelling during pregnancy.
First trimester
In early pregnancy, the hormone progesterone increases rapidly. This condition will have an impact on the appearance of swelling in the body slightly. It is normal to have swelling due to changes in pregnancy hormones. Another thing, if the feet are swollen accompanied by dizziness, headache, and even bleeding in the first trimester. Immediately you consult an obstetrician, these symptoms can indicate a health problem.
Second trimester
The second trimester of pregnancy is said to have reached the age of 13-28 weeks. In this second trimester, many pregnant women experience swelling in the legs when their womb reaches 20 weeks. This happens because the volume of blood and fluid in the body increases. Increasing the volume of blood and fluids in the body is the body’s mechanism for supporting fetal growth. Apart from the growth of the fetus, the body is currently supporting the pelvic tissue to make it more open for labor.
Third trimester
In the third trimester, leg swelling is more common in pregnant women. Generally in a pregnancy that enters the age of 28 weeks. Pregnant women usually realize this when the shoes they usually wear feel narrower and are not even enough anymore. Apart from being caused by increased body fluids, this condition is caused by an enlarging uterus, being able to press on the veins in the pelvis.
The pressure that occurs will slow the return of blood from the legs to the heart. This causes blood to collect in the veins in the legs and will cause the feet to swell.
Apart from the several causes above, swollen feet in pregnant women can also be caused by the following:
- Standing for a long time
- Doing too much activity
- Fatigue
- Excess amniotic fluid
- Amused pregnant or twins
- Hot weather
- Lack of fluid intake
- Less intake of foods containing potassium
- Too much consumption of foods high in salt
- Drink caffeinated beverages
When to be aware of this condition?
Swollen feet without any other symptoms are probably normal things in pregnancy. However, swelling in the legs should be watched out for if accompanied by the following symptoms:
- Swelling also appears on other parts of the body, such as the hands, on the face and around the eyes
- Feel dizzy and headache
- Visual disturbances
- Firey eyes
- Pain in the stomach
- Respiratory problems / shortness of breath
If the mother feels the symptoms listed below, immediately consult a gynecologist for pregnancy. To evaluate pregnant women, the doctor will perform a physical examination and supporting examinations. Examinations carried out include urine tests, blood tests and pregnancy ultrasound.
If the examination results show that there is an increase in blood and urine protein, it can be said that the pregnant woman has preeclampsia. In addition, if the swelling of the legs is accompanied by pain, redness and soreness, this condition indicates a blocked leg blood vessel. Complaints of swollen feet in pregnant women usually subside by itself when the baby is born.
Also Read: Not With Medicine! Here’s how to deal with swollen feet during pregnancy
How to prevent swollen feet during pregnancy
Swelling of the legs during pregnancy is also known as edema. This is due to increased blood and fluid in the body. The following changes serve to make the body more flexible so that it can adapt to fetal growth and development. Even though it is said to be normal, sometimes this swelling can make some pregnant women uncomfortable. There are several ways to prevent this condition from occurring. Let’s look at the following explanation.
Reduce your salt intake
You should limit your salt or sodium intake during pregnancy. Salt will make the body retain more water, which can lead to swelling. In addition to reducing salt intake directly, mothers should also avoid foods that contain too much salt. Try replacing salt with spices that will keep food savory when eaten.
Increase your potassium intake
Pregnant women who are deficient in potassium can exacerbate the swelling that occurs. This is because this mineral is able to help balance the amount of fluid in the body. However, you have to pay attention to where the potassium source is, make sure to get it in healthy foods. Such as potatoes, bananas, tubers, nuts and yogurt.
Drink a lot of water
Increasing water intake can prevent swelling during pregnancy. When the body lacks water or is dehydrated, the pregnant woman’s body will try to compensate by consuming more water. Try to drink at least 10 glasses of water so that your body can stay hydrated. In addition, drinking lots of water, the kidneys will remove toxins from the body optimally.
Rest in a position with your feet higher than your body
Pregnant women should not be too active. Rest in pregnant women is very important and must be fulfilled. As much as possible while sleeping, try not to hang your legs and position them higher. For example, prop your legs up using a pillow or small stool.
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes
You try to get used to wearing loose and comfortable clothes. Wearing tight clothing, especially tight around the wrists and waist, will make the swelling worse. If the mother is traveling and walking long enough, it is advisable for the mother to use waist-high stockings. The use of stockings will be able to gently press the feet, and help maintain fluid circulation during the mother’s activities.
Mothers are also required to wear comfortable shoes and avoid high heels. Wearing comfortable shoes in addition to reducing swelling can also prevent back and hip problems. This problem arises due to weight gain and a forward shifting center of gravity.
Exercise regularly
Pregnant women are encouraged to do light exercise regularly. Sports that can be done are walking and swimming. Swimming or just resting the body using water media really helps prevent swollen feet. If in some of the methods above nothing works, the mother should immediately have the condition checked by a gynecologist. Hope it is useful!
