What causes feet to swell during pregnancy?

During pregnancy, women experience many hormonal changes in their body. Swelling of feet is also experienced by majority of women during this period. Swelling may or may not be painful. It generally starts from the fifth month of pregnancy. Swelling is caused by improper blood circulation and surplus water retention in the feet.

Why does it happen?

• Drinking less water and increasing the intake of tea and coffee will lead to swelling.

• Walking or standing in an upright position for long duration.

• Some hormonal changes may also lead to feet swelling.

• Increase in blood quantity.

• Less intake of potassium in your daily diet.

• Too much of uric acid in the blood.

Home remedies for swelling of feet during pregnancy

• Drinking water is the easiest and effective natural home remedy to cure swelling in the feet. Drink about 8-10 glasses of daily. This will not only reduce the swelling but will also be beneficial in flushing out the toxins.

• Avoid salt as much as possible or reduce the intake of salt in your diet. This will help to cure the swelling.

• Soak your feet in warm water for about 10-15 minutes and add one teaspoon of salt. This will not only reduce the swelling but will also give a soothing effect to your feet.

• It is advised to give rest to your feet at short intervals. Just lift your feet up for some time and again lay them back. This is a useful and easy cure.

• To have less water retention, make sure you walk for at least 20-30 mins in a day. Walking will increase the blood circulation and will help to cure swelling as feet will be into constant motion.

• Avoid coffee and alcohol as they cause dehydration of vital fluids.

• Drink barley water. This will be helpful to cure swelling.

• Use any good oil and massage on the affected area. A gentle massage will reduce the swelling and also give a feeling of relaxation.

• Drink butter milk (chaas) daily. This will be helpful not only for swelling but will also improve your digestive system and blood circulation. Have 2 glasses daily as it is also healthy.

• Have bitter gourd (karela) juice every morning on empty stomach. If it’s too bitter for you then add about one teaspoon of lemon juice in it. This is very good and effective home remedy.

• To reduce swelling boil two glasses of water and add half teaspoon of jaggery (gud) and one teaspoon of fennel seeds (saunf) in it. Keeping boiling till the water is half. Drink this daily.

• Eat a well balanced diet and include foods that are rich Vitamin C.
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