Swollen Feet and Ankle During Pregnancy: What Should You Do?

Swelling in the lower parts of the body, particularly in the legs, ankle, and feet can be serious issues, and if left untreated for a longer period. There are a number of reasons behind the swelling of feet and ankle, but one of the most common of them might be the gravitational effect that causes the fluids to come down and accumulate at the feet or ankle which causes the swelling and the exhausting pain and thus leading to difficulties in performing your regular chores, like even walking or standing for a longer period. Swelling of the ankle and feet is a common condition during pregnancy and this condition can cause further ailments during pregnancy. So, it is quite important to know what can happen if you have swollen ankles and feet while you are expecting. If you are facing problems of swollen feet and ankle for a longer duration or in more frequencies, see your physician today.

What Are the Possible Reasons?

There are a few causes that create swelling of the lower parts of the body, especially the ankle and feet. Some of the most important causes of swelling of the ankle and feet are listed below:

1. Edema:

Edema is considered one of the primary causes of swelling and pain in the ankle and feet. Edema is a serious disorder that causes the accumulation of excess fluid within the cells and tissues of your body, particularly in the cells of the ankle and lower feet and thus causes swelling and immense pain in the swollen area. As a result of swelling due to edema, people suffering from the condition will have trouble walking and standing. Though mild conditions of edema are not that problematic, if one develops severe cases, such as pitting edema, then a condition might occur where the skin retains a dimple after it has been pressed several times.

How to treat this condition?

Here are some ways to treat swelling of feet and ankle caused by edema-

• Lower down the consumption of excessive salt or salt- containing foods
• Practice yoga where your legs are upside down
• Try to put on compression stockings
• Sleep in a position so that your heart remains above your lower portion
• taking diuretics
• consult your health care expert for safe medications and faster treatments

2. Preeclampsia:

Preeclampsia is a disorder that is characterized by headache, nausea and vomiting, symptoms of breathlessness, pain in the abdomen, problems in vision, increase in the levels of your blood pressure, presence of excessive protein in your urine, and the sudden swelling of your hands and legs. Preeclampsia is a disorder that can occur even during pregnancy.

How to treat this condition?

If you feel that you are experiencing the above symptoms, please consult your concerned physician now.

3. In Pregnancy: In pregnancy, swelling of ankles and feet is a very common symptom that causes great difficulty for the mother-to-be. These problems may remain for almost the entire pregnancy. Let us have a look at how this differs from one trimester to the other:

First trimester

From the moment you get pregnant to the date of your labor, your body is undergoing immense hormonal changes as the female reproductive hormones like progesterone (literally “pro gestation” or “pro pregnancy”) and estrogen are immensely changing their intensity levels and these are somehow affecting your digestion processes. This can often lead to a sense of puffiness in your hands, feet, or face, but it is curable and if you feel the puffiness for a long time, ask for professional help.

Second trimester

After the 12 weeks (about 3 months) of your pregnancy, on the 13th week, you are in your second trimester, and this is the most noticeable period when you will find that there are symptoms like swelling of feet and ankles. In fact, if you remain in a humid climate, this swelling will eventually keep on increasing during your pregnancy. According to recent studies, it has been found that the swelling of feet and ankle in the second trimester of pregnancy occurs due to the sudden increase in the flow of blood and body fluids and rapid changes in hormones that cause a relative turgidity and exerts extreme pressure that causes the feet and ankles to swell and cause pain. But this increase in the flow of blood and body fluids will gradually keep on decreasing after childbirth.

Third trimester

Just like the second trimester, the third trimester that begins with the 28th week of your pregnancy is a common phrase to feel the pain of swollen feet and ankles. This happens because there is an excessive flow of blood and other body fluids, and the levels of hormones are also increasing to higher levels currently. Moreover, there occurs an increase in the mother’s overall body weight and her baby bump is now bulging out, which exerts extra pressure on her feet and ankles that are further increasing the swelling and the pain.

Apart from pregnancy, there are some other factors too that cause swelling and pain in the ankle and feet. Some of them are as follows:

• hot and humid weather
• Lack of proper diet
• Excessive consumption of caffeine
• Dehydration and shortage of water intake
• Standing on your feet for long periods of time

Complications

Swelling of ankles and feet can sometimes occur if there are underlying health problems while you are pregnant. If these conditions are left unnoticed and are untreated, they can be worse in the later stages of your pregnancy. So, it is better to get professional help as soon as possible.

Treatments And Remedies for Swelling In Ankle And Feet During Pregnancy:

Here are some of the measures that should be followed to get rid of problems like swelling and ankle and feet in your pregnancy:

1. Lower down sodium:

It is preferable to reduce the consumption of foods that are rich in sodium content or the intake of excess or additional salt with foods. This will help you to heal the problems of swelling in the ankles and feet during your pregnancy.

2. Increase potassium intake

As you are lowering your sodium consumption, increase your potassium intake because potassium will help you to maintain your body balance. Have foods that are rich in potassium content such as potatoes and sweet potatoes without peeling their skin, bananas, green leafy vegetables like spinach, beans, beets, lemons, salmon fish, curd, lentils, fresh fruits, fruit juices, and so on.

3. Cut down excessive caffeine intake

While you are pregnant, your doctor will advise you to lower your caffeine intake as excessive coffee is not good for your baby’s health. Though you can have occasional caffeine during pregnancy, excessive amounts can be harmful to your health as well as your baby. In fact, caffeine can increase your toxicity content within the body, and this will further increase the pain and swelling of your ankle and feet.

4. Drink more water

Try to drink plenty of water during your pregnancy. This will help you to stay hydrated and will help to ease a lot of physiological functions that are currently going on within your body. Drinking at least 3 liters of water each day will be enough to keep your body fit. It is very crucial to have enough water during pregnancy because if you become dehydrated, you will feel more pain and swelling in your ankles and feet.

5. Elevate your feet and rest

It is essential to keep your feet at a level higher than that of your body while you rest or when you are sleeping. This will help to reduce the amount of fluid accumulation at the end of your feet and will help you to get rid of pain and swelling of the ankle and feet during pregnancy.

6. Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes

Avoid wearing tight clothing, especially around your wrists, waist, and ankles. This will cause you to bruise your ankles and feel more pain in your ankles and feet during your pregnancy. If you wear relaxing and comfortable, loose clothes and choose a maternity wardrobe, you will feel that you are easing your pains and pregnancy swellings in your ankles and feet.