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Swelling in the feet is quite common during pregnancy, and it typically subsides after delivery. The swelling may occur only around the ankles or shins, or may affect the entire leg. It is most common in the second trimester, generally in the fifth month of the pregnancy. The most common cause for the swelling is water retention or edema in the feet.

Swollen feet during pregnancy may or may not be painful; however, it is advised that your consult with your doctor for possible causes and treatment.

Remedies for Swollen Feet

While swelling in the feet is a part and parcel of pregnancy, it can extremely uncomfortable. However, you can take certain precautions to avoid/reduce swelling. Here are some of the things that you can do:

• Drink lots of water. Water helps in flushing out the toxic fluids from the body. While consumption of lots of water may increase the frequency of urination, frequent urination helps in reducing water retention.
• Avoid standing for long periods of time as standing allows the fluids to accumulate in the lower parts of the body.
• Avoid drinking tea and coffee as these drinks may lead to water retention in body (especially the feet).
• Avoid heavy physical activity during pregnancy in order to prevent leg swelling.
• Choose to stay in cool temperatures; hot temperatures may lead to the dehydration of the body, which may increase the content of other body fluids, leading to edema or swelling of feet.
• Check your intake of salt as salt is closely linked to water retention.
• Avoid wearing tight clothing as this may lead to water retention. It is preferable to wear light cotton clothes that are loose and comfortable.
• Make it a point to keep changing your position frequently, especially while sleeping or lying down. Lying in a single position exerts pressure on one side of the body, thereby leading to water retention and swelling.
• Boiling coriander leaves in water and drinking it is a natural remedy for reducing feet swelling . Do this at least thrice a day.
• Avoid exerting pressure on your legs while sitting; do not cross your legs.
• Eat a well-balanced diet that is high in detox foods; this helps in eliminating toxins from of the body.
• Follow an exercising regime as exercise is known to reduce swelling. However, consult with your doctor before beginning any exercise routine.