Among the many changes that occur with pregnant women, are swollen feet. Doctors say that this is common as the body retains extra fluid to protect and support the growing foetus. Dr Stephen Rulisa, an obstetrician gynaecologist at University Teaching Hospital of Kigali (CHUK), notes that basically as the uterus increases in size, it exerts pressure, plus extra fluid accumulated during pregnancy tends to stagnate in lower extremity, particularly in the feet due to standing. It gets worse as pregnancy progresses. According to Medical News Today, swelling in the feet usually happens later in pregnancy, when the weight of the uterus and baby puts extra pressure on the legs and feet. This pressure can reduce circulation and increase fluid build-up, which causes swelling. Health experts explain that in women who experience swollen feet during pregnancy, the swelling typically appears gradually, is worse in hot weather, appears worse by the end of the day, lessens when they lie down or raise the feet, and is equal in both feet. Remedies Rulisa notes that if it is physiologic, just raise your feet, for instance, if seated, put the feet on a raised table or chair. He urges staying hydrated, for example, by drinking enough water—about eight to ten glasses of fluid each day—as this will assist to prevent the body from holding onto excess water. Rulisa adds that pregnant women should sleep on the left side of the body, which can help increase blood flow to the heart. If possible, he also recommends massage or reflexology to improve circulation but also exercises such as walking. “Compress the feet through using compression stockings, take enough rest, wear loose socks and comfortable shoes, and avoid sitting for long periods,” he says. “Doing foot exercises when resting can help improve circulation. Pregnant women can try raising one foot off the floor and flexing it up and down 30 times before repeating the movement with the opposite foot. Next, they can raise one foot off the floor and rotate it clockwise eight times and then anticlockwise eight times. They should then repeat this with the opposite foot,” states Medical News Today. Dr Iba Mayele, an obstetrician-gynaecologist at Clinic Galien- Kimironko, says that pregnant women ought to reduce sodium (or salt) intake as salt makes their bodies hold on to extra water. This is why consuming canned or processed foods should be reduced as these are high in sodium. He urges increasing potassium intake, this is because potassium is an important mineral that helps to maintain the salt to water ratio in your body. Foods high in potassium include, fruits, vegetables, and herbs, bananas, avocados, among others. “Reduce caffeine intake. This is because it is diuretic, which increases urination, leading to dehydration and fluid retention. Instead of taking caffeine, take a cup of herbal tea,” Mayele says. He adds that the reason why compression socks are necessary to have is because these stop fluid from building up, therefore the importance of starting with one light compression and putting them on when you wake up. Mayele recommends moving around, a little light exercise, like multiple short walks throughout the day or simply flexing the foot, as it can help prevent swelling that happens when in one position for too long. When to see the doctor According to Healthline, most of the time, swollen feet are just another sign of all the hard work your body is doing to produce that new little life. However, swollen feet can sometimes be a sign of a more serious problem. One of these problems is called preeclampsia. This is a condition that can develop during pregnancy and causes dangerously high blood pressure. Call your doctor if you notice sudden swelling of your hands, feet, face, or around your eyes, swelling that gets dramatically worse, dizziness or blurred vision, a severe headache, confusion, difficulty breathing.
