Hot or cold water for swollen feet during pregnancy: 5 ways to manage swollen legs and feet during pregnancy | Your Pregnancy Matters

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5 ways to manage swollen legs and feet during pregnancy | Your Pregnancy Matters

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MedBlog

Your Pregnancy Matters

September 14, 2021

Your Pregnancy Matters

Robyn Horsager-Boehrer, M. D.

Obstetrics and Gynecology

The additional weight and hormones you experience during pregnancy can cause swelling and structural changes in your feet.

Of all the body parts you expect to get bigger during pregnancy, feet might not be at the top of your list. But most pregnant women experience swelling in their lower legs and feet.

If your ankles appear puffy and your shoes don’t feel quite right, you’re not imagining things. The additional fluid and blood your body creates to support healthy fetal growth also slows down blood circulation. That can cause blood to accumulate in your lower extremities, causing swelling.

During pregnancy, you also produce more relaxin, a hormone that helps your tendons, ligaments, joints, and muscles – you guessed it – relax. While relaxin helps your pelvis open to give birth, it also loosens the tendons and ligaments in your feet.

The combination of extra weight and hormones during pregnancy can cause your feet not only to widen but also flatten and lengthen. Leg or ankle swelling likely will decrease a week or two after your baby is born, but your feet may never be the same again.

Studies have shown that pregnancy can cause a permanent decrease in your arch and increase in foot length – typically only after a woman’s first pregnancy.

While more research is needed to determine whether these structural changes can be prevented, there are a few things you can do throughout your pregnancy to reduce swelling and feel more comfortable.

Coping with swollen legs and feet during pregnancy

1. Wear compression socks

Wearing 15-20mmHG compression socks that end at your knee can help alleviate achiness. The socks gradually increase pressure in your legs and move some of the excess fluid back into your blood vessels and the rest of your body.

Avoid socks with a tight band at the top. The tightness might worsen swelling by blocking blood return. That can increase your risk of developing a blood clot – which is already five times higher during pregnancy. You don’t need to purchase medical-grade socks, but you can find a good pair of compression socks for $10-$20.

Compression socks also can prevent the formation of new varicose veins, which occur in 15% of pregnant women for the same reason that causes swelling. The risk doubles after your first pregnancy and is four times higher in women over 35. These veins start out as little bumps under your skin; the socks squeeze them just enough to prevent backward blood flow and bulging. Existing varicose veins aren’t likely to shrink, but compression socks can reduce the pain and discomfort they cause.

2. Rest efficiently

You can easily improve blood circulation during downtime and sleep:

Elevate your legs above heart level while reading, watching TV, or doing other seated activities. The simple change in body position decreases pressure on your veins, which no longer have to work against gravity to send blood to your heart. Use cushions for comfort and elevate in 15- to 20-minute intervals a few times a day.
Sleep on your left side. While you can safely sleep on either side during pregnancy, the left side is often recommended to avoid putting pressure on the inferior vena cava, a large vein that carries blood from your lower extremities to your heart.

3. Get your feet wet

Immersing your feet and ankles in cool water for 20 minutes a few times a week can minimize swelling, whether you use a pool, bathtub, or even a large bowl. Bonus: It’s also a great way to deal with the Texas heat if you’re pregnant during the summer.

Be sure the water temperature is moderate and not ice cold. Cooler temperatures cause the smaller blood vessels close to your skin to constrict, which reduces blood flow to and swelling within the affected area. Water that is too cold can have the opposite effect. Whether you stand and sway or sit and dangle your feet, water therapy is a great way to relieve stress and pain.

Related reading: Water immersion during labor

4. Invest in supportive shoes that fit.

Unsupportive and uncomfortable shoes can cause even more leg and foot pain, plus backaches. Even if your feet return to their pre-pregnancy size, you’ll feel more comfortable in shoes that fit your feet and support your additional body weight. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends wearing shoes that:

Have a low heel but are not flat
Provide good arch support, such as athletic shoes

Many patients prefer shoes that have mesh, which allow their feet to breathe, and can easily slip on and off to limit bending over while pregnant. More shoe brands are merging comfort and style, so even the most fashionable patients will have no problem finding footwear they feel good about wearing.

5. Visit a podiatrist or pedicurist.

Another reason to wear shoes that fit: Stress from tight shoes can cause ingrown toenails, and so can infrequent nail trimming. In the first two trimesters you probably won’t have any difficulty trimming your toenails. But once you reach the third trimester, it might get more challenging.

Try propping up your feet on a stool or ask your partner to help trim your toenails. Nail salon gift cards are a great item to add to your baby shower (or sprinkle!) registry, too.

Seeing a podiatrist is another option to prevent or treat painful foot conditions, such as ingrown toenail, bunions, or plantar warts.

When swelling becomes serious

While gradual swelling in your lower and upper extremities is normal, sudden or severe swelling in your face, hands, or feet might be a symptom of preeclampsia. This pregnancy complication involves very high blood pressure.

If you have preeclampsia, you may need to stay in the hospital until you give birth. Delivery is the only way to “treat” preeclampsia. Left untreated, the condition can cause seizures, kidney or liver damage, and in rare cases, death.

Related reading: Postpartum hypertension: When a new mom’s blood pressure is too high

Talk with your doctor about foot and leg swelling, as well as any other pregnancy symptoms. The more we know about your current condition, the more we can help reduce your risk of future complications.

While we can’t fully prevent foot and leg swelling, we can recommend ways to reduce your risk, such as:

Regular exercise
Good-quality sleep
A healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables

Discomfort during pregnancy is to be expected, but our goal is to partner with you to minimize it – as well as the risk of more serious conditions.

To discuss your pregnancy concerns or symptoms with an expert, call 214-645-8300 or request an appointment online.

Hot Or Cold Water For Swollen Feet During Pregnancy?

Medically Reviewed by Jessica Pierce – Registered Nurse & Nationally Registered Paramedic

Growing a new life means that it may not just be your belly getting bigger. Especially towards the end of pregnancy, you might feel like stepping into someone else’s shoes – because your own no longer fit!

In this article, we’re going to talk about swollen feet during pregnancy: why it happens, what to do about it, and when it may be a good idea to seek medical attention.

This article is not a substitute for medical advice.

Should I Use Hot Or Cold Water For Foot Swelling During Pregnancy?

Most conventional wisdom suggests soaking in cool water for relief of swollen feet, but the rules are just a tad bit different during pregnancy.

Due to hormonal changes, most pregnant women have a higher than normal baseline temperature. There’s nothing wrong with this, but it does mean that it’s easier to overheat while there’s a bun in the oven!

During the summer months, soaking feet in cool to cold water is likely to provide greater relief from discomfort. As an additional benefit, cooler temperatures cause blood vessels to constrict, which in turn leads to less fluid in the extremities – lowering swelling.

Despite this, many pregnancy experts still recommend warm water for those swollen feet.

Overall, it sounds like the jury may still be out on this question. But the good news is, you can soak your tired feet in whatever temperature water feels most comfortable to you (but no extremes!).

How To Manage Swollen Feet During Pregnancy & Reduce Swelling

Here are some of the best home remedies for swollen feet during pregnancy¹:

1. Epsom Salt

Fill a large bowl with warm water, then add about half a cup of epsom salt. Soak your feet for 10 to 20 minutes once or twice a day to reduce swelling².

For an extra dose of relaxation, add a few drops of an essential oil – but that’s more recommended for second or third trimester (pregnant women should avoid some ingredients like essential oils in first trimester)

For a more intensive treatment for sore feet and swollen ankles, soak a rag in epsom salt solution and apply directly to the affected area.

2. Sleeping Position

Sleep on your left side, if able. Especially during the third trimester of pregnancy, the weight of the uterus can press on a large vein called the inferior vena cava while you’re lying down.

This isn’t particularly dangerous, but it does make it more difficult for blood from the lower extremities to get back to the heart which can contribute to swelling of the feet and legs.

3. Move Around

Try some light exercise to prevent swelling. Moving around gets blood flowing around your body more efficiently, making it less likely to pool in the veins of your feet and legs.

4. Stay Hydrated

It may seem counterintuitive, but drinking plenty of water can actually reduce swelling! As you become dehydrated, your kidneys signal that you need more fluid, leading to water retention and making swelling worse.

5. Your Diet

Avoid excessive consumption of processed foods, which are very high in sodium (aka salt). It may be necessary to reduce sodium intake just a bit during pregnancy, as too much can lead to fluid retention and swelling during pregnancy.

On the flip side, make sure that your potassium intake is adequate. Potassium is a very important mineral as it helps to regulate the water ratio in your body.

6. What To Wear

If you’re already dealing with foot swelling during pregnancy, here are some tips to minimize discomfort and provide some pain relief:

Wear comfortable shoes. Stick to a low heel with good arch support. If you’ve ever needed a reason to buy a new pair of cute memory foam sneakers, this is it!

Here’s another important consideration: your center of gravity shifts forward while you’re pregnant, which means those high stiletto heels will be even more difficult to walk in.

Speaking of what to wear, it may be a good idea to invest in some compression socks. Compression socks reduce swelling by applying gentle, graduated pressure all around your legs to help push extra fluid in the feet back towards the heart.

However, make sure that the top of the socks aren’t tight around your calves as this will actually impair circulation, making swelling worse. Some moms prefer to wear waist high compression stockings to prevent this from occurring.

7. Massage

Try a relaxing foot massage. Head to the spa or salon for a pedicure, or ask your partner to rub your feet after a long day. Essential oils (just a few drops) are a great addition to a massage.

8. Swimming

Take a dip in the pool – the water pressure surrounding your feet and legs can provide some relief from the discomfort of swelling during pregnancy. Walking around in water is also a great way to get some low impact exercise in³!

Does Hot Water Help Swollen Pregnant Feet?

Warm water has been shown to help with reducing foot swelling during pregnancy. Not only does it reduce swelling, but it also provides relief from soreness and achiness.

Many moms notice that they get the best relief for their swollen feet by doing warm water soaks during pregnancy. In short, yes, warm water can help – just make sure it’s not too hot to avoid burns!

Can I Soak My Feet In Hot Water While Pregnant?

Hot water may feel great on that pregnancy body, but stay away from extreme heat – especially in hot weather. However, coupling a warm soak with a refreshing foot massage is not likely to pose any dangers for you, your feet, or your baby.

Is Heat Or Ice Better For Pregnancy Swelling?

Typically, heat is a bit better for swelling during pregnancy. Cooler treatments like a cold compress may feel better during hot weather, and can help prevent overheating; however, it’s best to avoid ice cold temperatures as these can constrict blood flow and be painful.

What Causes Swollen Feet In Pregnancy

Throughout pregnancy, a woman’s blood volume increases by 50% to provide blood to her growing baby. However, this also leads to increased blood flow throughout the entire body.

To compensate for the increased blood circulation, excess fluid can “leak” out of the blood vessels and into the tissues of the body. This shows up as foot swelling, ankle swelling, and discomfort of the lower extremities⁴.

During the first trimester, swelling is most likely due to hormonal changes. These natural changes can cause abdominal bloating even before your baby bump starts to show.

In the second trimester, the extra weight of the growing fetus combined with long periods of standing on your feet can contribute to swollen ankles and legs.

However, the third trimester is the time that most women are likely to experience swollen feet. Blood volume and weight have both reached their peak in late pregnancy, so don’t be surprised if swollen ankles and feet are the norm for you during this time!

Typically, swelling of the feet dissipates after giving birth. Occasionally, however, your feet may not return to their pre pregnancy size.

It may be frustrating that your favorite pair of kicks won’t fit your feet any more…but at least you’ve got a great reason to go shoe shopping!

When You Should Consult A Doctor About Swollen Ankles

Swelling of the hands and face, sudden swelling, excessive swelling, blurred vision, or severe headaches can signal a serious condition called preeclampsia, which is caused by high blood pressure⁵.

This can lead to seizures if left untreated, with life-threatening complications for both mom and baby. Preeclampsia is generally treated with a drug called magnesium sulfate, bedrest, and giving birth as quickly as possible.

If you experience severe swelling in just one leg accompanied by redness and/or intense pain, this could indicate a blood clot condition called deep vein thrombosis.

If you are diagnosed with a blood clot in your leg, avoid massaging the area. This could dislodge the clot, which can then travel to other places in your body like the lungs or brain.

In rare cases, clots from the legs can cause a stroke or pulmonary embolism. Your doctor will likely put you on a blood thinning medication to prevent the development of more clots and reduce your risk of complications.

Article By Jessica Pierce, RN

Jessica Pierce is Registered Nurse, Nationally Registered Paramedic, writer, and contemporary dance artist based in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She holds two undergraduate degrees from Oral Roberts University – a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (2018) and a Bachelor’s of Art in Dance Performance (2019).

The purpose of this article is informative. It’s not a substitute for professional medical advice or medical care. Remember: safety first! Consult your doctor/pediatrician in case of any doubts. The author of this article does not accept any responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, from any information or advice contained here.

Resources:

https://utswmed.org/medblog/swollen-feet-during-pregnancy/

https://www.webmd.com/baby/swollen-feet-during-pregnancy-remedies

https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/swollen-feet-during-pregnancy

7 Natural Ways to Reduce Swelling in Your Feet While Pregnant

Hello Moms! I am Zooey. I am a wife and a mother of three amazing kids: almost 5-year-old Haley and 2-year-old twins Jesse and Matthew. I am a jogger, cooker and blogger.

If you have a question or a comment, do not hesitate to write to me! 🙂

Folk remedies for edema

At the end of the day, many feel heaviness in the legs. Yes, and it’s difficult to put on your favorite shoes – the ankles and lower legs swell. What to do if the legs swell? Folk remedies can help relieve discomfort without causing harm to health. Many of them are milder than pharmaceuticals and give a good effect. It remains only to choose which traditional recipes suit you.

Why do my legs swell?

The causes of edema can be very different: from somatic diseases (for example, kidney or heart disease) to hormonal disorders or malnutrition. However, if we talk about the most common causes, then, of course, they include varicose veins.

With varicose veins, the work of venous valves is disrupted, and therefore blood stagnates in the veins. As a result, the walls of the vein stretch and become thinner. Blood stasis leads to an increase in fluid pressure on the vessel from the inside. To reduce it, the liquid exits through the thinned wall into the tissues surrounding the vessel. This is what causes swelling.

Main features of “varicose” edema:

appearance mainly in the evening
increased edema in static position, improved well-being when walking
swelling accompanied by a feeling of heaviness in the legs or pain
with “varicose” edema, there is usually no shortness of breath, which is accompanied by cardiac edema

So, now we understand the common causes of leg edema. How to treat folk remedies?

The use of natural diuretics this is limiting salt intake and enriching the diet with products that can gently remove excess water from the body.So, if your legs are swollen in the ankles, then the best folk remedies here are parsley, celery, asparagus, garlic, strawberries, black currants and others. Increasing the consumption of these foods will help get rid of excess fluid.The most effective natural diuretics are cranberries and lingonberries: you can use both the berries themselves and a decoction of the leaves.

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We recommend that you exclude smoked products, strong tea and coffee, and sweets from your diet. Eat more vegetables, fruits, and lean poultry and dairy products. Instead of tea, you can drink a rosehip decoction, as well as take an infusion of cumin seeds or nettle roots. Such a diet will help not only improve the situation with edema, but also normalize weight, which is important if you suffer from varicose veins.

The healing power of water

It is impossible not to remember such a folk remedy for swelling of the legs as baths. Contrast baths or baths with the addition of salts and decoctions can significantly improve the condition of the legs and your well-being.

Contrast baths, when the legs are alternately immersed in either cold or warm water, strengthen the walls of blood vessels and restore their tone. Prepare two small containers, for example, two basins. One should have cold water (10-12 degrees), the second should have warm water (but not hot, the temperature is about 40 degrees). Lower your legs first into one pelvis, then into the other. The time you keep your feet in cold water should be less. If you are just starting to do contrast baths, then you can make the temperature difference not so big.

In addition to contrast baths, foot baths with the addition of:

sea salt and soda have a good decongestant effect
decoction of mint, chamomile and birch leaves
sage decoction (prepared in the proportion of 0.5 cups of herbs per 1 liter of water)

Let’s not forget about compresses

Sometimes compresses can improve swelling. In particular, the healing properties of the cabbage leaf are well known. It can be slightly kneaded with a rolling pin and put on an edematous leg. A good folk remedy for swelling of the legs is an infusion of birch leaves: pour 200 grams of leaves with one liter of boiling water and add a spoonful of salt. When the infusion is ready, you need to moisten the bandages in it and make compresses with them.

Charging!

And of course, if you want to get rid of “varicose” edema, do not forget about physical activity. Just don’t let it be exercises associated with lifting weights – they can adversely affect the condition of the veins. Walking, “scissors” and “bike” exercises, squats, and, of course, swimming, which is absolutely indispensable for varicose veins, will help you relieve swelling and feel better.

And one more important recommendation: approach the treatment of leg edema with folk remedies with caution. In order not to aggravate puffiness and really reduce the severity of the problem, consult a doctor and make sure that you know exactly the cause of your condition. After all, it will depend on which folk remedy for swelling of the legs can be used. Our today’s recommendations concerned those who faced the problem of varicose veins. Take care of yourself and stay healthy!

Edema (dropsy) during pregnancy

Edema during pregnancy

It is normal for swelling to occur during pregnancy, especially in the legs, ankles, feet and fingers. It often gets worse at the end of the day. Swelling that comes on gradually is usually not dangerous for you or your baby, but it can be uncomfortable.

Consult a gynecologist on WhatsApp 💬

If you notice swelling in your hands, ankles and feet, try not to worry. Swelling of the hands, ankles, and feet is very common during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester. Swelling is caused by your body holding on to more fluid than usual. You can get rid of swollen hands, feet and swollen ankles by staying active and drinking plenty of water. Sometimes swollen hands and feet can be a sign of something more serious.

For example, if edema bothers you in the last trimester of pregnancy and persists on an ongoing basis. During this period of pregnancy, many expectant mothers experience impaired lymph and blood flow. This contributes to fluid retention in the tissues and the formation of edema. As a result, the development of dropsy of pregnancy .

Dropsy during pregnancy

This is a form of toxicosis, in which edema does not disappear from the body of a woman, but only increases in size (weight is growing rapidly), in the absence of protein in the urine and normal blood pressure. Violation of water-salt metabolism in the body can pose a serious danger to the health of the expectant mother and baby. In the absence of proper treatment, dropsy can develop into preeclampsia (a severe form of toxicosis). Therefore, at the first signs of this disease, you should immediately go to the hospital.

Dropsy is considered an early manifestation of preeclampsia, characterized by fluid retention in the body and the appearance of edema.

Make an appointment with a gynecologist ►

The following stages are distinguished in dropsy:

Stage 1 dropsy – swelling of the legs (feet and shins)
Stage 2 dropsy – swelling of the legs and anterior abdominal wall of the abdomen
Stage 3 dropsy – swelling of the legs , abdomen, hands and face
Stage 4 dropsy – generalized edema

Below we will give additional tips to reduce pregnancy edema and explain when you should still worry about edema during pregnancy.

Causes of swelling (dropsy) during pregnancy

As your baby grows, the expanding uterus presses on the blood vessels in the pelvic area.

Large veins on the right side (inferior vena cava), which receive blood from the lower extremities, are particularly affected. The pressure from your baby and uterus slows down blood flow in this area and causes water to pool from your blood vessels into the tissues of your legs and feet. This can cause swelling of the ankles and legs.

Your hands may also swell towards the end of your pregnancy. If you wear rings, they can put pressure on your fingers and you may have to give them up for a while. Hot weather and standing for long periods of time can also increase swelling.

Up to 80 percent of healthy pregnant women suffer from edema in late pregnancy.

Diagnosis of dropsy in pregnancy

When should I be concerned about swelling during pregnancy?

Swelling during pregnancy is normal and although annoying, it is usually not a big deal. However, very rarely it can still be a sign of a serious illness.

Edema can develop into a form of toxicosis such as dropsy. This can be determined by a sharp increase in weight. Of course, all pregnant women gain weight throughout pregnancy and swelling can also appear periodically and this is absolutely normal, but it is necessary to ensure that the indicators on the scales do not exceed 200-300 grams per week. Also common signs that dropsy is developing can be called:

infrequent urination;
constant feeling of thirst;
leather gloss;
puffiness;
increased fatigue.

Read what women say about swelling

If you experience sudden or severe swelling of your hands, face, or feet, call your doctor or midwife right away. This may be a sign of preeclampsia, which is a serious condition that can harm you and your baby and also affect your blood pressure.

Call your healthcare provider if you notice excessive and/or sudden swelling in your feet or ankles, especially if it is accompanied by any of the following signs of preeclampsia:

Headache that does not go away
Sudden weight gain 9000 3
Changes in vision, blurred or bright spots
Pain in the upper abdomen
Shortness of breath
Swelling of hands or face more than moderate
Nausea or vomiting after 20 weeks of pregnancy

Danger of edema in pregnancy

If only one leg is swollen and hot, see a doctor immediately. There is a small chance it could be due to a blood clot. This is called deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and you will need medical attention.

Symptoms of DVT include:

pain, swelling, or tenderness in one of the legs, usually the lower leg
severe pain and warm skin in the area
red or discolored skin, especially on the calves

Both preeclampsia and DVT can be dangerous for you and your baby, but you can treat them cope. The sooner you get tested, the better.

Risk of dropsy in pregnancy

What can be done to reduce swelling?

Staying active can help reduce swelling because it stimulates circulation. Try incorporating a couple of walks into your daily routine, or making a few changes to your regular habits, such as getting off the bus a stop early and walking the rest of the way, or taking the stairs instead of the elevator.

You may have heard that diuretics help your kidneys pass water and sodium so you can get rid of excess fluid in your body. However, they are not recommended for normal pregnancy edema, as by washing out important elements, diuretic tablets can harm the fetus.

How to reduce swelling during pregnancy

Your doctor may only suggest that you take them if you have other complications such as heart disease or kidney problems.

Instead of using diuretics, try the following methods for edema:

Drink plenty of water as this will help your body eliminate excess water.
Try wearing compression garments, stockings or knee socks. This will especially help relieve your swollen feet and swollen ankles.
Get a professional foot massage or ask your partner for a relaxing hand or foot massage.

Tips for swelling during pregnancy

Raise your legs whenever possible, as this will improve circulation. At work, keep a footstool or box under your desk. At home and in bed, try to lie on your side, as this reduces pressure on the inferior vena cava and is safer for your baby. Place a pillow under your ankles to elevate your legs at night.
Try not to stand on your feet for too long. Take regular breaks from work. Your employer is required to conduct a risk assessment of your position and do everything possible to reduce the health risks to you and your child.

Leg exercises can help reduce ankle swelling. Bend the leg up and down 30 times, then twist it eight times in one direction and eight times in the other. Repeat with the other leg. You can apply this technique to your swollen hands as well.
Swimming in pool for at least 20 minutes may also help.
Wear comfortable shoes and socks . You can buy socks with specially designed ankle cuffs that won’t compress if your feet get a little swollen. Wearing larger, wider, or slip-on shoes can help you feel more comfortable.

Dropsy and preeclampsia during pregnancy

When will swelling disappear?

Try to remember that swelling will not last forever.