The majority of pregnant women suffer from swelling or swelling in the feet, especially in the last trimester of pregnancy. This is normal, a symptom of pregnancy. The physiological factors that occur during pregnancy explain why the feet swell and swell.
Swelling of the feet during pregnancy takes place in most pregnant women at any time during pregnancy, but increases as we get closer to the date of birth. This is due to an increase in the size of the uterus, which in turn increases the pressure on the blood vessels in the pelvis area of the pregnant woman. Blood from the lower veins (especially in the ankle and foot) to the heart is slow, blood collects in that area, and the feet swell, and do not forget that the hormonal and physiological changes in pregnancy include the whole body;
Other causes of swelling and swelling of the feet include:
- Stand for long periods without movement.
- Eat too much salt: Increasing sodium (salt) in the human body increases water retention in the body.
- The body of the pregnant woman is exposed to high temperatures especially in the summer.
- The weight of the pregnant woman is more than the permissible weight.
- Pregnant women may suffer from some of the symptoms: swelling of the feet and swelling, such as: heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, and other diseases that affect the balance of water and salts in the body.
- There are some medications that a pregnant woman may have to take, and lead to fluid retention in the body and swelling of the feet, including: anti-inflammatory, or a type of steroids.
The swelling of the feet, as we have mentioned, is normal during pregnancy, and soon begins to gradually disappear after birth, and there is no need to worry about it unless the swelling includes other than the feet, such as the face, eyes, You should see your doctor for the necessary tests, including: blood pressure measurement, kidney function analysis, protein analysis, and urine analysis.
Tips on swelling of the feet
Of the tips agreed by specialists about the swelling of the feet during pregnancy:
- Avoid standing for long periods.
- Wear shoes and comfortable clothing.
- Raise feet while sitting and working (if sitting for long periods as well).
- Drink liquids especially water during hot weather.
- Maintain a balanced healthy diet with low salts and fats.
- If the pregnant woman is suffering from any diseases, or is taking chronic medications, she should keep her doctor’s check and take the necessary tests to avoid any other side effects during pregnancy.