Stomp on Foot Problems While Pregnant
In the spirit of Mother’s Day, we wanted to say thank you to all the moms by talking about foot and leg problems while pregnant and what you can do to make them feel better. Your body has enough going on during pregnancy, and your feet do not need to add to your concerns! Just like any other condition you may experience during this time, you should stay informed of what is happening, treat it, and talk to a specialist if things don’t improve.
Swelling Feet
It is common for your body to retain water during pregnancy, which can lead to feeling swollen and bloated. Your calves, ankles, and feet are the most affected due to your growing uterus, which partially blocks blood flow. This keeps more fluid in your legs and feet.
There are a few things you can do to keep the swelling maintained. First, sleep on your side to relieve pressure on the largest vein leading to your heart. When you sleep on your back, the pressure is greater, which keeps a larger amount of fluid in your lower half. Make sure to elevate your feet 6 to 12 inches and ice your ankles multiple times throughout the day. Drinking water constantly will also help, since dehydration makes swelling worse.
If you are experiencing severe headaches and blurred vision with your swelling, you will need to contact your doctor and make sure it is nothing severe.
Varicose Veins
One in five women will also get varicose veins during pregnancy. As we stated earlier, the lower half of the body tends to swell with fluid. This leads to the vein walls expanding and the valves not closing properly. Walking, swimming, or biking once a day can greatly relieve the amount of discomfort you experience. Putting on stockings before you get out of bed in the morning can make a big difference as well.
Cramps
Many women get cramps in the calves during pregnancy. This is caused by a calcium deficiency and happens most often at night. The two best options to slow down cramps are eating healthier and taking evening walks to help your circulation get back on track. Eating more bananas and dairy products, and drinking fewer sodas, will also go a long way.
Let Foot Specialists of Birmingham Help
We want your legs and feet to be the last concern during your pregnancy, and we will work hard to make sure that is the case. Contact us for more information on how to prevent this from happening or how to fix it if you are experiencing problems already.
