Relief for mom
Leg Swelling
Swelling of your legs and feet is common during the last few months of pregnancy, as your uterus constricts the veins leading from the heart to the legs. Gravity pulls the blood down to the legs, but it has a hard time getting back up out of them. It’s important to promote blood flow in your extremities.
Use these tips to keep the swelling in your feet to a minimum:
- Avoid crossing your legs
- Avoid constrictive (or tight) clothing, especially with tight elastic around ankles, knees or wrists
- Avoid standing for long periods
- Walk around after you’ve been sitting awhile – especially when on long drives. Avoid laying flat - the weight of your uterus presses against major veins and arteries that bring the blood supply to and from the pelvic area/lower extremities.
- Limit or slow the amount of physical activity you do, especially in hot weather
- Wear support hose if recommended
- Firm massage of the legs from toes upward to thighs
Your shoes may feel tight. Some of this is due to a little swelling in your feet. But since early pregnancy, your body has released a hormone called relaxin - it makes the ligaments stretchier – this is to help your pelvic bones prepare for birth. Relaxin doesn’t only effect your pelvic bones – your feet stretch out a little too.
- Be careful to wear shoes that support your foot adequately. Ill-fitting shoes may cause calluses, corns and blisters.
