Swollen Ankles During Pregnancy

You plan to go for a walk and to your surprise the shoes that you regularly wear fail to fit you! You then notice that your ankles are swollen. Pregnancy is no doubt a wonderful experience; however, along with it comes a lot of discomfort. A few lucky women do not experience it, while most others suffer from this condition.

Your body develops a tendency to retain fluids during pregnancy, and some of this enters the tissue as well. This fluid retention is a result of the mounting pressure exerted by your baby and your uterus on the veins that lead to your legs. As a result, blood circulation slows down and blood accumulates in your legs. Blood pooling indicates more fluids in your tissue, resulting in swelling.

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Remedies for Swollen Ankles in Pregnancy

Here are a few tips to help you relieve this condition:

  • If you suffer from swollen ankles during pregnancy, avoid standing for long periods of time. Try to keep your feet elevated by supporting them with a few pillows while you sleep, and keep them propped up using a table when you sit.
  • Increase your water intake. The more water you drink, the less the water retention occurs, and your body will stop retaining water.
  • Limit your intake of salt and avoid caffeine. Both these actions will dehydrate your body, and result in it your body trying to compensate the water loss by retaining more fluids.
  • Take a walk or follow a simple, mild exercise regime which will help you tackle this condition more effectively.
  • When you sit, avoid doing so with your legs crossed. This posture interferes with the blood circulation and encourages swollen ankles during pregnancy.
  • Similarly, sleep on your left side.

    This position helps take the pressure off the blood vessels. As a result, your heart will work more efficiently.
  • Wearing compression socks also helps to keep the extra fluid off your feet.
  • Wearing comfortable, padded footwear helps relieve swelling in your ankles, and also alleviates the pain that other footwear could cause.

Conditions for Swollen Ankles in Pregnancy

A certain amount of swelling is considered normal in pregnancy. However, in case the swelling is accompanied by nausea and headaches, you should bring it to your doctor’s attention immediately. Moreover, if you notice sudden swelling in your hands and legs, you need to alert your doctor, as this indicates preeclampsia.

The good news is that swollen ankles subside rather quickly the moment you are done with your pregnancy. You may find yourself running to the washroom to flush out the extra fluids that your body preserved during pregnancy! Till then, follow the tips above and make sure that your pregnancy ride is filled with fun and not crammed with unnecessary worries!

Swollen Ankles When Pregnant
Swollen Ankles During Pregnancy
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