A Guide for Expecting Mothers on Caring for Their Feet and Ankles During Pregnancy
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As an expecting mother, it's important to take care of your feet and
ankles, especially during pregnancy. Not only will it help keep you
comfortable, but it can also help prevent some common pregnancy-related issues.
By following a few simple guidelines, you can make sure your feet and ankles
stay healthy and strong throughout your pregnancy. This guide will provide you
with all the information you need to know about taking care of your feet and
ankles during pregnancy, including tips on how to reduce swelling, what kind of
shoes to wear, and other helpful advice.
Taking good care of your feet and ankles during pregnancy is essential for your comfort and health, so read on to learn more!
- Swelling and Pregnancy: What You Need to Know
Swollen feet and ankles can be quite uncomfortable during pregnancy, and can even be an indication of a high-risk pregnancy. During the first trimester, most women experience swelling, which typically subsides by the end of the second trimester. If swelling doesn't decrease, however, it's important to contact a doctor right away. There are a few reasons why your feet and ankles may be swollen during pregnancy. One of the biggest reasons is called edema, which is when your body holds extra water because the muscles are relaxed.
This can also happen if you have high blood pressure, you're dehydrated, or you have diabetes. Another commonly occurring reason for swelling is called peripheral neuropathy. This is a condition that causes your feet and ankles to be hypersensitive, feeling like they're on fire. This is typically a sign of a low sodium level in your body.
- Tips for Reducing Swelling
- Drink water
If you're dehydrated, your feet and ankles will be more swollen. So drink water throughout the day and increase your fluid intake during pregnancy. Drinking water can also help you relieve pain from cramps and morning sickness.
- Elevate your legs
Another way to reduce swelling is to elevate your legs while you're sitting or lying down. This can be done by taking off your shoes or getting on your side with a pillow or cushion. If you're sleeping, placing a rolled up towel or sleeping pad under your legs can also help.
- Wear supportive shoes
If you're feeling swollen in your feet, try wearing supportive shoes that have an arch support. This can help keep your feet comfortable and relaxed, allowing them to return to their normal shape more quickly.
- What Kind of Shoes Should You Wear?
The best shoes to wear during pregnancy are those with a firm, sturdy sole and good support. Stick to sneakers, closed-toed shoes, or sandals, as opposed to open-toed shoes or boots, which could expose your swollen feet and ankles to harmful bacteria and viruses. When it comes to choosing your shoes, think about the lifestyle you lead.
Are you constantly on your feet, or are you more likely to sit down at work? Depending on your daily activities, you may want to wear a softer shoe. Try to match the shoe to your pregnancy condition. If you have edema, you may want to wear a more cushioned, supportive shoe. If your ankles are swollen and painful, you may want to wear a shoe with a firm, supportive sole.
- Exercise and Foot Care during Pregnancy
Exercising during pregnancy can be beneficial to both you and your baby, but it's important to be careful. Make sure to exercise during pregnancy only when you feel comfortable and your doctor gives the all-clear. When it comes to foot care, you can do the same things as you do during your regular routine. Make sure to clean your feet and apply a cream or lotion with antimicrobial properties. You should also trim your toenails and toe nails regularly to prevent ingrown nails.
- How to Treat Common Foot and Ankle Injuries
If you do end up injuring your feet or ankles during pregnancy, don't try to stretch it out or walk it off; call your doctor immediately. During pregnancy, your body is releasing more collagen and elasticity than usual, which can make it more susceptible to injury. So if you injure your feet or ankles, you should see a doctor immediately to ensure that you don't damage your injuries. During pregnancy, you may experience swelling in your feet and ankles, which can make it more difficult to walk or stand. If this is the case, try elevating your legs while you're sitting or lying down. You can also wear supportive shoes when you're feeling swollen.
Conclusion
As your pregnancy progresses, you may experience swollen feet and ankles due to your increased fluid intake, swelling caused by edema, or a low sodium condition. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to reduce these symptoms and keep your feet and ankles healthy and active during pregnancy. Make sure to drink water throughout the day, elevate your legs while you're sitting or lying down, wear supportive shoes, and apply moisturizer with an antimicrobial property to your feet and ankles.