Celebrity mom-to-be Sonam Kapoor is known for her candid candour regarding her life. In a recent post on social media, Sonam shared an image of her swollen feet, echoing the sentiments of many women who have carried a child. She wrote, “Pregnancy is not pretty sometimes”.
Sonam is expecting her first child with her husband Anand Ahuja and is currently in her third trimester. Water retention, bloating, and swelling are extremely common during this phase of pregnancy.
Let’s find out why they happen in the first place.
10 Causes Of Swollen Feet During Pregnancy
Some amount of puffing up is common right through pregnancy but it’s most uncomfortable in the third trimester because you’re carrying all that extra weight. Some of the causes of bloating during pregnancy include:
- The rapid increase in progesterone slows down your digestive system, leading to abdominal bloating.
- There is an increase in the production of bodily fluids during pregnancy.
- You have water retention due to hormonal changes.
- The body gets stressed because you’re gaining weight rapidly
- The stress of the baby on the uterus impairs blood flow back from the legs to the heart.
- Your body isn’t able to process salt that well.
- It’s possible you’re not drinking enough water.
- It’s possible you’re having too much caffeine.
- It’s possible you’ve been standing for long periods of time.
- Changes in diet during pregnancy can cause retention of fluids.
5 Home Remedies To Treat Swollen Feet During Pregnancy
1. Soak Your Feet
In a bucket, fill some warm water and drop in ½ cup Epsom salt. Soak your feet in this water bath for 15-20 minutes. It will help reduce swelling and ease the pain in your feet too.
2. Try A Foot Massage
If you have water retention and swelling, opt for a nice full-body oil massage or even a simple foot massage using lotion. It will help improve blood circulation and ease out the fluid pockets that are collected in your feet.
3. Elevate Your Feet
In the picture, Sonam Kapoor can be seen with her feet propped up on pillows. This actually works really well because elevating your feet drains the fluid that’s been pooling in your legs all day.
4. Wear Compression Stockings
Compression stockings might be uncomfortable for pregnant women because they’re tight and can make you feel really hot, but they’re great to promote fluid circulation. A good trick is to wear waist-high compression stockings so that they feel like pants and don’t bother you as much.
5. Drink Enough Water
It may seem counterintuitive, but the swelling is caused by water retention and your body holds on to more water when you’re not drinking enough water. So really, drinking more water is one of the best ways to prevent your body from storing water and giving you swollen feet and hands during pregnancy. Try and drink at least 3-4 litres of water every day.
5 Fast Tips To Prevent Swollen Feet During Pregnancy
- Reduce the intake of salt and caffeine
- Try not to stand for long periods of time
- Eat enough potassium
- Exercise (trimester-approved workouts) for at least 30 mins every day
- Wear comfortable shoes and socks at all times
When To See A Doctor
While swelling during pregnancy is normal, you must go to a doctor if the swelling is accompanied by pain, especially if it’s only in one foot. Also, see your healthcare practitioner if the swelling is persistent and refuses to go down even after rest.