17 Effective Home Remedies for Swollen Feet During Pregnancy

When you’re expecting, you’ve got to be careful about your habits and lifestyle. There are a few physical changes that will take place in your body; one of them is swelling in your feet. Swollen feet (oedema) is commonly seen during pregnancy. Oedema usually affects the ankles, hands and feet. Don’t fret; there are ways to reduce the swelling. Here, we tell you about some effective home remedies for swollen feet during pregnancy.

Home Remedies for Swollen Feet

Making small changes to your diet and lifestyle can help. Try these:

1. Eat Potassium-Rich Foods

You can try to reduce the swelling by including potassium-rich foods on your plate. Some examples are bananas, avocados, figs, celery, spinach, and cabbage.

2. Avoid Packaged and Processed Foods

Packaged products contain table salt in excessive amounts. Salt only aggravates the condition of swollen feet during pregnancy. So, avoid them to maintain your electrolyte balance. (Extra salt needs to be avoided if swelling is there… but do not cut it completely as your body need salt).

3. Add Magnesium to Your Diet

Magnesium deficiency makes your body retain water. So, keep up your intake of magnesium with foods like almonds, cashews, tofu, dark chocolate, broccoli, etc.

4. Use Cabbage Leaves

Did you know that cabbage leaves can absorb the excessive fluids from your feet? Place some fresh cabbage leaves over the affected areas and cover them with a cotton cloth. You’ll see the a reduction in the swelling in no time!

5. Eat Coriander Seeds

Soak coriander seeds (2-3 tbsp) in a glass of water. Boil this water, drain the seeds away and drink it once a day.(Better to take it empty stomach in morning)

6. Take Ample Rest

It’s important to put your feet up during the day. Standing for too long puts too much pressure on your feet, making the swelling worse. Keep your feet elevated while resting.

7. Lie Down on Your Left Side

Turn over to your left while lying down. This increases the blood circulation in your body and reduces the swelling in your feet.

8. Pay Attention to Your Clothing & Footwear

Wear comfortable shoes, for example, flats and sneakers. Tight shoes can also make the situation worse. Also, wear stockings and tights that are supportive. They should not be too tight. Try to wear hose or other support in the morning when there is no swelling so that there is better support. Avoid the ones that are too tight around the ankles.

9. Buy Compression Socks

You can go for compression socks that are between 12 to 15 mm or 15 to 20 mm of mercury. Start off with lightweight socks and find a pair that gives you relief. (Better not to use compression socks during pregnancy).

10. Don’t Be in a Stationary Position for Long

Keeping your body in a stationary position for hours on end can also lead to edema. It’s important to move your feet and change your sitting or standing position once in a while. If you have a desk job, take a quick stroll inside or outside your office every 4 or 5 hours. This will better the blood circulation, and eventually, reduce the swelling.

11. Cut Down on Caffeine

Caffeine isn’t a healthy option when you are pregnant. In fact, it is also good to stop drinking it when you have signs of swollen feet as it can lead to dehydration.

12. Drink Plenty of Water

No, drinking water won’t make the situation worse. Keeping your body hydrated is very important during pregnancy. When you drink plenty of water, it helps your body flush out all the excess fluids and toxins within in the form of urine.

13. Exercise

Exercising regularly is a great way to get rid of swollen feet and increase blood circulation. However, some women have experienced a worsening of the symptoms after exercising. Only do those exercises that are recommended for pregnant women. You can search for safe workouts for pregnant women online. We also recommend consulting a professional yoga teacher for this, and exercise only if your gynaecologist allows you.

14. Lose a Few Kilos If You’re Overweight

Being overweight reduces blood circulation and puts more pressure on your feet. It can also result in fluid buildup in the feet. Consult your gynaecologist about whether you can safely lose some kilos.

15. Go for a Swim

Here’s a way to keep the blood circulation healthy. Swimming actually helps by going against the pull of gravity on the fluids. Swimming is also a safe form of exercise that you can follow during your pregnancy months. 

16. Soak Your Feet in Saltwater

You can add Epsom salt to bath water and soak your feet in it.

17. Massage Your Feet

During your pregnancy, your feet will feel really tired and exhausted. This is to be expected; after all, you’re carrying a human being in your belly! A massage will help you relax and also help with blood circulation. (You are carrying a baby in your womb…. would be better rather writing carrying a human being)

When you’re pregnant, there are many things you need to be mindful about. Swollen feet can make you uncomfortable and frustrated. However, there are ways to reduce it. Eat a healthy diet and follow an active lifestyle. When you see your feet swelling up during pregnancy, try home remedies first as they don’t have any side effects.

If the swelling starts after 20 weeks of pregnancy, it can be due to high blood pressure called  preeclampsia. It’s best to consult a gynaecologist to get yourself checked and take care of any issues.

Also Read: Swelling during Pregnancy