How to Naturally Reduce Swelling During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, the amount of blood in your body heavily increases by about 50%.This type of swelling, which is referred to as edema, is completely normal in the hands, feet, and face. Â The increase in blood can tend to collect in your lower extremities (Swollen feet, anyone?) and can be uncomfortable and unsightly. Most women began to notice swelling anywhere from 22-28 weeks of pregnancy. Extreme swelling can be a sign of preeclampsia so be sure to read out to your OB if things gets seem to out of the norm.
Luckily, there are a few ways to reduce swelling naturally through pregnancy.
Diet
First and foremost, avoiding foods that are high in sodium and salt is a must. More so, high levels of caffeine and low levels of potassium may also contribute to swelling.
Compression Socks
Compression socks are a great way to increase circulation in your feet and move that pooled blood out of those poor ankles. These compression socks are a great, budget friendly option made specifically for pregnancy women. Be sure to put your compression socks on first thing in the A.M. before the swelling starts.
Kick Your Feet Up
As we discussed earlier, the excess blood can pool into your lower extremities.Avoid standing for long periods of time and rest frequently.  By resting with your feel slightly propped upward, you can help reduce the amount of swelling. Plus, it’s a good excuse for mama to take a little rest 🙂
Lemon Juice
Lemon Juice is a mild diuretic that can help reduce the swelling in your feet. By adding a tad bit of pure lemon juice to your water, you will help your body rid itself of excess water, thus reducing the swelling. Mom’s rave about this technique.