Your body goes through an immense amount of change when you are pregnant, particularly in the last trimester. Due to the increase in weight being placed on your feet and legs, foot pain is often a complaint amongst pregnant women. While these pains are common, there are some things you can do to help with problems such as swelling, leg cramps, and varicose veins.
An important tip for all pregnant women is to make sure you have a good mix of rest and exercise, in particular exercises that promote proper circulation.
If you have been noticing swelling due to fluid retention, which is necessary for all pregnancies, do not be concerned. There are a couple of things that you can do to help relieve the discomfort you feel. Elevating your feet while rotating your ankles can help with circulation and blood flow. In addition, consume lots of water and sleep on your side.
Another reason why increasing your circulation is a good thing is that it can help prevent leg cramps, which can plague pregnant women. You can also ask your doctor for calcium supplements, as these leg cramps can occur due to a calcium deficiency. Potassium deficiencies can also be linked to leg cramps, so grab a banana for a snack!
When you are pregnant, you have much more blood in your system than non-pregnant people. This can cause varicose veins to develop, particularly if you gain more than the recommended amount of weight or your mother had varicose veins. Avoid standing for a long time and focus on low impact exercises that increase circulation. Consider wearing compression stockings to avoid blood pooling at your ankles.
If any of your feet and ankle pain seems out of the ordinary for being pregnant, do not hesitate to contact a podiatrist right away. Pregnancy and foot pain may seem intertwined, but Alpine Foot Specialists can help!
Courtesy of: Parents