Compression

SWOLLEN FEET AND LEGS DURING PREGNANCY

Every pregnancy is a great joy, but not always for your legs and feet. When you become pregnant, the amount of fluid in your body increases, and this extra fluid puts more strain on your legs, making them swell easily.

A comfortable way to give your legs extra support is to wear support stockings when you are pregnant. It is best to put on the stockings first thing in the morning, before your legs have swollen. Then your legs will have comfortable support throughout the day!

Edema, fluid retention during pregnancy

When you are pregnant, the amount of fluid in your body increases, and you often gain weight. The increased amount of fluid in your body's tissues can make it tight around blood vessels and nerves.

Fluid retention in the body, or edema, can affect the legs, feet, ankles, and hands, and is a common symptom during pregnancy. You may experience swelling and stiffness, and it can feel tight and sore in the most affected areas. Shoes can become difficult to put on, and it can feel uncomfortable. Swelling often becomes more noticeable during the later stages of pregnancy, but when it occurs varies from person to person.

Swelling is common during pregnancy, but if you suddenly become severely swollen, especially in the face or hands, you should contact healthcare professionals, as it may be a sign of preeclampsia. If one leg suddenly swells more than the other, especially if it is painful or feels warm, a blood clot must also be ruled out.

Support and comfort for swollen legs

The heavier you become, the greater the risk of swollen feet and legs. When you wear support stockings during pregnancy, it is best to put them on first thing in the morning before you start to swell. Swelling usually subsides when you sleep because your legs are in a horizontal position.

The support stockings have graded compression, meaning that the pressure is higher around the ankle and gradually decreases towards the calf. Graded compression promotes blood circulation and provides support for tired and swollen legs.

Keeping your legs elevated whenever possible helps reduce swelling. Sleeping with your legs on a pillow also relieves discomfort.

5 simple tips for swollen feet and legs during pregnancy

Like Pippi Longstocking – sleep with your feet on the main pillow
Put on support stockings for pregnant women first thing in the morning for a comfortable, supportive feeling throughout the day.
Cool your feet in cold water. The pressure of the water on your feet can help draw fluid from the tissues back into the bloodstream, while the cold water feels soothing when your feet are swollen.
Wear loose-fitting clothes. Make sure that no elastic bands or cuffs are tight and restrict blood flow.
Do not sit with your legs crossed, and move around regularly to get your blood circulating.