Pregnancy
A very common symptom of late pregnancy is foot and ankle swelling, which is caused by fluid retention and increased pressure on the veins.
Home remedies
To treat swollen feet throughout pregnancy, women should raise their feet whenever they can and wear comfortable and supportive footwear. Also, they need to avoid standing for longer periods of time. Staying as cool as possible, avoiding salt, and increasing the water intake could ultimately reduce fluid retention. Wearing supportive clothing, like tights and compression stockings, could also reduce discomfort and help the swelling decrease.
Preeclampsia
If swelling during pregnancy manifests all of a sudden and is extremely severe, it might be a sign of preeclampsia. This is a harsh condition that could occur during pregnancy or right after birth. Symptoms might include protein in the urine, rapid excessive fluid retention, and high blood pressure.
This is an awful and severe condition that might occur in the latter half of pregnancy and progress to eclampsia, which is seen as a medical emergency. Signs of preeclampsia might include:
- severe swelling
- headaches
- dizziness
- nausea, vomiting
- vision changes
- less frequent urination
Treatment
If you are pregnant and experience any of these symptoms, you might want to speak with your doctor or midwife immediately.
