The body undergoes significant and surprising changes during pregnancy. Your feet, for example, may swell. It can be uncomfortable for expecting mothers, so it’s essential to understand why it happens and how you can address it. Here’s what to know about the condition and how natural treatments can manage it.

A Guide to Foot Swelling & Pregnancy

Causes

Swollen feet begin in the first trimester. Your body produces more of the hormone progesterone to support pregnancy. Many women experience swelling in the hands and feet from the elevated levels. 

Swelling becomes more common in the second trimester because the body has more blood and fluids in it. Your body does this to soften and help you prepare to give birth.

It continues collecting blood and fluids in the third trimester. The heavier uterus can also slow blood flow from the legs to the heart.

Swelling is completely normal, though you should still let your primary care physician and OB-GYN know. It may be a symptom of pre-eclampsia, a dangerous spike in blood pressure. Contact a health care professional if you experience dizziness, migraine headaches, or have trouble breathing.

Treatments

Start by drinking more water. The body holds more fluid when it thinks you’re dehydrated. Drinking water tells your kidneys to flush unnecessary fluids in the body.

Additionally, acupuncture may improve digestion by eliminating toxins from the body. Improved digestion may then reduce fluid retention that causes swelling.

In Chinese medicine, the various organs of the body are connected and must find balance. When there’s a weakness in one part of a bodily system, there will be improper distribution of fluid or fluid pooling in the lower parts of the body, such as the feet and ankles. To heal the problem, an acupuncturist will look for patterns of imbalance and then work to correct them over time. Treating swollen feet alone won’t be enough, as it’s a symptom of a larger issue. 

Keep in mind that the practitioner may not put needles in the swollen areas directly, as they want to prevent cellulitis and other issues. Instead, they may needle other parts of the body, such as the arms or back, to address problems in the legs and feet. This may be confusing at first, so it’s important to ask the acupuncturist about their approach.

If you’re ready to try natural treatments, contact Marie A. Gonzales, L.Ac. of Nyack, NY. Marie has over 20 years of experience with acupuncture and creates custom treatment plans for clients. From cupping therapy to foot detoxes and herbal remedies, she’ll help you find potential solutions for many issues. Call (845) 398-1312 to schedule a consultation, or visit the website to learn more about their natural treatment options.