What is happening to your body?
Why pregnant women swell in the third trimester.
Swelling typically starts in the fifth month of pregnancy and continues into the third trimester, mostly due to the hormones in your body that help your baby develop.
During pregnancy, extra fluid is necessary to soften your body as the baby grows. A hormone called “relaxin” is produced to relax your joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and pelvis to prepare for childbirth. This also loosens the ligaments in your feet which make them wider, flatter, and longer in size.
Your body retains at least 25% more fluid during the third trimester, making blood circulation a bit slower. As your muscles relax and your overall weight increases in the third trimester, your swelling increases too. There’s no need to worry, though — there are plenty of ways to make yourself comfortable, even with swollen legs and feet.
How to make yourself comfortable
Here are some tips to make yourself comfortable in your third trimester even with a swollen body.
Compression Socks
We Recommend: Belair Maternity Compression Socks
$19.99 on Amazon
Wearing compression socks of 15-20mmHG is a perfect way to help with swelling in your feet. They place pressure on your legs and feet to promote better blood circulation, helping alleviate aches and swelling. Moreover, compression socks also help prevent new varicose veins in your feet or legs. Note that 15% of pregnant women develop varicose veins associated with swelling. You can purchase compression socks for only $10-$20 in stores, but don’t opt for a tight band sock; those can contribute to developing blood clots.
Invest in Comfortable and Supportive Shoes
We Recommend: Sketchers Go Walk Joy Sneakers
$30.06+ on Amazon
Swelling will probably make you go up a shoe size. That is why it’s best to buy new, supportive shoes that fit your feet comfortably and support the additional weight associated with pregnancy. You should opt for low-heeled shoes that support your arch. There are different designs available on the market with supportive features that deliver the best comfort for your swollen feet.
Improve Blood Circulation While Resting
As your third trimester of pregnancy continues, so does swelling and additional weight gain. The most effective practice to minimize swelling is to avoid standing for long periods of time and learn to elevate your legs efficiently.
- While watching TV, reading, or participating in seated activities, you can elevate your legs above your heart to help blood circulation. Gravity will work its magic and help send blood to your heart and improve circulation.
- You can also try sleeping on your left side to avoid pressure on a large vein called the inferior vena cava, which carries the blood to your heart.
Avoid Hot Weather and Stay Hydrated
Extreme temperatures are not safe for pregnant women, and they actually contribute to swelling. Hot and humid weather can further affect swelling by dehydrating your body. That is why it is advisable that you drink lots of water to stay hydrated.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
Doctors recommend that you eat food with more potassium like avocados and bananas. They help you lower your sodium levels and excrete more fluids in your body. For that reason, foods with high sodium contents should be limited in your diet to reduce swelling. These include fast food, chips, and processed food.
Wrapping it up
Pregnancy takes its toll on women — physically and mentally. Swelling is just another normal part of being pregnant. You can manage your swelling with the help of a healthy diet, consistent check-ups, good quality sleep, and adequate exercise.
However, if you are experiencing sudden or severe swelling in your face, fingers, legs, and feet, check with your doctor about preeclampsia in pregnancy. Unlike normal swelling, it is more sudden and affects only 5% of pregnant women in general. Prevention and early detection are crucial to having a healthy pregnancy.
Talk with your doctor about any other concerns you have with your pregnancy — and congratulations!
