Sometimes, swelling during pregnancy is completely normal. But, having a puffy face, ankles, and legs can make you feel a little less like yourself. Read on for 4 easy fixes for pregnancy swelling to get your confidence back!
Before we begin, it is worth it to read this article that is medically reviewed by a doctor. It can help you determine what is normal, and when pregnancy swelling is dangerous. I am not a doctor, and my blog post is mostly to address pregnancy swelling from a beauty standpoint. It is not medical advice.
Why Pregnancy Swelling?
What is the reason for swelling during pregnancy?
Swelling during pregnancy is also known as edema. It occurs when the body produces 50% more fluid and blood for the needs of the baby. Extra fluid also helps the body “soften up” and expand to accommodate the baby. 1
When Does Pregnancy Swelling Start?
Swelling can occur at any time during pregnancy. Yet, it typically shows up in full force around the 5th month and throughout the third trimester.
How To Reduce Swelling During Pregnancy
This post focuses on swelling in the face, ankles, and legs which are common complaints.
There are some general rules to remember that will help pregnancy swelling all over the body:
- Avoid standing for long periods.
- Minimize outdoor time when it is hot.
- Rest with your feet elevated.
- Wear comfortable shoes, avoiding high heels if possible.
- Wear supportive tights or stockings.
- Avoid clothes that are tight around your wrists or ankles.
- Rest or swim in a pool.
- Use cold compresses on swollen areas.
- Drink water, which helps flush the body and reduce water retention.
- Minimize sodium (salt) intake and avoid adding additional salt to meals.
-According to The American Pregnancy Association
These are important to keep in mind to relieve pregnancy swelling.
Let’s get into easy fixes to help reduce annoying bloat.
Pregnancy Swollen Feet Remedies
This without a doubt the most searched question when it comes to reducing pregnancy induced swelling.
It may seem counterintuitive, but walking is a great remedy for swollen legs and ankles during pregnancy! Exercise helps reduce swelling all over, and even brief walks can do this.
Another of my favorite exercises to do to help reduce swelling throughout the lower body:
The Legs-Up-The-Wall yoga pose. Of course, for pregnancy it needs to be modified. Here is a YouTube video that demonstrates this:
I swear by this pose to reduce swelling in my feet, ankles, and legs. Furthermore, I think that it has helped me avoid spider veins as well which can pop up during pregnancy.
Speaking of that, it is also recommended to not cross the legs as well due to it affecting blood flow. This can cause more strain on the circulatory system, which is already sluggish during pregnancy.
Also, home remedies for swollen feet during pregnancy can be soaking your feet in cool water. You can also try an epsom salt soak. This helps ankles too!
Swollen Fingers Pregnancy Treatments
Want to know how to reduce swelling in hands during pregnancy? You probably have the answer in the form of a wet rag that has been popped in the freezer for a few minutes. Apply this cool compress to the fingers. Then also raise your hands above your head to help all that extra fluid flow out of the fingers.
Lastly, you might want to avoid wearing tighter jewelry on the hands – some people even have to remove rings due to the fact that they could get stuck!
How To Fix a Swollen, Puffy Face During Pregnancy
The best way to help reduce a puffy, swollen face during pregnancy is to use a face roller or gua sha!
These facial tools are so handy and easy to use. Get your face sleek again with these beauty staples.
Both work to help move stagnant lymph and fluid out of the face. Not only does this help with puffiness, but it can help acne, dark circles, and a dull complexion.
Face Rollers
Using a facial roller is an easy way to de-puff the face and get in some self care time. There are many stone varieties which you can choose from. Store the face roller as well as the gua sha mentioned below in the fridge to keep it extra cold. This can help reduce puffiness even more!
Here are some great face roller recommendations:
Gua Sha
A gua sha is very similar to a facial roller, but does take some learning on how to use it.
Incorporating these facial tools into your routine will help you look better, but also give you an excuse to pamper yourself, relax, and unwind.
Also try icing the face with an ice cube!
Sleeping On The Left Side For Pregnancy Swelling
Many doctors recommend that you sleep on your left side, especially as you get further along in your pregnancy. This is because blow flow through a major vein is improved in this position. Not only is this better for mom and baby, but it also helps reduce swelling! If the circulatory system is working as efficiently as it can, there is less chance of that pesky fluid/swelling build up.
Foods To Reduce Swelling During Pregnancy
Now that you know know some ways to help swelling from the outside, don’t neglect the inside! Foods that contain an excess of salt or sugar can be detrimental to your efforts of reducing swelling.
Read More: 5 Startling Reasons Why Sugar Is Bad For Your Skin
This article explains why sugar is bad for the skin. Not only can it age the skin faster, it causes inflammation which contributes to a swollen, puffy looking face.
How To Reduce Water Retention In Pregnancy
Make sure that you are drinking lots of water while pregnant! As well as avoiding sodium-rich foods. When you do this, your body can avoid hanging onto excess water that is trying to battle the effects of sodium. Not having enough water intake can make you look puffy.
I hope that this guide will help you during your pregnancy to combat swelling. While swelling can be a normal part of pregnancy, it can also be disheartening to see your body turn change drastically! Feel like yourself again with these easy beauty fixes for pregnancy swelling.
Best, Mia
This content is for informational purposes only, and what has worked for me personally based on my own opinions. I am not a professional/medical doctor, and you should always consult your doctor or dermatologist on what will work best for you. The information presented here is not legitimate, official advice from a professional. If you choose to rely on any information from this blog, you do so at your own risk. Please refer to the “Blog Disclaimer” tab in the menu bar to read more information and the official disclaimer statement.
Citations:
- https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/pregnancy-health-wellness/swelling-during-pregnancy-1017/
