How long does it take for legs and feet to swell during pregnancy?

Edema during pregnancy is a very common phenomenon. Many women will experience varying degrees of edema during pregnancy, but some women have more severe edema, while others only have mild edema. In fact, there are many reasons for edema during pregnancy, but most edema during pregnancy will slowly disappear after giving birth. Usually, edema during pregnancy usually occurs in the late pregnancy.

How long does it take for legs and feet to swell during pregnancy?

Leg swelling during pregnancy usually occurs after 28 weeks. As the uterus grows larger, it is normal to have edema below the ankles. In the later stages of pregnancy, the uterus presses on the veins, causing poor blood circulation, which can lead to edema. Avoid standing for long periods of time, soak your feet in hot water before going to bed, and lie on the bed with your feet raised before going to bed.

What to do if pregnant women have swollen legs and feet

1. Pregnant mothers must first ensure that they eat enough protein. Make sure to eat animal foods such as livestock, poultry, meat, fish, shrimp, eggs, milk, and bean foods every day. This type of food is rich in high-quality protein. Pregnant women with anemia should also eat animal liver 2-3 times a week to supplement iron.

2. Pregnant mothers should eat enough vegetables and fruits. Vegetables and fruits contain many vitamins and trace elements necessary for the human body. They can enhance the body's resistance, strengthen metabolism, and also have detoxification and diuretic effects. Pregnant mothers should not forget to eat vegetables and fruits every day.

3. Pregnant mothers should not eat too salty food. When you have edema, you should eat light food and avoid eating too salty food, especially pickles, to prevent the edema from getting worse.

4. Control water intake. Pregnant women with severe edema should control their water intake appropriately.

5. Pregnant mothers should eat less or no foods that are difficult to digest and easy to cause bloating (such as fried glutinous rice cakes, sweet potatoes, onions, potatoes, etc.) to avoid causing abdominal distension, poor blood circulation, and aggravating edema.

6. Pregnant mothers should wear loose and comfortable shoes after 3 months of pregnancy, leaving 1 cm of space in front and back. The soles of the shoes should be non-slip and the heels should be at least 2cm thick. Pregnant mothers' feet are prone to swelling, so it is best to choose soft leather or cloth shoes made of soft natural materials, which can effectively reduce foot fatigue. Low-quality travel shoes made of synthetic leather or non-breathable are heavy and do not breathe well. They will aggravate edema and increase the possibility of slipping and falls.

How to prevent swollen feet during pregnancy

Eat a light diet with less salt

To prevent and alleviate swelling of the feet of pregnant women, pregnant women should focus on a light diet and minimize salt intake. They can eat more diuretic foods to help the body excrete water, such as mung beans, red beans, winter melon soup, etc., which help to excrete excess water during the menstrual cycle.

Take breaks and avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time

Pregnant women in the middle and late stages of pregnancy should not exert too much force on their feet, nor should they walk for too long. They should take more steps and rest more often; avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time, and avoid crossing their legs when sitting. Maintaining the same posture or sitting with crossed legs for a long time will hinder blood circulation in the lower limbs. Poor blood circulation will cause poor venous return, leading to edema in the lower body.

Take a walk or exercise

Pregnant women should not do heavy work or overwork, but they should also do appropriate exercise. They can take a proper walk after meals or do some light exercise. This will not only help speed up blood circulation and prevent edema, but also help reduce pain during childbirth in the future.