How To Get Rid Of Water Retention During Pregnancy

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The belly is not the only thing that swells up during pregnancy. You may have that puffy and bloated look on your face, body and even your limbs.The ankles take a particular beating causing fluids to accumulate making them look enormous and puffy. This is because your poor ankles not only take your weight but also the weight of the baby.

You will find your shoes getting uncomfortably tight, rings and watches not fitting and almost nothing fitting around your waist line. The swelling though is completely normal. It occurs because of the increase in bodily fluids during pregnancy. 70-80% of women experience water retention and swelling at some point in their pregnancy.

It is very common in the third trimester. The condition worsens when you have been walking,standing or sitting for too long. It’s more common in warm weather and in the evenings. Water retention magically disappears after you have had a good night’s rest. Those experiencing severe symptoms can try any of these following tips.

Stay Off Your Feet

Try to not sit, stand or walk for long periods. Take breaks even if you are working or running errands. Get some fresh air and exercise to revive the blood circulation and reduce swelling.

Elevate

If you find your ankles swelling up tremendously, put them up. Take the support of a pillow or a comfy sofa. This will prevent the fluids from accumulating too much around the ankles.

Side Lying Position

Start sleeping on your side and make the best use of pillows and cushions to support and brace your swollen belly.This takes off the strain on those kidneys and helps them work at their peak efficiency. This translates to flushing out of toxins ad excess fluids so there will be minimal water retention.

Comfort

With good sense prevailing, fashion consciousness should go flying out of the window. Now is not the time to wear those killer stilletoes. Not only will this hurt your back but will give your large ankles a lot of discomfort.

So choose good, comfortable foot wear. Wear soft moccasins, sneakers or flats. Avoid buckled and strappy shoes. Slip-ons are the best allowing your feet the air and the space they need.

Exercise

Keep the blood flowing by regular exercise. Women who walk regularly during their pregnancy don’t suffer too much from water retention. Some escape it completely so keep your body metabolism revved up. Try swimming, walking or prenatal yoga to tackle water retention.

Drink Up

Have lots of fluids, water, soups and juices. The more water you drink, the lesser the chances of swelling up. Restricting fluids will not reduce swelling.

Salt

Decrease the consumption of salt. Have just enough to taste but don’t ban it completely. Salt in moderate amounts is perfectly ok.

Hose

You can try leggings or comfortable panty hose to give some cushioning and support to those swollen legs and feet. There are special varieties available for pregnant women. Wear ones which are thigh high as they allow you to breathe without feeling too warm. Avoid tight elastic.

Oedema is temporary and once you give birth, it will magically disappear. Excessive swelling which may seem abnormal should be reported to your practitioner. It may indicate high blood pressure or eclampsia.

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