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Reducing Swollen Extremities in Late Pregnancy

By mariasmith76 HERWriter Blogger April 4, 2012 - 7:30pm
 
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• Drinking lots of water to help flush excess fluid from the body

• Not crossing one’s legs or ankles

• Getting plenty of exercise

• Avoiding salty, processed food

• Not sitting or standing for too long

• Wearing comfortable shoes that will accommodate feet that swell throughout the day

• Sleeping on one’s left side so as not to put pressure on the vena cava

Though swollen feet and hands are not the most attractive part of pregnancy, moms-to-be can be assured that the swelling will usually go away rapidly once the baby is born. Through excess urination and sweating, the fluids that fill a pregnant woman’s tissues will be disposed of within a few days of child birth.

Sources:

Babycenter.com. Web. 4 April 2012. “Edema during pregnancy.” http://www.babycenter.com/0_swollen-extremities-edema-during-pregnancy_2...

Preeclapsia.org. Web. 4 April 2012. “About preeclampsia”. http://preeclampsia.org/health-information?gclid=CJrw4ZnRnK8CFUhrtgodsgh9Zw

Reviewed April 5, 2012
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith

We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.

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