Fat Feet!

altow1310 · August 2015

Any tips on how to minimize swelling in feet and ankles? I know this is a totally normal pregnancy symptom, so I am not even going to complain about how attractive they are.

My doc has said they are nothing to worry about, but I am just curious if there is anything others have found helpful in decreasing the swelling. They can be uncomfortable and a bit of a pain at times when trying to find shoes to wear to work (flip flops/sandals aren't an option). I live in a state where it is VERY hot and humid this time of year, so I may just be doomed. Couldn't hurt to ask though, right?

mandy903 · August 2015

Have you tried compression socks/hose?

altow1310 · August 2015

I haven't tried compression socks/hose. I try to keep them elevated as much as possible, even while at work, and have iced them on occasion.

christina4436 · August 2015

Just make sure they aren't abnormally swollen, if your doc isn't worried u should be fine but I have seen multiple posts about this being a symptom of preeclampsia.

blsav23 · August 2015

Be sure to elevate them when sitting & avoid overly salty foods/drinks.

altow1310 · August 2015

Thanks, @christina4436! I mentioned them a visit or two ago and she wasn't even concerned enough to really look at them. I plan to bring it up again this week when I go just to be sure, but they don't seem to be terrible. I think if it's preeclampsia there are other systems associated with it as well (high BP and protein in urine being two of the biggest), which I haven't had.

Cupcakesandquilts · August 2015

I notice for me that when I eat a lot of raw vegetables like salads, mine are better. That and keeping them cool and reducing salt.

christina4436 · August 2015

jadi1215 said:
Thanks, @christina4436! I mentioned them a visit or two ago and she wasn't even concerned enough to really look at them. I plan to bring it up again this week when I go just to be sure, but they don't seem to be terrible. I think if it's preeclampsia there are other systems associated with it as well (high BP and protein in urine being two of the biggest), which I haven't had.

Yes for sure that is true if they are taking your BP often and its normal then you're fine! I got nervous reading some but now thurs I'll start getting that done every 2 weeks which is better than every month!

babymazzei · August 2015

I've found keeping them elevated on a tall pillow at night brings them right back to normal. Mind you, I have to do this every night lol. But I did notice my left one gets it a lot worse than my right due to crossing my legs at work. So I've tried to kick that habit.

altow1310 · August 2015

@christina4436, totally understand what you mean! I usually hate going to the dr but am excited to be going every two weeks right now. I'm even looking forward to going every week. I'm a FTM, and I like having a professional closely monitor me to make sure everything is going well and all is healthy.

I will ask her again about the swelling this week. Last time she said she thinks the heat is probably the main cause. It has been in the 90s with high humidity for weeks now.

altow1310 · August 2015

@babymazzei, is that why one can be slightly worse than the other?! I cross my feet ALL the time and never even thought about that causing it until I read your post. My left is always slightly bigger than my right as well.

jenspeake · August 2015

Mine happen usually by the end of the day since I sit all day at a desk. And yes the hotter it is outside the worse it is! I just make sure to keep them elevated when I can! At night when I sleep I just put one of our decorative pillows down at my feet to prop them up if they are really bad.

Nukke · August 2015

elevate them

put them in a bucket of cold water

have DH/SO massage them with a cool washcloth

All the above works for me! But my feet still look swollen and feel like they're on fire. But maaaannn those massages feel good.

babymazzei · August 2015

@jadi1215 I just discovered it too from my MIL! Since I've been paying more attention to it, I do see a decrease in the swelling when I don't cross my legs as often.

VioletandRose · August 2015

Don't just elevate them, but elevate them above your heart! That is what the doc told me and it really works. Stack up pillows very high, or I use an exercise ball. Take a nap for an hour with your feet propped way up and you will feel so much better when you wake up, trust me!

The heat is also a big factor. My swelling was terrible until last week, the humidity finally broke and it was beautiful. My feet went back to normal after I just bought a bunch of shoes 2 sizes bigger than my regular size. I'm sure the swelling will return again this week because the humidity is back and worse than ever

tulegrl14 · August 2015

Mine feel like hobbit feet. I just accepted it.

bucher1s · August 2015

I rubbed Lavender and tea tree oil on mine and they shrunk back! Plus Epsom salt baths and sleeping w them elevated

elissa2435 · August 2015

My doctor said to use compression socks and when you can- raise your feet above your heart. Lay your feet on stacks of pillows when sleeping or relaxing. It helps a lot. Plus watch your salt intake and drink a lot of water.

taralohse · August 2015

Soak them in Epsom Salt!!! It helps with swelling and aches! Compression socks are great too as previously stated by many!

BethanyFaber · August 2015

I live in Oklahoma. I have come to the conclusion that swelling is inevitable! But I have noticed, I really only swell on the days that I am at work! I think it is because of my chair I sit in. On days that I am more active, able to set up and walk around more but then elevate my feet when i do sit down I am usually good! Staying hydrated and avoiding tight fitting clothes also helps.

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