Swelling of the ankles, legs and feet is one of the most common pregnancy issues that women face in the latter half of their third trimester.
Did you have swelling?
I did not have swelling with the 1st, 2nd or 3rd. I DID with the 4th, and I have minor swelling with baby 5. Each pregnancy has been healthy, but the swelling has been slightly different with each child.
Swelling happens because your body is holding onto more fluid than usual – the increased pressure on your leg veins and in your groin contribute greatly to the problem.
Sometimes, swelling can be a signal of a greater issue (Pre-eclampsia)… so it’s important to check with your doctor or midwife if the swelling is severe, and has pain associated with pushing on the affected area (or, leaves an indentation).
Otherwise, natural remedies may provide some small relief to the affected areas.
Lemon in Water
Adding a drop of Lemon Vitality Essential Oil to your water (1 drop per 8 oz) in a Stainless Steel OR Glass Cup will help your body flush itself out and support a healthy liver. If you don’t have quality (high grade) essential oils we recommend Young Living.
You can also use Lemon Juice too – though Lemon Vitality Essential Oil is better for the teeth.
Foods High in Vitamin C & E
Stay away from salt, high sugar, processed foods, and look for fresh fruits & veggies – high in vitamin C & E – which will include:
- Potatoes
- Tomatoes
- Melons
- Cabbage
- Broccoli
- Strawberries
- Citrus
- Green & Red Bell Peppers
Essential Oils
There are several Essential Oils that, when applied topically to the feet, legs and ankles, can help provide support. The following oils are great for helping to reduce the swelling that comes with pregnancy – apply 1-2 drops in your palm along with 1 – 2 Tbsp carrier oil (Grapeseed, Fractionated Coconut Oil or V6 Carrier Oil) and massage on the affected area:
- Lavender Essential Oil
- Chamomile Essential Oil
- Juniper Essential Oil
- Tea Tree Essential Oil
- Cypress Essential Oil
- Move Around
Sitting for long periods will cause fluid build up – so it’s important to move around too – whether it be a walk, or light exercise. Moving and stretching will allow the fluid to move and get the circulation going again.
Cucumbers
Cucumbers are a natural diuretic – eat them raw OR puree them and strain through a strainer and use for Cucumber Lemonade. They contain sulfur and silicon that stimulate the kidneys to be more productive.
Dandelion Tea
Drink a cup of Dandelion Tea 2-3 times a day to relieve swelling – the tea is a great source of phytochemicals that will help get rid of too much fluid.
Massage
Massaging your swollen areas helps tremendously too – while you are massaging, use a carrier oil to apply any of the above essential oils to provide support.
Cabbage
Wrap chilled cabbage leaves around the swollen areas as a compress – leave them until they become wet and then replace and repeat. Cabbage will draw out excess fluid – just make sure the leaves are refrigerated.
Swelling is common in at least half of all pregnancies – it usually happens towards the end, and being on your feet during the day only contributes to the swelling.
Hot weather, and being tired can also have a huge effect too ~ although you can’t prevent it completely, you can try your best to deal with it using any of the techniques above.
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