Pregnancy has been treating me quite well in general. While I’ve developed an aversion to garlic and suffer from increased indigestion, my complexion has improved and my weight hasn’t ballooned. Unfortunately, the scale has finally tipped and swollen feet are making this pregnancy a little more uncomfortable than I was ready for. At a mere 21 weeks, I am already feeling my feet tingle and swell. Shoes aren’t fitting anymore and prospects of having trotters-shaped feet in the third trimester are not at all uplifting.

You see, the condition I have, endema, is commonly an issue during the third trimester when excess fluid collects in your tissue due to increased water retention. As the baby grows, s/he will place more pressure on the pelvic veins and the vena cava (the large vein on the right side of the body that carries blood from your lower limbs back to the heart). This forces fluids to pool in the feet and ankles resulting in the swelling. So if my feet are already swelling now, imagine how much more swollen they will be when I’m in my third trimester.

Here are some tips I found on how to control the swelling:

• Put your feet up whenever possible. At work, it helps to keep a stool or pile of books under your desk. At home, lie on your left side when possible.
• Don’t cross your legs or ankles while sitting.
• Stretch your legs frequently while sitting: Stretch your leg out, heel first, and gently flex your foot to stretch your calf muscles. Rotate your ankles and wiggle your toes.
• Take regular breaks from sitting or standing. A short walk every so often will help keep your blood circulating.
• Wear comfortable shoes that stretch to accommodate the swelling.
• Don’t wear socks or stockings that have tight bands around the ankles or calves.
• Try waist-high maternity support stockings. Put them on before you get out of bed in the morning so blood doesn’t have a chance to pool around your ankles.
• Drink plenty of water. Surprisingly, this helps your body retain less water.
• Exercise regularly, especially by walking, swimming, or riding an exercise bike. Or try a water aerobics class — immersion in water may temporarily help reduce swelling, particularly if the water level is up near your shoulders.
• Eat well, and avoid junk food.

Source: www.babycenter.com