10 Effective Home Remedies For Edema During Pregnancy

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Throughout pregnancy stage, fluid retention occurs within the body owing to extra pressure by uterine wall over the blood vessels. The gravitation effects tend to pool more water in the legs, concentrating it around the ankles and feet. Wearing tight clothes around legs, lower body and ankles can profound the retention and swelling, thereby lowering blood circulation. Too low levels of protein also increase fluid retention within the body. To improve the edema situation, pregnant women must avoid being on feet for extended time. Raising the legs and feet while sitting and walking in-between helps in stimulating the circulation and overcoming swelling. Indulging in mild or moderate physical activities helps to drain off the excess fluid from the body.

Home Remedies For Edema During Pregnancy

Limit Your Salt Intake

High salt in the diet contributes to fluid retention, thereby aggravating swelling.

So cut back on high salt content foods that are anyways harmful during pregnancy as can lead to severe consequences like preeclampsia, endangering lives of baby and mother. Avoid processed and pre packed foods completely as these are source of high salts.

Drink Loads Of Water

Sound so weird, but indeed drinking more water helps the kidneys to function more efficiently by throwing out all excess fluids from the body, thereby reducing swelling from edema.

Water retention gets improved on increased intake of water. Additionally, consume barley water many times in a day as it helps to dilute out excess salt from the bloodstream, thereby minimizing edema.

Soak Feet

Soak feet in warm salt water for 15 minutes to get relieved from feet swelling. This also relaxes the feet and leg muscles, while relieving fluid retention from ankles and feet. Additionally, make use of coriander water by boiling 2 to 3 teaspoons of coriander seeds in two cups of water and let it reduce to half. After it gets cooled, soak legs in this prepared coriander water. This home solution is very useful in reducing edema and associated pain due to swelling.

Limit Carbohydrate Rich Diet

Diet rich in carbohydrate alone can be the cause of fluid retention as carbohydrates tend to cause bloating due to high water content. Instead, include naturally diuretic foods in the diet like apples, watermelon, cabbage, citrus fruits and peas.

These aids in proper functioning of kidneys and expel out excess fluid in form of urine rather than retaining it. Include garlic and onion as these improves the blood circulation process.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Soak the swollen feet in solution made from equal amount of apple cider vinegar and water and get rid of swelling due to fluid retention instantly.

Alternatively, one can apply a little amount of apple cider vinegar over the swollen ankles and feet and massage for 5 minutes. This eases any associated pain and even reduces swelling, overcoming edema.

Massaging With Mustard Oil

Warm the mustard oil and then apply over the swollen foot and massage in circular motion for 5 minutes.

Massaging with mustard oil is known to be one of the effective home remedy for reliving swollen ankles and feet, and overcoming fluid retention. Even massaging with coconut oil in upward manner from feet towards legs is known to reduce fluid retention.

Garlic Cloves

Consumption of 3 garlic cloves or 3 garlic oil capsules every day helps to get rid of foot swelling and edema pain. It is considered to be very effective solution for curing swollen ankles and feet and reducing edema.

Frozen Dark Green Cabbage Leaves

Wrap frozen leaves of dark green cabbage around the legs and feet to lower swelling and then wipe it off with a clean cloth.

This is effective as it works by osmotic pressure that draws the excess fluid from the body. Repeat the remedy as often as requires till one get relieved from the pain and swelling and feels comfortable.

Reflexology

Reflexology is a useful technique that enhances the reflex mechanisms of the body to smoothen the processes. Reflexologists are able to provide all over stimulation of system, emphasizing majorly on lymphatic system to reduce swelling arising due to edema and improving mobility around ankles and feet, by focusing on sciatic reflex area.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a great way of rejuvenating and rebalancing internal energy, supporting kidney functioning and blood circulation.

It is highly recommended solution for pregnant women with excessive swelling to relieve the discomfort and fluid retention and prevent any onset of eclampsia with increase of blood pressure. In addition to all above home remedies, pregnant women must ensure to take maximum rest and use a wedge shape pillow to support the foot and keep them elevated to overcome edema. Wear loose and comfortable clothing and avoid all tight accessories like waistbands, ankle socks and tight pants to avoid putting any hindrance in the blood circulation.