Anti-Swelling Help for Moms-to-Be

If you’re a pregnant mama (and especially if it’s summertime), you may be suffering from swollen ankles, feet and hands.  This swelling, also known as “Edema,” is normal during pregnancy and it makes your skin feel tight and uncomfortable.

During pregnancy, ankles, feet and fingers swell because the body holds more water than usual. In addition, the amount of blood in your body increases about 40 percent. Your body naturally holds water during pregnancy. Your heart needs to work harder to circulate this extra fluid. For about one out of three women, swelling of the hands and feet occurs during the last three months of pregnancy and is often greater during warm weather. Some swelling or puffiness is not unusual or serious, but it can be uncomfortable.

Edema is a normal condition unless it’s persistent and generalized. If you notice swelling in your face or throughout the rest of your body, it could be an indication of pre-eclampsia or toxemia. If you notice these signs, consult your doctor or midwife.

Massage is a great way to relieve swelling in the legs and feet.  Here’s a  massage techniques that you can do with a partner:

1.  The pregnant mama should lie on her side, with a pillow in front of her belly, one between her legs and one under her head.  Her top arm can rest on the pillow on front of her and her top leg can rest on the pillow.  This brings her weight slightly forward. When she is comfortable, the partner can sit close to her feet and warm some oil or lotion in his/her hands.

2.  Place the palms of both hands on her foot and massage all around the foot, up the calf and shin, and all the way up her thigh.  Keep the pressure firm on the way up and lighten the pressure a bit on the way down.  This improves circulation on the leg and encourages the blood to move towards the heart.  Do this several times, for about 5 mins. each day, to prevent swelling.  Then, have her turn over to massage to the other leg.

Mom-to-Be Leg Massage:

This treatment alleviates the uncomfortable bloat and “heaviness” in the legs and feet that many women experience during the last four months of pregnancy.  It reduces water retention while increases circulation and restores energy to fatigued legs. Here’s a self-massage technique that you can do at home to achieve the same benefits:

Sit on a chair or couch and cross one leg over the other, ankle on top of the knee.  Warm some massage oil of lotion in your hands and gently spread the lotion over the top of your foot, the sole of your foot, up the calf and shin, and up your thigh. Do this several times with firm pressure.  Only massage up the leg towards your heart, not down towards the ankle.  This draws your blood circulation upwards to the heart to prevent pooling and swelling in the ankles.  Repeat this on the other leg.