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Why Pregnancy Causes Swollen Feet and How to Cope

Why Pregnancy Causes Swollen Feet and How to Cope
Swollen feet during pregnancy: Why it happens and how to ease the discomfort · indianexpress.com

Pregnancy can make a person’s feet and ankles look swollen.

This happens because the body keeps extra blood and fluid while supporting the growing baby.

Pregnancy hormones also relax blood vessels.

As the uterus grows, it can make it harder for blood to travel back up from the legs.

Because of this, some fluid collects in the feet and ankles.

The swelling can become more noticeable later in the day.

It is often temporary, but it may feel uncomfortable.

Dr Kunal Sood shared information about why this happens and ways to improve comfort.

Key facts

Common symptom
Swollen feet and ankles during pregnancy
Main cause
Fluid buildup in the lower limbs
Body change
Pregnancy increases the amount of blood and fluid the body holds
Hormonal effect
Hormones relax blood vessels
Circulation effect
The growing uterus slows blood return from the legs
Typical pattern
Swelling may worsen as the day progresses and is often temporary
Reported impact
The swelling can cause discomfort during daily activities

Quotes

Dr Kunal Sood

Maryland-based anaesthesiologist and interventional pain medicine physician

“What you’re seeing here is fluid buildup in the feet, something that commonly happens as pregnancy progresses.”
indianexpress.com

Sources

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