4 Natural Ways To Prevent Swelling In Pregnancy

I've read that we accumulate 6 to 8 quarts of extra fluid during pregnancy.

That's a lot to be sloshing around our already swollen bodies!

1.  Put your feet up.

I know, I know, you're heard it before. It's simply a matter of gravity!

The trick to this remedy is to put your feet up before they swell.  From here on out, make it your policy never to sit with your feet on the ground. 

You may not feel ladylike, but then again, what's feminine about cankles?

2.  Eat a banana every day.

This is my 3rd pregnancy, but I only just now learned that some pregnancy swelling can be caused by a diet low in potassium. 

3.  Swim! 

But won't being in water make water retention worse?  No!  According to this Consumer Health Initiative article, "hydrostatic pressure helps distribute fluids pooled in the feet."

4.  Sleep on your left side.

I already knew that doctors recommend that pregnant women sleep on their left side--it improves circulation from the veins to the heart.  But I didn't know that your sleep position can affect how much your feet swell!

According the Virtual OB-GYN, sleeping flat on your back causes leg and foot swelling just as if you'd placed a foot on a garden hose.  Hmmm!

You'll find all kinds of cures for swelling online, but these 4 simple steps can prevent the swelling from getting too bad in the first place.

Here's to slim ankles and high heels in another few months, girls!