Some days everything seems harder when you’re pregnant. The energy takes just getting out of bed seems like a mission impossible.
You open your eyes (if you’ve been fortunate enough to get any sleep at all), and just still feel tired and uncomfortable.
As you start to move you realise your legs are throbbing, you’re so swollen your ankles have gone missing, and your feet are one word — OUCH.
You roll out of bed and it feels like you can’t seem to catch a break. Today probably anything will drive you to tears.
But it’s good to remember – you’re not alone. Your pregnant body is working harder than you even realise, and there are things to help give you some relief.
MINI FACTS
Did you know that your body produces nearly 50% more body fluid when you're pregnant?
As a result, swelling is very common, and it certainly (as you know) is not pleasant.
Your heart is working harder to pump more blood around the body and to your unborn baby.
Did you know that oxygen and nutrients from your blood are transferred across the placenta to your little bubba through the umbilical cord? This is not only to deliver vital nutrients but also to remove waste!
ARE YOU EXPERIENCING ONE OR MORE OF THESE SYMPTOMS?
Edema (swelling)Joint pain or muscle crampingVaricose veins or spider veins(those blue or purple vein things around your legs and feet)FatigueDifficulty concentratingDizzinessIf you answered yes, it could be a sign you have poor circulation! Proper circulation is important to maintain optimal health for you and your little bubba.
But what can you do???
WAYS TO IMPROVE POOR CIRCULATION WHEN PREGNANT
A person sitting on the floor Description automatically generated with medium confidence
1. Exercises that increase blood flow -walking, Pilates, yoga, swimming. Compression leggings when you exercise will also help. Check with your doctor or health professional if there are any specific exercises, or poses you should be avoiding.
2. Elevate your legs – put your feet up and relax. This helps to ease swelling and reduce fluid build-up in the feet. Prop your feet up on some cushions when on the sofa or bed.
3. Maternity compression socks and leggings –These help improve circulation, help reduce swelling and alleviate discomfort.
Edema occurs from standing so it is best to put your compression socks on first thing in the morning to kick start that healthy blood flow.
Look for socks that are TGA-approved graduated compression.
The good news, these days is you can also find compression socks made especially for pregnancy that are not only cute and comfortable but also easy to put on.
Compression socks and leggings also work to prevent blood clots (which is yet another very common side effect for a lot of pregnant women, and very unpleasant). They help with blood flow and prevent the development of those horrible varicose veins. Umm YES PLEASE!
4. Pregnancy massages – Prenatal massages can help stimulate circulation, reduce stress, and improve your well being. Remember that self-care is not selfish!
5. Reduce salt intake and drink more water. Eat foods that can help stimulate circulation – ginger, turmeric, and garlic. Dark chocolate has been said to stimulates circulation too, so it can be a perfect combination when you’re walking toward your sock drawer (wink wink).
6. Don’t take your circulation for granted — your body (head, heart, feet, ankles), and growing baby will thank you a million times over.
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