Why do your ankles swell up during pregnancy?

Pregnancy is a magical time in a woman’s life. You get to carry around another human being inside of you, and if that’s not incredible, we don’t know what is! However, it also comes with its fair share of side effects – cravings that can only be satisfied by eating spoonfuls of Nutella (not weird), inexplicable mood swings, the constant need for naps like most cats (no judgement) and let’s not forget about swollen feet.

Swollen feet may seem like a small price to pay compared to what your body is already going through, but no one likes feeling uncomfortable. In this article (just kidding!), we’re here to give you the lowdown on why this happens and provide tips on how to keep swelling under control.

The Basics

First things first – let’s discuss exactly what happens when our ankles unexpectedly bloom into thick tree trunks:

When pregnant women stand or sit down for too long without much movement throughout their day (which at times will happen), fluid retention occurs due to pressure building up in their leg veins caused by gravity. This causes fluids from capillaries surrounding these areas’ tissues to leak into space between them (yay Science!) which increases inflammation levels resulting in big swollen feet. Unfortunately, they are triggered mainly by hormonal changes which naturally occur within expectant mothers’ bodies making symptoms extremely unpredictable-onset.

Leg swelling

It might initially start as mild leg swelling early on during pregnancy- possibly just some slight tightness sensations that make wearing flats look uncool; however as it progresses, more noticeable signs such as skin discoloration appear around affected areas leaving clear indications behind especially after removing socks/ stockings/baby daddy flip flops bought thinking they would ‘keep those toes wiggly cool’.\
The legs usually swell first since it carries most of our body weight and the veins aren’t under much stress all this fluid migrates to ankles downwards. Any action that increases blood pressure, such as standing or sitting for long periods; traveling by air or driving can increase swelling in the legs.

Factors That Trigger Swelling

Swelling is a common phenomenon induced by hormonal fluctuations, physiological changes & other lifestyle factors key among them;

Undue Weight Gain

Your doctor ma’am most likely recommended gaining some weight throughout your pregnancy (majority does); however, excessive weight gain can be harmful to you/child healthwise resulting from fluid retention forcing excess water accumulation in tissues leaving you puffy (makes sense right?). It’s wise to stick with your ideal target since any extra pounds could put unnecessary pressure on both baby momma’s heart increasing chances of developing high blood pressures/gestational diabetes.

Heatwaves anyone?

High temperatures speed up chemical reactions within us causing blood vessels expansion which triggers increased sweating rates trying cool down overheating skin surface area simultaneously facilitating further swelling of feet during heat spells/little windfalls happening around that time.

We advocate open shoes whenever possible even if comfortable summer sandals don’t appreciate swollen discomfort – on another note ditching restrictive clothing items also highly recommended since it restricts major artery circulation worsening outcomes.

Forced physical activity efforts may show desired results immediately post-workout sessions accordingly gentle exercise like walking/taking dips into swimming pools highly suggested instead of vigorous anaerobic exercises raising body temperature leading to temporary dizziness/dehydration episodes especially visible upon sudden rising moments.

The following are critical preventive steps one should follow while pregnant:

· Take frequent breaks and try elevating legs while resting.

· Utilize ice packs/cold compresses after long walks giving that fashionable tote bag a rest-not forgetting Vit D so necessary just taking short strolls outside-help improve leg circulation helping out inflammation situations.

· Putting elastic-compression stockings on helps promote blood flow (not typical but necessary sometimes, no one is mistaking you for an old lady) until swollen feet go back to their previous size.

Water Retention

Water retention plays the most considerable role in swelling during pregnancy. When expectant mamas increase their water intake, more salt stays inside key organs (kidney & liver), which ultimately results in fluid accumulation savoring all attention exclusively; especially when those sensitive body parts come into play making it hard to ignore.

Proper hydration replenishes amniotic fluids directed toward the developing fetus while pregnant women need a certain amount of water depending on their physicality and environmental factors like humidity levels/temperature you may also have that emotional connection with swimsuits on some days- just keep rehydrating as advised by YOUR doctor!

Drinking plenty of fluids makes sure there’s enough H20 flushing out waste propping up other crucial bodily functions taking place nearby such as proper cell growth/regeneration along with avoiding constipation instances commonly witnessed later during pregnancies induced by dehydration episodes worsening standing or sitting down postures simultaneously raising inflammation risk amplification in lower legs/feet regions.

Hormonal Imbalance

Hormones! Yes-the famous duo responsible for numerous changes happening throughout our bodies can be blamed partially for swollen feet frequently suffered from women undergoing pregnancies!

Progesterone hormone comes first through opening up veins allowing easier blood circulation. Still, this causes increased capillary permeability leading to unwanted fluid leakages into soft tissues resulting into Edema named after former President Martin Van Buren-increasingly observed amongst expectant females.

The second suspect is Sodium secreting Antidiuretic Hormone unit ADH this liquid regulating component sends “stay here” signals wherever passing near kidneys effective reducing urination attempts from frequent fliers whilst retaining excessive amounts of liquids slowing down blood circulation henceforth facilitating edema conditions rapidly escalating all foot sensations expecting mothers undergo routinely.

Blood Clotting

No one likes thrombosis episodes, and it becomes even worse when you’re pregnant since there’s an increased risk of stagnant blood flow as a result of hormones responsible for maintaining the growing fetus running rampant.

Blood clots form due to restricted blood flow, but in turn can cause further blockages elsewhere causing bruising/ redness sometimes harsh pain altogether leading mothers reaching out crying helplessly during such moments. This happens because some veins get squeezed increasing pressure within them compellingly blocking viable circulation pathways eventually necessitating more delicate interventions especially if occurring near flammable parts like the brain-eeew!

Prevention practices include usage of intermittent compression therapy devices that aid venous and lymphatic systems specifically developed to reduce swelling ankles; your obstetrician health provider ought to advise & recommend best solution fitting your overall medical history/physical activity routine excluding all “heard from someone who heard…” anecdotes which in turn might do more harm than good.

Conclusion (Finally!)

Swollen feet may be part and parcel of pregnancy, so don’t feel alarmed if it happens while carrying around tiny human balls inside you (that’s wild right?!). However, you should still take steps towards comfortability by frequent rests, gentle exercises/walking routines through nice-looking gardens being enjoyed regularly not strictly complying with toxic beauty standards inhibiting active living quite triggering other ailments alongside swollen legs in expectant mamas striving for this classic look-out modish throughout additional caring/supplementation will come through w/o much hassle otherwise everything will stop once again-welcome aboard little monsters we love ya!

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