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Holistic Health Pillars

What is Holistic Health? Holistic health practitioners work with clients to achieve specific health goals. This may include improving athletic performance, disease prevention, and the treatment of symptoms. Holistic nutritionists may help implement anti-inflammatory diets. Holistic health practitioners work with both medical professionals and the public to implement a personalized plan of action. Holistic health…

Eight pillars that support holistic health

A balanced diet is a key component of the physical wellness pillar. In addition to eating more fruits and vegetables, you should also be eating a variety of whole grains. Avoid foods with high amounts of sodium, cholesterol, or added sugar. Likewise, you should avoid fried foods. These foods can contribute to high cholesterol levels, which can have negative effects on your overall health. A healthy diet can improve many of the other pillars.

The physical and emotional aspects of health go hand in hand. Holistic health acknowledges the role of mental, spiritual, and social aspects of health. As a result, it takes the whole person into account, focusing on the connections between the body, mind, and environment. Emotional wellness is an important component of holistic health, and it can be cultivated through the eight pillars of holistic health. Listed below are the eight pillars of holistic health.

Physical health: Exercise, diet, sleep habits, hygiene, and personal hygiene are important aspects of physical health. Physical health requires adequate exercise, good rest, and a clean environment. Physical health is just the tip of the iceberg, though. It also requires that you understand your body’s chemistry and how to balance it. Nutrition is an essential part of physical health, and it gets its own pillar. Taking care of your body’s chemistry is important when making dietary and lifestyle decisions.

Cost control

There are two methods of cost control in holistic health care. One is to measure the cost of an entire system and implement changes in management based on results. Cost control in holistic health care is often difficult to achieve because costs vary according to the type of treatment provided. The other method is to identify the cost of an individual patient, and to measure the proportion of that patient who will need further care. Although holistic health care is more expensive than usual medical care, it is cost effective and can reduce mortality.

The first strategy is a health share plan, which requires the members to pay a portion of the cost of their care. These plans are more expensive than traditional medical care, but are often more effective because they treat the whole person and encourage preventative care. This approach also keeps costs low and satisfaction high, leaving more money for major medical events. The most common holistic health care costs are due to chronic illnesses and other conditions. The costs of a health share plan are shared by all members.

Another strategy for cost control in holistic health care is to use health policy commissions. The Maryland commission, for example, has been focusing on the total cost of care and hospital budgets. It has a history, and stakeholders have a vested interest in working with it. In Maryland, a Medicare waiver encourages health care providers to offer services to all payers, such as Medicare and Medicaid. These charges are then offset by increases in commercial rates.

Prevention of disease

The American Holistic Health Association advocates for the prevention of chronic disease. The emphasis on holistic health entails treating the entire person, incorporating the mind, body, and spirit into a health-promoting lifestyle. The most difficult aspects of incorporating holistic practices into the client’s life are often changes to food, which can be hard for clients to accept. However, the benefits of holistic health far outweigh the negative effects.

One of the most significant benefits of preventive medicine is lower healthcare costs. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that the practice of prevention can reduce costs by more than $1 trillion annually. In fact, 90 percent of healthcare expenditures are related to chronic conditions. Preventive care focuses on the prevention of chronic disease by emphasizing long-term health, healthy pregnancy, and aging. Health screenings are an important component of this holistic approach.

The benefits of holistic medicine are numerous. First, holistic doctors focus on the whole person, rather than simply treating the symptoms of an illness. Holistic physicians believe that the mind-body connection is the key to healing. As such, holistic doctors help patients develop an understanding of their entire health profile. By integrating complementary therapies and Western medicine, holistic physicians can treat the whole person and prevent or improve disease symptoms. In addition to reducing disease risk, holistic health also emphasizes a strong doctor-patient relationship.

Medicinal plants

Medicinal plants can be used to treat various illnesses and diseases. Using them can be a natural way to improve your overall health and well-being. Here are some tips for maximizing their benefits. Read on to learn how to use medicinal plants in your daily life. We are going to go over a few examples of the most popular ones and how they can improve your health. Listed below are some of their most important benefits.

Traditional medicines have their place, but plants play a vital role in drug development. Modern scientific techniques have helped verify the ancient knowledge of the healer. These traditional remedies incorporate many aspects of the body, including their chemical composition and their psychological effects. As a result, the study of traditional medicine is helping to discover future drug leads. Medicinal plants are used in many countries and have played a vital role in traditional healthcare systems for thousands of years. Today, about 50% of all drugs that are used in clinical practice are made from natural products.

Besides examining their properties, medicinal plants can also be used for cancer treatment. The research study documented the different plant species used in cancer management among Tswana speakers. The study also provided baseline data for further studies. Future studies will focus on the phytochemical and pharmacological profiles of these plants. The findings of this study have opened the door to further investigation into the effects of these plants on the human body. It also highlights the growing popularity of natural products.

Dietary supplements

The goal of dietary supplements for holistic health is to help people improve their health and well-being by addressing the root causes of the disease. Researchers and practitioners of holistic nutrition know that the body’s chemical processes are continuously occurring. They are affected by synthetic chemicals, which disrupt these processes. They also know that abnormal substances can interfere with decision-making and brain functions. Consequently, these substances may cause long-term damage. Instead of taking synthetic chemicals, holistic nutritionists recommend natural foods and herbal supplements.

A good source for dietary supplements is the Office of Dietary Supplements. This organization helps consumers find information on dietary supplements and answers questions about their efficacy. You can also contact the manufacturers to find out more about the supplement’s ingredients and efficacy. In addition, you can visit the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) or Office of Dietary Supplements, which have websites designed to help consumers make informed choices.

Some people have tried using dietary supplements for holistic health. However, their use is not recommended for everyone. These supplements are not meant to diagnose or treat diseases and are not as safe as medicines. However, they are effective in enhancing the current routine of a person. They are not a replacement for good eating habits. A healthy diet and exercise are important factors for holistic health. And you should not neglect your diet and your health if you want to see significant results from dietary supplements.

Alternative medicine

Holistic health is all about using the correct methods to achieve optimal health. Alternative medicine attempts to achieve the same effects as medicine, but is not scientifically proven. It has no biological plausibility and has been proven ineffective. Nonetheless, many people swear by it and use it for a wide variety of conditions. Below are some common examples of complementary and alternative medicine. Read on to learn more about the benefits and limitations of alternative medicine.

A holistic philosophy views the mind, body, and spirit as one. A dysfunction in one area affects the whole person. Complementary medicine is guided by this philosophy. Many Australians seek out alternative medicine after feeling dissatisfied with conventional medical care. They don’t believe in the harsh side effects of conventional drugs. It may be more gentle and safer. In addition, it involves a collaborative approach with both the patient and provider.

The holistic health care provider may prescribe medicines and surgical procedures to treat acute or chronic pain, or recommend exercise to boost the production of endorphins. Regardless of the condition, a holistic health care provider may also ask about your diet and lifestyle, identifying foods that contribute to inflammation and stress. If you suffer from pain, your holistic health care provider may recommend acupuncture or massage therapy, or even mindful meditation to relieve tension and stress.

Pregnancy Symptoms & Stages Week by Week

Facts you should know about pregnancy week to week*

A typical pregnancy lasts for 40 weeks.

*Pregnancy facts medical author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

A normal pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks and is grouped into three stages, or trimesters.
Symptoms and early signs of pregnancy that begin in the first semester include:
- The absence of menstrual periods
- Breast changes including swelling or tenderness
- Tiredness
- Nausea
- Mood swings
- Other symptoms
A pregnancy test measures the level of hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) in the urine or blood. The test may be positive before the first signs of pregnancy develop in some women.
Symptoms of late second and third trimesters of pregnancy can include:
- Heartburn
- Difficulty sleeping
- Swelling of the ankles or fingers
- Hemorrhoids
- Mild contractions
Many of the later symptoms result from the weight gain and enlarging uterus in late pregnancy.
By the end of 37 weeks, a baby is considered full term and its organs are ready to function on their own.
As you near your due date, your baby may turn into a head-down position for birth. Most babies "present" head down.
Babies at birth typically weigh between 6 pounds 2 ounces and 9 pounds 2 ounces and are 19 to 21 inches long. Most full-term babies fall within these ranges.

Pregnant or Not? How to Know

To learn whether you are pregnant or not, a pregnancy test may provide you with the answer. This test can be done in the privacy of your home using one of several available test kits. Or the test can be performed in your doctor?s office or clinic. Home pregnancy tests are always done on urine while those in a doctor?s office or clinic may be done on urine or blood.

How many weeks is a normal term pregnancy?

Pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks, counting from the first day of your last normal period. The weeks are grouped into three trimesters.

What is the first trimester of pregnancy (week 1-week 12)?

Your period stopping is a clear sign that you are pregnant. Other changes may include extreme tiredness, tender, swollen breasts, and your nipples might also stick out.

During the first trimester, your body undergoes many changes. Hormonal changes affect almost every organ system in your body. These changes can trigger symptoms even in the very first weeks of pregnancy. Your period stopping is a clear sign that you are pregnant. Other changes may include:

Extreme tiredness
Tender, swollen breasts. Your nipples might also stick out.
Upset stomach with or without throwing up (morning sickness)
Cravings or distaste for certain foods
Mood swings
Constipation (trouble having bowel movements)
Need to pass urine more often
Headache
Heartburn
Weight gain or loss

As your body changes, you might need to make changes to your daily routine, such as going to bed earlier or eating frequent, small meals. Fortunately, most of these discomforts will go away as your pregnancy progresses. And some women might not feel any discomfort at all! If you have been pregnant before, you might feel differently this time around. Just as each woman is different, so is each pregnancy.

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Pregnancy (Week By Week, Trimesters)
See pictures of a growing fetus through the 3 stages of pregnancy
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What is the second trimester of pregnancy (week 13-week 28)?

Most women find the second trimester of pregnancy easier than the first. But it is just as important to stay informed about your pregnancy during these months.

You might notice that symptoms like nausea and fatigue are going away. But other new, more noticeable changes to your body are now happening. Your abdomen will expand as the baby continues to grow. And before this trimester is over, you will feel your baby beginning to move!

As your body changes to make room for your growing baby, you may have:

Body aches, such as back, abdomen, groin, or thigh pain
Stretch marks on your abdomen, breasts, thighs, or buttocks
Darkening of the skin around your nipples
A line on the skin running from belly button to pubic hairline
Patches of darker skin, usually over the cheeks, forehead, nose, or upper lip. Patches often match on both sides of the face. This is sometimes called the mask of pregnancy
Numb or tingling hands called carpal tunnel syndrome
Itching on the abdomen, palms, and soles of the feet. (Call your doctor if you have nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, jaundice or fatigue combined with itching. These can be signs of a serious liver problem.)
Swelling of the ankles, fingers, and face. (If you notice any sudden or extreme swelling or if you gain a lot of weight really quickly, call your doctor right away. This could be a sign of preeclampsia.)

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What is the third trimester trimester of pregnancy (week 29-week 40)?

You're in the home stretch! Some of the same discomforts you had in your second trimester will continue. Plus, many women find breathing difficult and notice they have to go to the bathroom even more often. This is because the baby is getting bigger and it is putting more pressure on your organs. Don't worry, your baby is fine and these problems will lessen once you give birth.

Some new body changes you might notice in the third trimester include:

Shortness of breath
Heartburn
Swelling of the ankles, fingers, and face. (If you notice any sudden or extreme swelling or if you gain a lot of weight really quickly, call your doctor right away. This could be a sign of preeclampsia.)
Hemorrhoids
Tender breasts, which may leak a watery pre-milk called colostrum
Your belly button may stick out
Trouble sleeping
The baby "dropping," or moving lower in your abdomen
Contractions, which can be a sign of real or false labor

As you near your due date, your cervix becomes thinner and softer (called effacing). This is a normal, natural process that helps the birth canal to open during the birthing process. Your doctor will check your progress with a vaginal exam as you near your due date. Get excited — the final countdown has begun!

QUESTION

Nothing can relieve the symptoms of morning sickness.
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How will my baby develop week by week?

First Trimester (week 1-week 12)

At 4 to 5 weeks:

Your baby's brain and spinal cord have begun to form.
The heart begins to form.
Arm and leg buds appear.
Your baby is now an embryo and one-twenty-fifth inch long.

At 8 weeks:

All major organs and external body structures have begun to form.
Your baby's heart beats with a regular rhythm.
The arms and legs grow longer, and fingers and toes have begun to form.
The sex organs begin to form.
The eyes have moved forward on the face and eyelids have formed.
The umbilical cord is clearly visible.
At the end of 8 weeks, your baby is a fetus and looks more like a human. Your baby is nearly 1 inch long and weighs less than 1/8 of an ounce.

At 12 weeks:

The nerves and muscles begin to work together. Your baby can make a fist.
Eyelids close to protect the developing eyes. They will not open again until the 28th week.
Head growth has slowed, and your baby is much longer. Now, at about 3 inches long, your baby weighs almost an ounce.

Second Trimester (week 13-week 28)

At 16 weeks:

The external sex organs show if your baby is a boy or girl. A woman who has an ultrasound in the second trimester or later might be able to find out the baby's sex.
Muscle tissue and bone continue to form, creating a more complete skeleton.
Skin begins to form. You can nearly see through it.
Meconium (mih-KOH-nee-uhm) develops in your baby's intestinal tract. This will be your baby's first bowel movement.
Your baby makes sucking motions with the mouth (sucking reflex).
Your baby reaches a length of about 4 to 5 inches and weighs almost 3 ounces.

At 20 weeks:

Your baby is more active. You might feel slight fluttering.
Your baby is covered by fine, downy hair called lanugo (luh-NOO-goh) and a waxy coating called vernix. This protects the forming skin underneath.
Eyebrows, eyelashes, fingernails, and toenails have formed. Your baby can even scratch itself.
Your baby can hear and swallow.
Now halfway through your pregnancy, your baby is about 6 inches long and weighs about 9 ounces.

At 24 weeks:

Bone marrow begins to make blood cells.
Taste buds form on your baby's tongue.
Footprints and fingerprints have formed.
Real hair begins to grow on your baby's head.
The lungs are formed, but do not work.
The hand and startle reflex develop.
Your baby sleeps and wakes regularly.
If your baby is a boy, his testicles begin to move from the abdomen into the scrotum. If your baby is a girl, her uterus and ovaries are in place, and a lifetime supply of eggs have formed in the ovaries.
Your baby stores fat and has gained quite a bit of weight. Now at about 12 inches long, your baby weighs about 1½ pounds.

Third Trimester (week 29-week 40)

At 32 weeks:

Your baby's bones are fully formed, but still soft.
Your baby's kicks and jabs are forceful.
The eyes can open and close and sense changes in light.
Lungs are not fully formed, but practice "breathing" movements occur.
Your baby's body begins to store vital minerals, such as iron and calcium.
Lanugo begins to fall off.
Your baby is gaining weight quickly, about one-half pound a week. Now, your baby is about 15 to 17 inches long and weighs about 3 to 4¹⁄₂ pounds

At 36 weeks:

The protective waxy coating called vernix gets thicker.
Body fat increases. Your baby is getting bigger and bigger and has less space to move around. Movements are less forceful, but you will feel stretches and wiggles.
Your baby is about 16 to 19 inches long and weighs about 6 to 6½ pounds.

Weeks 37-40:

By the end of 37 weeks, your baby is considered full term. Your baby's organs are ready to function on their own.
As you near your due date, your baby may turn into a head-down position for birth. Most babies "present" head down.
At birth, your baby may weigh somewhere between 6 pounds 2 ounces and 9 pounds 2 ounces and be 19 to 21 inches long. Most full-term babies fall within these ranges. But healthy babies come in many different sizes.

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What are the changes that happen to a woman's body during the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd trimester of her pregnancy?

Everyone expects pregnancy to bring an expanding waistline. But many women are surprised by the other body changes that pop up. Get the low-down on stretch marks, weight gain, heartburn and other "joys" of pregnancy. Find out what you can do to feel better.

Body aches

As your uterus expands, you may feel aches and pains in the back, abdomen, groin area, and thighs. Many women also have backaches and aching near the pelvic bone due the pressure of the baby's head, increased weight, and loosening joints. Some pregnant women complain of pain that runs from the lower back, down the back of one leg, to the knee or foot. This is called sciatica. It is thought to occur when the uterus puts pressure on the sciatic nerve.

What might help:

Lie down.
Rest.
Apply heat.

Call the doctor if the pain does not get better.

Breast changes

A woman's breasts increase in size and fullness during pregnancy. As the due date approaches, hormone changes will cause your breasts to get even bigger to prepare for breastfeeding. Your breasts may feel full, heavy, or tender.

In the third trimester, some pregnant women begin to leak colostrum from their breasts. Colostrum is the first milk that your breasts produce for the baby. It is a thick, yellowish fluid containing antibodies that protect newborns from infection.

What might help:

Wear a maternity bra with good support.
Put pads in the bra to absorb leakage.

Tell your doctor if you feel a lump or have nipple changes or discharge (that is not colostrum) or skin changes.

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Constipation

Many pregnant women complain of constipation. Signs of constipation include having hard, dry stools; fewer than three bowel movements per week; and painful bowel movements.

Higher levels of hormones due to pregnancy slow down digestion and relax muscles in the bowels leaving many women constipated. Plus, the pressure of the expanding uterus on the bowels can contribute to constipation.

What might help:

Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water daily.
Don't drink caffeine.
Eat fiber-rich foods, such as fresh or dried fruit, raw vegetables, and whole-grain cereals and breads.
Try mild physical activity

Tell your doctor if constipation does not go away.

Dizziness

Many pregnant women complain of dizziness and lightheadedness throughout their pregnancies. Fainting is rare but does happen even in some healthy pregnant women. There are many reasons for these symptoms. The growth of more blood vessels in early pregnancy, the pressure of the expanding uterus on blood vessels, and the body's increased need for food all can make a pregnant woman feel lightheaded and dizzy.

What might help:

Stand up slowly.
Avoid standing for too long.
Don't skip meals.
Lie on your left side.
Wear loose clothing.

Call your doctor if you feel faint and have vaginal bleeding or abdominal pain.

Fatigue, sleep problems

During your pregnancy, you might feel tired even after you've had a lot of sleep. Many women find they're exhausted in the first trimester. Don't worry, this is normal! This is your body's way of telling you that you need more rest. In the second trimester, tiredness is usually replaced with a feeling of well being and energy. But in the third trimester, exhaustion often sets in again. As you get larger, sleeping may become more difficult. The baby's movements, bathroom runs, and an increase in the body's metabolism might interrupt or disturb your sleep. Leg cramping can also interfere with a good night's sleep.

What might help:

Lie on your left side.
Use pillows for support, such as behind your back, tucked between your knees, and under your tummy.
Practice good sleep habits, such as going to bed and getting up at the same time each day and using your bed only for sleep and sex.
Go to bed a little earlier.
Nap if you are not able to get enough sleep at night.
Drink needed fluids earlier in the day, so you can drink less in the hours before bed.

Heartburn and indigestion

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Hormones and the pressure of the growing uterus cause indigestion and heartburn. Pregnancy hormones slow down the muscles of the digestive tract. So food tends to move more slowly and digestion is sluggish. This causes many pregnant women to feel bloated.

Hormones also relax the valve that separates the esophagus from the stomach. This allows food and acids to come back up from the stomach to the esophagus. The food and acid causes the burning feeling of heartburn. As your baby gets bigger, the uterus pushes on the stomach making heartburn more common in later pregnancy.

What might help:

Eat several small meals instead of three large meals — eat slowly.
Drink fluids between meals — not with meals.
Don't eat greasy and fried foods.
Avoid citrus fruits or juices and spicy foods.
Do not eat or drink within a few hours of bedtime.
Do not lie down right after meals.

Call your doctor if symptoms don't improve after trying these suggestions. Ask your doctor about using an antacid.

Hemorrhoids during pregnancy

Hemorrhoids are swollen and bulging veins in the rectum. They can cause itching, pain, and bleeding. Up to 50 percent of pregnant women get hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are common during pregnancy for many reasons. During pregnancy blood volume increases greatly, which can cause veins to enlarge. The expanding uterus also puts pressure on the veins in the rectum. Plus, constipation can worsen hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids usually improve after delivery.

What might help:

Drink lots of fluids.
Eat fiber-rich foods, like whole grains, raw or cooked leafy green vegetables, and fruits.
Try not to strain with bowel movements.
Talk to your doctor about using products such as witch hazel to soothe hemorrhoids.

Itching

About 20 percent of pregnant women feel itchy during pregnancy. Usually women feel itchy in the abdomen. But red, itchy palms and soles of the feet are also common complaints. Pregnancy hormones and stretching skin are probably to blame for most of your discomfort. Usually the itchy feeling goes away after delivery.

What might help:

Use gentle soaps and moisturizing creams.
Avoid hot showers and baths.
Avoid itchy fabrics.

Call your doctor if symptoms don't improve after a week of self-care.

Leg cramps

At different times during your pregnancy, you might have sudden muscle spasms in your legs or feet. They usually occur at night. This is due to a change in the way your body processes calcium.

What might help:

Gently stretch muscles.
Get mild exercise.
For sudden cramps, flex your foot forward.
Eat calcium-rich foods.
Ask your doctor about magnesium supplements.

Morning sickness

In the first trimester hormone changes can cause nausea and vomiting. This is called "morning sickness," although it can occur at any time of day. Morning sickness usually tapers off by the second trimester.

What might help:

Eat several small meals instead of three large meals to keep your stomach from being empty.
Don't lie down after meals.
Eat dry toast, saltines, or dry cereals before getting out of bed in the morning.
Eat bland foods that are low in fat and easy to digest, such as cereal, rice, and bananas.
Sip on water, weak tea, or clear soft drinks. Or eat ice chips.
Avoid smells that upset your stomach.

Call your doctor if you have flu-like symptoms, which may signal a more serious condition.

Call your doctor if you have severe, constant nausea and/or vomiting several times every day.

Nasal problems

Nosebleeds and nasal stuffiness are common during pregnancy. They are caused by the increased amount of blood in your body and hormones acting on the tissues of your nose.

What might help:

Blow your nose gently.
Drink fluids and use a cool mist humidifier.
To stop a nosebleed, squeeze your nose between your thumb and forefinger for a few minutes.

Call your doctor if nosebleeds are frequent and do not stop after a few minutes.

Numb or tingling hands

Feelings of swelling, tingling, and numbness in fingers and hands, called carpal tunnel syndrome, can occur during pregnancy. These symptoms are due to swelling of tissues in the narrow passages in your wrists, and they should disappear after delivery.

What might help:

Take frequent breaks to rest hands.
Ask your doctor about fitting you for a splint to keep wrists straight.

Stretch marks, skin changes

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Stretch marks are red, pink, or brown streaks on the skin. Most often they appear on the thighs, buttocks, abdomen, and breasts. These scars are caused by the stretching of the skin, and usually appear in the second half of pregnancy.

Some women notice other skin changes during pregnancy. For many women, the nipples become darker and browner during pregnancy. Many pregnant women also develop a dark line (called the linea nigra) on the skin that runs from the belly button down to the pubic hairline. Patches of darker skin usually over the cheeks, forehead, nose, or upper lip also are common. Patches often match on both sides of the face. These spots are called melasma or chloasma and are more common in darker-skinned women.

What might help:

Be patient — stretch marks and other changes usually fade after delivery.

Swelling

Many women develop mild swelling in the face, hands, or ankles at some point in their pregnancies. As the due date approaches, swelling often becomes more noticeable.

What might help:

Drink 8 to 10 glasses of fluids daily.
Don't drink caffeine or eat salty foods.
Rest and elevate your feet.
Ask your doctor about support hose.

Call your doctor if your hands or feet swell suddenly or you rapidly gain weight — it may be preeclampsia.

Urinary frequency and leaking

Temporary bladder control problems are common in pregnancy. Your unborn baby pushes down on the bladder, urethra, and pelvic floor muscles. This pressure can lead to more frequent need to urinate, as well as leaking of urine when sneezing, coughing, or laughing.

What might help:

Take frequent bathroom breaks.
Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
Do Kegel exercises to tone pelvic muscles.

Call your doctor if you experience burning along with frequency of urination — it may be an infection.

Varicose veins

During pregnancy, blood volume increases greatly. This can cause veins to enlarge. Plus, pressure on the large veins behind the uterus causes the blood to slow in its return to the heart. For these reasons, varicose veins in the legs and anus (hemorrhoids) are more common in pregnancy.

Varicose veins look like swollen veins raised above the surface of the skin. They can be twisted or bulging and are dark purple or blue in color. They are found most often on the backs of the calves or on the inside of the leg.

What might help:

Avoid tight knee-highs.
Sit with your legs and feet raised.

Is It Normal to Have Swollen Feet During Pregnancy?

Introduction

Swollen feet are normal during pregnancy, but swollen feet occasionally serve as a warning sign of more significant pregnancy and health concerns.

Women can experience a wide array of uncomfortable symptoms when pregnant, including normal swelling, called edema, that can affect the face, hands, legs, ankles, and feet.

Every pregnancy experience is different, but many report a general trajectory that includes:

Morning sickness and fatigue during the first trimester
A brief reprieve as the second semester arrives
Several physical sources of discomfort during the third trimester and when preparing for delivery

While swollen feet can occur at any time during pregnancy, they are most common during the third trimester, when a variety of factors make it suddenly difficult for women to fit in their favorite shoes or stand for significant periods of time.

Swollen feet may be common during pregnancy, but they occasionally serve as a warning sign of more significant concerns. Identifying these distinctions early on could prove vital when major health problems come into play.

Signs and symptoms of swollen feet during pregnancy

Also known as edema, swollen feet represent a noteworthy pregnancy symptom in and of themselves. Some women struggle to determine when the issue is a mere annoyance or warrants urgent medical attention. Signs of swollen feet include:

Your shoes no longer fit

While the need for larger shoe sizes may feel like a cliche to pregnant women, this can be a top sign of pregnancy-induced edema. To reduce discomfort, women can try compression stockings and minimizing time on your feet. You might also invest in flat, supportive footwear half a size above your pre-pregnancy shoes.

Discomfort while standing

Gravity can cause excess fluid to accumulate in the legs and feet, especially after standing for long periods of time. This can cause pregnant women to feel uncomfortable while on their feet.

Changes in the appearance of your skin

While swelling is sometimes obvious at first glance, not all women notice it right away. Upon closer inspection, however, the skin may appear tighter than usual. The proportion of the feet and ankle to the rest of the leg may also look different.

Causes of swollen feet during pregnancy

A variety of circumstances can lead to swollen feet during pregnancy. Some of these accompany common pregnancy concerns, while others may be indicative of dangerous conditions such as preeclampsia. Common causes of swollen feet include:

Fluid retention

During pregnancy, blood volume increases dramatically. The extent of this rise can vary from one woman to the next, with some seeing an increase of up to 100% above prepregnancy levels.

Expected increases in fluid, combined with hormonal changes, can lead to an increase in your blood plasma compared to your red blood cells. This results in what researchers refer to as physiological anemia. As a result, up to 80% of healthy pregnant women experience edema to some extent. This can be present in many areas of the body but often manifests in the feet.

Dehydration

Fluid retention is sometimes a sign of dehydration, which is common due to significant increases in the need for water while pregnant. Women who do not drink enough water can suffer a variety of ill effects including constipation and anemia in addition to edema. Research suggests that dehydration during pregnancy can lead to fetal growth problems.

Certain medications

Many prescription and over-the-counter medications can increase the potential for swelling. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), for example, can lead to fluid retention and peripheral edema in some people.

Many pregnant women take antacids for heartburn. This can lead to swelling if medications contain sodium bicarbonate and are consumed in excess.

Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is one of the most alarming causes of swollen feet during pregnancy. This condition involves a sudden increase in blood pressure for women who previously had normal readings. It is also marked by the development of protein in the urine. This affects approximately 1 in every 25 pregnant women in the United States.

If left untreated, preeclampsia may lead to seizures. Because swelling of the hands and feet are common in women with preeclampsia, it’s important to take these symptoms seriously.