DEAR Dr. Fritz,
I am Sugar Sugar. I am pregnant and I have a problem with swollen legs. Please help.
Thanks and more power.
Sugar Sugar
***
Dear Sugar Sugar,
Leg swelling really doesn’t look good during pregnancy. But, don’t worry, this will soon pass away. After you deliver your child, everything will be back as it was.
The good thing is, there’s help available for this and it’s simple. Just lie on your side. This can help relieve the increased pressure on your veins.
Here are more tips for you.
Put your feet up. When you are at work, keep a stool or get a pile of books and put them under your desk and put your legs over them.
If you sit, don’t cross your legs or ankles.
While you sit, stretch your legs out, heel first and then, gently flex your foot to stretch your calf muscles. Rotate your ankles and wiggle those toes.
Get some regular breaks from sitting or standing. Do this at least every two hours and walk around.
Choose and wear comfortable shoes that can stretch to adjust to any swelling in your feet.
Avoid wearing socks or stockings that have tight bands around the ankles or calves.
Go for waist-high maternity support stockings and wear them before you get out of bed in the morning so that blood wouldn’t get around your ankles.
Drink, drink and drink water. Your body will retain less of it than hold to it.
Sweat out regularly. Do some walking, swimming, or getting into water aerobics class. Getting immersed in water may temporarily help reduce the swelling, especially if the water level is up near your shoulders.
Eat well, and shy away from junk food. The salt in them can retain more water in your body.
Good luck!
Dr. Fritz
***
(Dr. Fritz Legarde Espedilla is an aesthetic dermatologist and surgeon and a clinical sexologist. She is also trained in hypnotherapy and Medical Acupuncture. She has been in the broadcast media for more than a decade and has written a book based on her 15 year stint with her radio program, “Healthy is Sexy Secrets ni Dr. Fritz.”. For your questions, you may e-mail them to dokfritz@yahoo.com. If you don’t wish your letter to be published, we regret that we cannot answer them. Thank you for your understanding.)