How to avoid puffy face during pregnancy

Sometimes, swelling during pregnancy is completely normal. Women’s bodies go through many changes during pregnancy and they work hard to create new life. But having a puffy face, ankles, and legs can make you feel a little less like yourself. Read on for 4 easy fixes for pregnancy swelling to get your confidence back!

Índice Show

Why Am I Swelling During Pregnancy?
When Does Swelling Occur During Pregnancy?
How To Reduce Swelling During Pregnancy
How Do I Reduce Puffy Face During Pregnancy?
Face Rollers
Home Remedies For Swollen Feet During Pregnancy
Foods To Reduce Swelling During Pregnancy

Before we begin, it is worth it to read this article that is medically reviewed by a doctor. It can help you determine what is normal for pregnancy swelling, and when to worry. I am not a doctor, and my blog post is mostly to address pregnancy swelling from a beauty standpoint. It is not medical advice.

Why Am I Swelling During Pregnancy?

Swelling during pregnancy is also known as edema. It occurs when the body produces 50% more fluid and blood for the needs of the baby. Extra fluid also helps the body “soften up” and expand to accommodate the baby. 1

When Does Swelling Occur During Pregnancy?

Swelling can occur at any time during pregnancy. Yet, it typically shows up in full force around the 5th month and throughout the third trimester.

How To Reduce Swelling During Pregnancy

This post focuses on swelling in the face, ankles, and legs which are common complaints.

There are some general rules to remember that will help pregnancy swelling all over the body:

Avoid standing for long periods.
Minimize outdoor time when it is hot.
Rest with your feet elevated.
Wear comfortable shoes, avoiding high heels if possible.
Wear supportive tights or stockings.
Avoid clothes that are tight around your wrists or ankles.
Rest or swim in a pool.
Use cold compresses on swollen areas.
Drink water, which helps flush the body and reduce water retention.
Minimize sodium (salt) intake and avoid adding additional salt to meals.

-According to The American Pregnancy Association

How Do I Reduce Puffy Face During Pregnancy?

The best way to help reduce a puffy, swollen face during pregnancy is to use a face roller or gua sha!

These facial tools are so handy and easy to use. Get your face sleek and slim again with these beauty staples.

Both work to help move stagnant lymph and fluid out of the face. Not only does this help with puffiness, but it can help acne, dark circles, and a dull complexion.

Face Rollers

Fix #1

Using a facial roller is an easy way to get into this self-care routine. There are many stone varieties which you can choose from. Store the face roller as well as the gua sha mentioned below in the fridge to keep it extra cold. This can help reduce puffiness even more!

Here are some great face roller recommendations:

Gua Sha

Fix #2

A gua sha is very similar to a facial roller, but does take some learning on how to use it.

Incorporating these facial tools into your routine will help you look better, but also give you an excuse to pamper yourself, relax, and unwind.

Home Remedies For Swollen Feet During Pregnancy

Fix #3

It may seem counterintuitive, but walking is a great remedy for swollen legs and ankles during pregnancy! Exercise helps reduce swelling all over, and even brief walks can do this.

Another of my favorite exercises to do to help reduce swelling throughout the lower body:

The Legs-Up-The-Wall yoga pose. Of course, for pregnancy it needs to be modified. Here is a YouTube video that demonstrates this:

I swear by this pose to reduce swelling in my feet, ankles, and legs. Furthermore, I think that it has helped me avoid spider veins as well which can pop up during pregnancy.

Also, soaking your feet in cool water is another option for feet and ankles.

Foods To Reduce Swelling During Pregnancy

Fix #4

Now that you know know some ways to help swelling from the outside, don’t neglect the inside! Foods that contain an excess of salt or sugar can be detrimental to your efforts of reducing swelling.

Read More: 5 Startling Reasons Why Sugar Is Bad For Your Skin

This article explains why sugar is bad for the skin. Not only can it age the skin faster, it causes inflammation which contributes to a swollen, puffy looking face.

I hope that this guide will help you during your pregnancy to combat swelling. While swelling can be a normal part of pregnancy it can also be disheartening to see your body turn into a can of biscuits. Feel like yourself again with these easy beauty fixes for pregnancy swelling.

Best, Mia

This content is for informational purposes only, and what has worked for me personally based on my own opinions. I am not a professional/medical doctor, and you should always consult your doctor or dermatologist on what will work best for you. The information presented here is not legitimate, official advice from a professional. If you choose to rely on any information from this blog, you do so at your own risk. Please refer to the “Blog Disclaimer” tab in the menu bar to read more information and the official disclaimer statement.

Citations:

https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/pregnancy-health-wellness/swelling-during-pregnancy-1017/

Most moms will agree that swelling during pregnancy is a very common, very unpleasant effect of a joyous occasion. According to Parenttime.com, about 25 percent of the weight you gain during pregnancy is due to excess fluids. These fluids are necessary to nurture and protect your baby in the womb. According to the American Pregnancy Association, normal swelling occurs during pregnancy in the hands, face, legs, ankles and feet. It is usually most severe in the last trimester of your pregnancy, reports BabyCenter.com.

However, not all swelling during pregnancy is normal; if you experience sudden swelling of your hands or face, contact your doctor. This may be a sign of preeclampsia, or pregnancy-induced high blood pressure.

Drink lots of water. According to Parenttime.com, hydration is more important than ever during pregnancy, when extra fluids are needed to nourish your baby. By drinking more water than usual, you can avoid excess water retention, which adds to your swelling. BabyCenter.com recommends drinking 6 to 8 cups, or 46 to 64 fluid ounces, of water per day while you're pregnant.

Remove rings or wristwatches. These pieces of jewelry may be useful or meaningful to you, but if you're experiencing swollen fingers or wrists, they may increase your discomfort. Parenttime.com recommends leaving them off for the duration of your pregnancy if you suffer from swelling, and also avoiding clothes that might be tight around your wrists.

Exercise. Parenttime.com reports that exercising will improve your circulation and help stabilize your weight, both of which can help with swelling. BabyCenter.com recommends activities such as walking or riding an exercise bike. Two especially useful forms of exercise are swimming or water aerobics. Soaking in water, particularly if the level is up to your shoulders, can temporarily relieve swelling.

Hold cold compresses on the swollen areas to soothe them. The American Pregnancy Association reports that this can provide relief from the discomfort of swelling. If it's summertime, you should also avoid spending too much time outside.

Eat to avoid swelling. Certain foods, such as salt, promote water retention, whether you are pregnant or not. Avoid foods high in sodium and instead seek out foods rich in potassium, which can help reduce swelling, according to Parenttime.com. Among these foods are bananas, dried fruits and nuts. You should also cut back on caffeine; most likely your doctor will advise this as a general pregnancy precaution. Caffeine also may cause dehydration, which can lead to fluid retention.

Avoid long periods of sitting or standing. BabyCenter.com recommends taking short breaks to promote blood circulation, which can reduce overall swelling.