3. Pregnancy
According to the Co-Chief of Division of Ambulatory Care in Northwell Health, during pregnancy, babies press against pelvic veins as they grow and this compromises blood circulation. This in turn makes swollen feet an inevitable symptom of pregnancy.
Not only are growing babies culprits during this phase, hormonal changes are also to blame for swollen feet during pregnancy. Pregnant women produce relaxin, a hormone that relaxes pelvic muscles and feet joints and ligaments.
When feet joints and ligaments relax, they expand or are enlarged – appearing as swollen. Swollen feet are usually experienced around the second trimester and worsen as the pregnancy continues. You may also see them fluctuate as the day goes by due to changes in temperature or weather conditions. However, the condition is normal, unless if it starts affecting other areas like the face and hands. Get medical help as this could be preeclampsia, a life-threatening condition.
