Swollen Hands and Feet During Pregnancy? How Kinesiotaping and Massage Can Help In Calgary

Pregnancy is a beautiful journey, but it often comes with some uncomfortable side effects. One common issue many expecting mothers experience is  swollen hands and feet, also known as  pregnancy edema. This swelling can be frustrating and sometimes painful, especially as your pregnancy progresses.

Pregnancy is beautiful but can take a toll on your body

At  Bump Prenatal and Postpartum Wellness  in Calgary, I offer effective, non-invasive treatments like  taping and massage to help reduce swelling and bring relief. In this post, I’ll explain why swelling happens during pregnancy and how these therapeutic techniques can support your comfort and well-being.

Why Does Swelling Happen During Pregnancy?

Swelling, particularly in the hands, feet, and ankles, is a common experience during pregnancy. Several factors contribute to this:

• Increased Fluid Volume: Your body produces extra blood and fluids to support your growing baby. This can lead to fluid retention, especially in the extremities.

• Pressure on Blood Vessels: As your uterus expands, it can press on veins, particularly the large vein on the right side of your body (the inferior vena cava), slowing the return of blood from your lower limbs.

• Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy hormones, particularly progesterone, cause the walls of your blood vessels to relax, making it easier for fluids to leak into surrounding tissues.

While swelling is generally harmless, it can be uncomfortable and inconvenient, making it difficult to wear rings or shoes, or even move around comfortably. The good news is that there are natural, effective ways to manage this swelling.

How Taping Can Help

Kinesiology taping, often referred to simply as  taping, is a popular method used to relieve discomfort and swelling during pregnancy. This involves applying special, stretchy tape to specific areas of your body to improve blood flow and reduce swelling.

• How It Works: The tape lifts the skin slightly, creating space for better circulation and encouraging lymphatic drainage, which reduces fluid retention.

• Why It’s Great for Pregnancy: Taping is safe for both mum and baby, and can be applied to areas like the hands, feet, and even the belly. It’s a non-invasive and drug-free option, making it an excellent choice for managing pregnancy swelling.

• Added Benefits: In addition to reducing swelling, taping can also relieve pressure on muscles and joints, helping with discomfort in areas like the lower back and hips.

At  Bump Prenatal and Postpartum Wellness, I offer  pregnancy taping  services to help alleviate swelling and provide relief for other common pregnancy-related discomforts.

How Prenatal Massage Can Help

Another highly effective treatment for swelling is massage. This gentle therapy promotes lymphatic drainage, which helps the body eliminate excess fluids and toxins, reducing swelling and discomfort.

-  How It Works: Massage can help stimulate the lymphatic system, encouraging the movement of lymph fluid and improving circulation.

-  Why It’s Great for Pregnancy: Massage is a safe, gentle therapy that specifically targets areas prone to swelling, such as the hands and feet. It helps reduce fluid buildup, bringing immediate relief to those swollen areas.

-  Added Benefits: Beyond reducing swelling, massage can also help improve overall energy and reduce aches and pains, making it easier for you to move and enjoy your pregnancy.

At  Bump Prenatal and Postpartum Wellness , I specialize in massage for pregnancy , using techniques designed to provide relief in a way that is safe and comfortable for expecting mums.

Self-Care Tips for Managing Swelling

While taping and massage are effective treatments, there are also some everyday habits you can adopt to help manage swelling during pregnancy:

1. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps flush excess fluids from your system.

2. Elevate Your Feet: Whenever possible, lift your legs to reduce fluid pooling in your lower limbs.

3. Wear Comfortable Shoes: Opt for supportive, roomy footwear to accommodate swelling and prevent added pressure on your feet.

4. Move Regularly: Gentle activities like walking or swimming can help improve circulation and reduce swelling.

5. Avoid Excess Salt: Reducing sodium in your diet can help prevent fluid retention.

When to Seek Medical Advice

While swelling is usually harmless, there are instances when it can signal a more serious issue, such as  preeclampsia  (a pregnancy-related condition involving high blood pressure). If you experience sudden or severe swelling, especially in your face, hands, or around your eyes, or if the swelling is accompanied by symptoms like headaches, blurred vision, or pain in your upper abdomen, it’s important to seek medical advice promptly.

How Bump Prenatal and Postpartum Wellness Can Help

At  Bump Prenatal and Postnatal Wellness  in Calgary, I offer tailored services to help expecting mums manage swelling and other discomforts of pregnancy. Whether it’s  kinesiology taping  to support better circulation or  massage  to reduce fluid retention, my treatments are designed to promote your comfort and well-being during pregnancy. These therapies are gentle, non-invasive, and customized to your unique needs.

For more information on how I can support you through your pregnancy journey, visit the Bump Prenatal and Postpartum Wellness in Calgary website. Together, we’ll work to ensure that you feel your best, so you can focus on enjoying this special time with your baby.

If you found this blog helpful, don’t hesitate to share it with other expecting mums who might benefit from these treatments. For more advice and support, reach out to me at  Bump Prenatal and Postpartum Wellness — I’m here to help you feel empowered and cared for throughout your pregnancy.