Tips to Control Pregnancy Swelling when Working a Desk Job

When you work a desk job, and you're pregnant, you may find that later in your second trimester and into your third trimester your ankles and feet swell considerably while at work. Working a desk job can be very difficult for a pregnant woman since being seated for a long period of time often adds to water retention in the feet and ankles (as well as other numerous aches and pains!). Fortunately there are some tricks that can help you control feet and ankle swelling while working a desk job. Try these tips and ideas to control swelling in your feet and ankles during pregnancy while working a desk job.

Prop Your Feet Up. Sure, this sounds super simple and in fact, it is simple, but the simple act of propping your feet up will help keep ankle and feet swelling during pregnancy under control. Sure you can't prop your feet up very high when you work a desk job, but try putting a small box or plastic container under your desk and pushing your chair back so you can prop your feet up, at least for a portion of the day. Also, use your lunch break to prop your feet in a chair while you are eating. This simple act can make a big different in pregnancy swelling for a woman who works a desk job.

Stand Up Frequently. Stand up and move around frequently to help keep feet and ankle swelling under control. If you are chained to your desk at work, try getting up and moving around a bit, or at the very least standing, whenever you get a phone call. Or if you are reading through materials, sorting mail, working on catalog orders, or doing other tasks that do not require you to be sitting directly at your desk, try doing them standing up. Standing and moving around gets fluids flowing and can help keep pregnancy swelling under control.

Keep Cool. Heat can worsen and aggravate swollen feet and ankles in a pregnant woman. If your feet are covered by your desk try wearing slip-on shoes with no socks and slip your shoes off for a portion of the day. Bring a blanket or towel to set them on if you would rather not put your bare feet on the office floor. Keeping your feet cool can do wonders for pregnancy swelling when working a desk job.

Wear Comfortable Shoes. This seems like a no brainer but comfortable shoes are a must to keep swelling at bay when you are working a desk job while pregnant. Loose fitting slip-on shoes and sandals are the best choice for keeping pregnancy swelling at bay even when you work at a desk all day.

End the Day Right. One of the best things you can do to control feet and ankle swelling when pregnant and working a desk job is to prop your feet up for a good half hour when you get home from work. While you may be tempted to start cleaning, preparing dinner, or running errands, try to take just half an hour to prop your feet up, nice and high, and rest. This will allow the swelling to go down and give you some relief.

Many women experience feet and ankle swelling during pregnancy but women who work a desk job often have a more difficult time with swelling than women who do not. Try these tips and tricks from a pregnant women who has been there to help control pregnancy related swelling at work.