During pregnancy, having cold feet is common. This article explains more about cool feet during pregnancy and measures to tackle the situation!
Causes of Cold feet During Pregnancy
Pregnant women experience certain unique conditions during their pregnancy. One of the common complaints is the feet being cold to the touch or feeling colder than the rest of the body. Cold feet are generally an indication of poor blood circulation. One major cause is the change in hormone levels affecting the autonomic nervous system, which reduces blood flow to the lower extremities.
During pregnancy, the basal metabolic rate increases. Hence, the body temperature is slightly higher and can cause the lower extremities to feel cooler. Morning sickness coupled with nausea can put your body into negative nitrogen balance and make you feel cold.
Hormone changes during pregnancy can cause an underactive thyroid, which leads to poor regulation of body temperature, causing you to feel cold. Another reason can be anemia or lack of sufficient blood in the body during pregnancy, leading to cold hands and feet.
Gestational diabetes can cause poor circulation in your body, thereby causing your feet to get cold. Stress could be another cause that leads your body to release adrenaline into your bloodstream. Adrenaline makes the blood vessels in the peripheries and extremities constrict, and blood flow reduces to these areas of the body, making your hands and feet feel colder.
Remedies
It is always better to get yourself evaluated by your doctor to rule out any underlying health problems that may be causing your cold feet. Diabetes, hypothyroidism, anemia all require expert care, and you may require medication too. However, if the weather and minor issues are the reason, the following measures will help you tide over the problem.
Pull-on socks or put on slippers to keep your feet warm. Move your feet, walk or flex your toes and feet to get the circulation going. Whenever possible, sit or lie down and elevate your feet to boost your circulation.
Massaging the feet stimulates blood flow and increases oxygen supply to your feet. The increased blood flow will warm up your feet. If you have a smoking habit, quit it, as nicotine makes it hard for blood to reach your hands and feet.
Eat a balanced diet and stay well hydrated. Consult your doctor to check if you suffer from iron deficiency anemia. Consuming iron supplements or iron-rich food like dates, apples, beetroot, poultry, red meat, and fortified cereals will increase iron levels in your body. Vitamin B12 and folate also help boost circulation. Avoid stressful situations and keep a positive outlook at all times.
Take home:
Cold feet during pregnancy can be a harmless symptom. However, having this issue over a prolonged period might call for a doctor’s visit.
