Swollen feet and ankles, also known as “cankles,” are very common during pregnancy.  I remember the first time I experienced pregnancy-induced cankles.  We had a wedding to attend in the middle of summer in the heart of South Carolina.  I got off the plane and poof – my calves, ankles and feet ballooned to twice their size. 

When you are pregnant, the circulation in your legs can be strained, which can cause swelling.

If you are experiencing the dreaded cankle, try these tips to stave off swelling:

-       Don’t wear anything tight.  Keep clothing loose and avoid tight fitting shoes and boots.

-       Get up and move.  If you are sitting at a desk all day or taking a long flight, get up and move every hour.  Try rotating your ankles, flexing your feet and wiggling your toes to keep blood flowing.

-       Prop up your tootsies.  Elevate your legs and feet with a pillow when you are resting.

-       Drink plenty of H2O.  Guzzle down water as much as you can to stay hydrated and minimize sodium intake.

Remember, the longer you sit without moving, the worse swelling can get.  Movement is the key to a cankle-less pregnancy!

About the Contributor: Amy G. is the mom to a beautiful baby girl and pregnant with baby #2 (due January 2012). She is a regular contributor to The Belly Blog, a blog for pregnant women and is sponsored by Lullabelly, a prenatal musical belt.