HELPFUL HINTS

■ Raise your legs and hips on pillows as often as you can during the day, and hold this position for about 15 to 20 minutes, so gravity can do its job.

■ Lie on your left side when sleeping or resting, because this will relieve the weight of the uterus off the large blood vessels that return blood to the heart.

■ Exercise – brisk walking, swimming (excellent for swollen limbs) or riding a stationary bike three to four times a week will improve sluggish circulation.

■ When watching TV or reading, keep your feet raised to hip level, and never let them dangle.

■ Don’t cross your knees.

■ Avoid tight shoes – wear open sandals or mules.

■ Avoid tight socks – this can restrict your blood flow.

■ Treat your swollen, hot feet and legs with a body or facial scrub, or soak your feet in a cool foam bath with two drops of peppermint oil.

■ Drink plenty of fluids. This will keep your kidneys and bladder functioning effectively.

■ The tissue salts Nat Mur and Nat Sulph (one tablet of each) sucked every four hours help to distribute body fluids evenly.

■ After your warm (not hot) bath, sit on the edge of your bed and roll your feet back and forth on a ball or a rolling pin.