Some of the most frequent complaints during pregnancy are sore feet, and tired and aching legs. Each can make daily life uncomfortable. But there are some things you can do to alleviate some of the more annoying pregnancy “bonuses.”

Increased fluid retention and slowed circulation, as well as the added weight from the baby, can lead to excess fluid build-up in the legs and feet, causing throbbing, swollen feet. And regardless of your fitness level or your eating habits, almost all pregnant women experience this pregnancy-related edema – especially toward the end of the pregnancy. It’s a good idea to wear looser, more comfortable shoes as often as possible during your pregnancy, as well as avoiding any tight, constricting clothing (such as pantyhose with tight elastic bands). And don’t feel guilty about sitting down and putting your feet up - that’s one easy way you can reduce the swelling.

Keeping your feet elevated can also help with foot and leg cramps. While not all women experience them, the increased blood volume and higher progesterone levels during pregnancy can cause painful foot and leg cramps. In addition to keeping your feet elevated, it’s important to increase circulation to your feet and calves. Stretching your calves by flexing and releasing your foot, or rotating your ankles while in a seated position, can go a long way to helping diminish foot and leg cramps, and avoiding painful spasms.

Even if you manage to avoid getting foot cramps, you may still suffer from pain in your arches. The extra weight from the baby, along with the fact that your center of gravity has shifted causing you to walk differently, can result in extreme stress, or even flattening of the arches. It is important to wear shoes that provide adequate arch support to alleviate the stress on your arches.

In conjunction with these recommendations and remedies, Robelyn Labs has addressed these pregnancy complaints with two great products to relieve the pain and discomfort you may be experiencing in your legs and feet.

Our Refreshing Foot Therapy Gel provides a fresh, tingling comfort that brings fast relief for sore, tired, swollen feet. And our unique, natural Therapeutic Pain Relief Gel is formulated specifically to comfort the sore, stiff muscles of expectant mothers. Remember that keeping yourself as comfortable and pain-free as possible is as good for the baby as it is for you.