The Swell Side of Pregnancy

Typically, I don't retain much water during my pregnancies. Towards the end of my third trimester, I may have to start putting my feet up at the very end of the day, but this malady usually doesn't affect me any earlier in my prenatal journey. Until last week.

I was only 29 weeks along! It was mid-afternoon!

Imagine my shock and dismay when I started noticing marks left on my legs...from my boots, or skinny jeans! Even socks started leaving annoying imprints. 

Carpal tunnel pain soon followed, and tingles became the norm. 

I looked up "Edema (Fluid Retention)" in my Essential Oils for Maternity booklet. There were several suggestions. Ginger, Geranium, Lemon, Wild Orange, Lavender and Cypress (only in third trimester) were listed. 

My amazing Handsome Man massaged Cypress diluted by Fractionated Coconut oil (from our roller bottle that I made for the kids) on my ankles, up towards my heart. Per instructions, I also rubbed it over my heart.  

This didn't seem to help more than getting a foot rub generally relaxes me. 

The suggestion for internal usage recommended Wild Orange or Citrus Bliss in water. 

I had Wild Orange, and I love water! I started putting 1 or 2 drops in my quart size water jar at home, and 1 drop in my smaller water bottle every second or third fill-up.

It has been just over a week, it is after eight in the evening, and I have NO swelling. 

Since the other suggestions for lowering fluid retention during pregnancy are very challenging for a mother of three Littles (keep your feet up, minimize standing, etc.), I contribute this reduction of my swelling feet and legs solely to the Wild Orange Oil intake. 

How are you using Wild Orange?

About Wild Orange Oil: It smells amazing. It tastes lovely. It has immune system boosting properties, and fights cancer in several studies. It is safe in pregnancy, BUT, as with most citrus oils, it can increase photo-sensitivity, so stay out of direct sunlight for 12 hours.