Step into the world of pregnancy pampering—backed by research! A 2021 study set out to answer a simple yet important question for expectant moms dealing with swollen feet: which works better—foot exercises or epsom salt soaks?
The results were clear: epsom salt foot baths worked better, easing swelling faster and more effectively.
Study Design That Makes Sense
This quasi-experimental study, published in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research (Gujarat, India), was conducted from January to March 2020 at Dr. N.D. Desai Hospital and Medical College in Nadiad. 40 pregnant women in their second or third trimester (25–42 weeks) took part.
They were divided into two equal groups:
- Group 1 (n=20): Daily foot exercise for 20 minutes over three days
- Group 2 (n=20): Daily epsom salt foot soak—one cup (30 g) of epsom salt in 1 liter of lukewarm water, 20 minutes for three days
Researchers measured foot swelling (edema) using the Modified Standardised Erin Edema Scale, a reliable tool ranging from 0 (no swelling) to +4 (severe).
Results Worth Noting
Before treatment, both groups showed moderate to severe swelling:
- Foot exercise group: 90% moderate, 10% severe
- Epsom salt group: 45% moderate, 55% severe
After three days, both groups improved, but the epsom salt group had the edge:
- Foot exercise group: average swelling dropped by 55%
- Epsom salt group: swelling reduced by an impressive 73.75%
By the end, neither group had moderate or severe swelling—only mild, trace, or none at all.
Why Epsom Salt Soaks Work Better
Simple And Relaxing
Soaking tired feet in warm, mineral-rich water doesn’t require effort—just a few minutes of calm. It’s an easy ritual that gives expecting moms two well-known epsom salt bath benefits: relief and relaxation.
Clinically Superior
A nearly 75% improvement speaks for itself, especially compared to 55% from foot exercises.
Evidence-Based Comfort
While researchers note that more study is needed to fully understand how epsom salt works, this trial shows it can provide meaningful relief from swelling during pregnancy.
Small Study, Big Potential
Like many early studies, this one had limits—a small sample size, participants from a single hospital, and a short observation period. Still, its findings are promising.
The researchers recommend developing standardized protocols for epsom salt therapy in prenatal care and exploring its use for other types of swelling in future studies with larger, more diverse groups.
The Takeaway
Epsom salt foot soaks clearly outperformed foot exercises for reducing pregnancy-related swelling. In just three days, participants experienced almost three-quarters relief, making it a simple yet effective way to soothe sore, swollen feet.
Ready to try it yourself? Click here to browse our range of luxurious epsom salt foot soaks and bath salts designed for relaxation, relief, and a little self-care time.
