Swelling During Pregnancy

Your OB is aware of this, correct? While swelling can come with the territory, for some it is a warning sign of possible developing conditions...even as early as 27 weeks. So if your OB is unaware, be sure to tell him/her on the next visit just to be safe.

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How swollen is "super swollen"? I know swelling is part of being pregnant and I started getting super swollen right around 27 weeks when I was pregnant last year. I was able to push in the skin around my legs, ankles, and feet and it would stay down for at least a minute. Every time I went in to the doctor and complained about how swollen I was, she kept saying it was normal. Then at 36 weeks, I started seeing what looked like fireworks, little sparklers in my vision. They had me do a 24 hour urine catch and found out I had preeclampsia. I don't want to alarm you but just make sure that you are ok.

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Reduce your sodium intake. I did the same thing when I was teaching and pregnant with our son. My doctor lectured me about sodium. When I started checking the labels and I could not believe how much sodium was in the foods I was eating. Shocking! He also told me to drink more water. I never tried the compression socks.

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I have lymphedema so swelling is always a problem for me. When I was pregnant it was awful, the swelling didn't stop at my ankles, by time I finally had my daughter my legs were swollen up to my hips. Not fun, this is what I was told

First off would be to cut back on as much salt intake as possible.
If you drink soda, stop or at least limit it to 12 oz a day.
Drink lots and lots of water (which always made me laugh, drink water so you won't retain it)
Prop your feet up any chance you get. I was lucky and for the most part had a sit down job. Near the end of my pregnancy, my boss was extra sure to make sure I got as much time at my desk as possible, you may think aww that's nice. But not really, she knew that my doc was starting to get concerned with the swelling and was afraid I would have to go on bed rest, and she wanted me at the office.

I really advise against the compression socks. When I had localized swelling in my left leg they gave me a compression sock that only went to my knee. The result was the swelling was pushed into my knee and cut off the blood supply in a major artery. That sent a signal to my brain that I wasn't getting enough blood, so it opened up all the blood vessels in my face and upper body. I was at work, turned bright red and nearly passed out. Everybody thought I was having a stroke, because after the vessels started to constrict again, it made my face tight and I had some issues talking. Luckily it passes quickly, but it was not a good experience.

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definitely contact your doctor asap. preeclampsia is not something to play around with.

drink lots more water. seems counterintuitive, but you don't retain as much if you have enough.

After my 1st son was born, I came home from the hospital very swollen. I had to wear slippers home because my shoes wouldn't fit.

My MIL told her mother about it. She said, "tell her to eat bananas". I couldn't see how that could possibly help, but I figured it was worth a shot. I had a couple of bananas spaced out that day- the next morning I woke up almost completely back to normal. I don't know if it was the bananas or not, but thought I'd tell you about it anyway, jic =o)

I had the same problem. Didn't really go away and it was still bad, but ate a lot of watermelon b/c I heard it helped during pregnancy. All the other tips are good too. Good luck!

I would first, talk to your OB/GYN.
Explain you are on your feet all day per your job, as well.

Do NOT take diuretics.

I remember going through exactly that three years ago. I was pregnant with my twins and 32 weeks when school started again. You actually don't want a natural diuretic as it can lead to dehydration. You need to drink lots more water than you have been and keep your feet up every night. More water will actually help release the additional water in your system. The nurses told me to keep my feet up when I could at school. So, during read aloud and guided reading I would put my feet up on another chair.

hi. i would recommend lots of water (which everyone has already said) and massage. your partner should be able to massage your feet and legs with some good pressure and that should relieve a lot of the swelling. it's worked for me. good luck!

I started swelling pretty bad around 32 weeks this time (I am currently 35.5 weeks). I altered my diet and started eating grapefruit w/salt on it in the mornings. Then about 10-15 minutes later, I eat a banana w/peanut butter (for the protein). Then I eat a snack later on - celery w/peanut butter. Then I eat a lunch w/protein...like a ham sandwich w/cheese. Then I will snack on an apple or another grapefruit for my afternoon snack. Then I'll eat another protein meal for dinner. Then I eat an avocado salsa that I make w/some tortilla chips.

I probably told you too much detail. But I had been swelling so I couldn't see my ankle bone anymore. But a few days into eating a lot more fruits, the swelling as backed way off. I still get mildly swollen, but it is TX and it's been hot. But it DEFINITELY has helped. So, my vote is to eat lots more fruits. They are so healthy too! Oh, and I also upped my water intake a LOT. I bought a water bottle that stays with me and I drink a lot, a lot, a lot.

EDIT: Just wanted to add that you do need some salt. If you go completely no salt, you can swell because of that (happened to my sister). So, just make sure you are taking in safe amounts of it. But you def don't want too much!

If you have access to a pool that can help moblilize the extra fluid. Even just sitting in the bath. Make sure you mention the swelling to your doc at your next appointment.

If the swelling moves into your hands and face, or you have any other possible symptoms of preeclampsia please call your healthcare provider. For signs and symptoms: http://www.preeclampsia.org/signs-and-symptoms

I had that problem when I was pregnant 13 yrs. ago. Yep, I remember that. I found the easiest solution is to keep off your feet as much as you can at home. Keep them elevated and put ice packs on your ankles. (Ice packs do wonders.) I had the kiddy ice packs with the little cool, colorful animals on them. Now, you can get the little colorful beads ones with the velcro. (The beads act the same way frozen peas do, only nicer looking and the velcro helps keep the ice packs on.) I figured just get the kid ones, because I'd need them later on anyway for little booboos. I also made one pot meals and quick meals. Sometimes hubby would do the cooking. You don't want too many dishes to be standing around washing and you don't want complicated meals that require a lot of standing. If you have to stand for a long time in the kitchen to prepare dinner, sit in a chair instead of standing.

I was in the same situation... My little one was born at the end of Oct and I was told I couldn't work the last 5 weeks. Go swimming! I had to go soak for at least 30 minutes a day and it really helped. Sounds silly but if you swim, what's the first thing you do? Pee! That is what gets rid of the water.

I would also find some shoes you can wear for when it gets worse. I lived in flip flops until about two weeks after I had her. Good luck!