How to get rid of pregnancy swelling

Swollen ankles, feet and fingers in pregnancy

It's normal to get some swelling in pregnancy, particularly in your legs, ankles, feet and fingers.

It's often worse at the end of the day and further into your pregnancy.

Swelling that comes on gradually is not usually harmful to you or your baby, but it can be uncomfortable.

A sudden increase in swelling can be a sign of pre-eclampsia, a condition that needs to be monitored as soon as possible.

Non-urgent advice: Call your midwife, GP or labour ward immediately if you have:

• a sudden increase in swelling in your face, hands or feet
• a very bad headache
• problems with your vision, such as blurring or flashing lights in your eyes
• severe pain just below your ribs
• vomiting with any of these symptoms

These could be symptoms of pre-eclampsia, which can lead to serious complications if it's not monitored and treated.

Normal pregnancy swelling

Swelling is caused by your body holding more water than usual when you're pregnant.

Throughout the day the extra water tends to gather in the lowest parts of the body, especially if the weather is hot or you have been standing a lot.

The pressure of your growing womb can also affect the blood flow in your legs. This can cause fluid to build up in your legs, ankles and feet.

What can help to reduce swelling

Try to:

• avoid standing for long periods
• wear comfortable shoes and socks – avoid tight straps or anything that might pinch if your feet swell
• try to rest with your feet up as much as you can
• drink plenty of water – this helps your body get rid of excess water
• exercise – try to take regular walks during the day or doing foot exercises

Foot exercises

You can do foot exercises sitting or standing. They improve blood circulation, reduce swelling in the ankles, and prevent cramp in the calf muscles:

• bend and stretch your foot up and down 30 times
• rotate each foot in a circle 8 times one way and 8 times the other way

Get more tips on exercising in pregnancy.

Page last reviewed: 10 March 2021
Next review due: 10 March 2024

Causes, Plus Treatments That Work

While you may be enjoying the magical time that is pregnancy — it truly is miraculous how many restroom trips you can squeeze into one day — and eagerly anticipating the arrival of your sweet little bundle, there are some less than magical side effects that many parents-to-be experience.

Your body is changing rapidly, which can get a little uncomfortable. One discomfort that many people experience during pregnancy is swollen feet.

Let’s talk about why your feet may swell during pregnancy, when you might notice this happening, when you should seek medical attention, and some simple treatments that can help.

While swollen feet may or may not be painful, they can certainly be uncomfortable or bothersome.

Fortunately, you can try several simple strategies to help ease your symptoms during pregnancy.

Even better? They may involve snacks, a cold drink, swimming, massage, and possibly shoe shopping. Doesn’t sound so bad, right?

1. Reduce sodium intake

One way to reduce swelling during pregnancy is to limit your sodium (salt) intake. Salt makes your body hold on to extra water.

Try to avoid canned or processed foods, as these are especially high in sodium. Also, try not to put extra table salt on your food.

Using savory herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and oregano is an easy way to add flavor to your recipes without using salt.

2. Increase potassium intake

Not getting enough potassium can also make swelling worse. This is because potassium helps your body balance the amount of fluids it holds onto.

Your prenatal vitamin should have some extra potassium for you, but it’s also important to eat good sources of dietary potassium.

Some foods that are naturally high in potassium include:

• potatoes with the skin on
• sweet potatoes, also with the skin on
• bananas
• spinach
• beans
• some fruit juices, especially:
  • prune
  • pomegranate
  • orange
  • carrot
  • passionfruit
• yogurt
• beets
• salmon
• lentils

3. Reduce caffeine intake

While occasional caffeine during pregnancy isn’t harmful (and hey, a person’s gotta stay awake!), drinking too much caffeine isn’t considered great for a baby. It can also make swelling worse.

Caffeine is a diuretic, which causes you to pee more, which then makes your body think it needs to hold on to fluid.

Try a decaf coffee with milk or an herbal tea such as peppermint to help give you a little energy boost instead.

4. Drink more water

As strange as it sounds to drink more water to counteract swelling, it actually works. If your body thinks you’re dehydrated, it will hold on to even more fluid to try to compensate.

So try to drink at least 10 glasses of water every day to keep your kidneys flushing out the bad stuff and your body happily hydrated.

If it feels daunting to drink that much water, try getting a cute cup that you’ll want to keep refilling, or a giant water bottle that you’ll only have to refill a couple of times per day. You can also flavor your water with lemon, mint, or berries to make it more enjoyable.

5. Elevate your feet and rest

Even though you have a million things you want to get done before baby arrives, try to sit and put your feet up when possible.

While sitting all the time isn’t great for your circulation, standing all the time is also hard on your beautiful pregnant body.

Sitting with your feet elevated for a little while — especially at the end of the day — can help drain the fluid that’s been pooling in your legs over the course of the day.

6. Wear loose, comfortable clothing

Wearing tight clothing, especially around your wrists, waist, and ankles, can make swelling worse. Basically, it keeps blood from circulating as easily as it could.

Try to wear loose, comfortable clothes — or at least avoid tight elastic bands. Maternity maxi dresses in the summer and flowy cardigans or sweaters with joggers in the winter can be both cute and comfortable.

7. Stay cool

Especially if you’re pregnant during the hot summer months, staying indoors during the heat of the day and avoiding vigorous exercise can help keep you cool and reduce swelling.

You can also wear cool clothing, put cold compresses on your feet, or keep a fan nearby.

8. Wear waist-high compression stockings

Yes, these are just about as appealing as they sound. But if you’re experiencing persistently swollen feet or have to be on your feet most of the time, you can wear waist-high compression stockings.

These stockings gently squeeze your feet and legs to help keep fluid circulating. Try to avoid the knee-high compression stockings, as they may be too tight in the middle of your leg and actually make swelling worse.

9. Walk

Going for even a 5- or 10-minute walk a couple of times per day can help improve your circulation, which helps reduce swelling.

This can also be a good break in your day, and it’s a great way to get pregnancy-safe exercise.

10. Wear comfortable shoes

While you may look adorable in your high heels, late pregnancy is a good time to give them a break.

Wearing comfortable (even orthotic), well-fitting shoes is key to reducing foot swelling, as well as to preventing hip and back problems that can arise as your center of gravity shifts and your weight increases.

In addition to the swelling, the ligaments in your body (including your feet) actually do stretch during pregnancy, so your feet may change size. Some people’s feet return to their pre-pregnancy size, but many people find that their feet are permanently a half-size or so larger.

It may be annoying that one more thing is changing or that some of your beloved shoes no longer fit, but this is an excellent excuse to find some new favorites.

11. Swim

There are no studies proving that water pressure reduces swelling during pregnancy, but many people do find relief from swelling when they spend time in the pool.

Try standing or swimming in a pool where the water depth is almost up to your neck. At the very least, you will feel lighter and cooler, plus get a little exercise. You may also find that your feet and legs are less swollen.

12. Get a massage

Your partner may be looking for ways to be involved during the pregnancy process, and this is the perfect opportunity.

Massage helps circulate the fluids that tend to accumulate in your feet, which will in turn reduce swelling.

So grab your water bottle, put your feet up, and let your partner gently massage your feet and legs. Adding some peppermint or lavender essential oil can make this even more relaxing.

And if you’re rocking this pregnancy solo or your partner isn’t the touchy-feely type, many massage studios offer specialized prenatal massages. These can not only help with swelling, but are great for helping relieve some of the stress that can accompany pregnancy.

13. Sleep on your left side

Sleeping on your left side when possible can improve blood flow, which reduces swelling of the feet. Lying on your left side takes the pressure of your uterus off of the inferior vena cava, which is the large blood vessel that returns blood to your heart.

When can you expect your feet to start puffing up? Well, the good news is that it’s usually later on in pregnancy. So you’ll likely recognize your feet for the first half or more of your pregnancy.

First trimester

Rapidly increasing levels of the hormone progesterone (literally “pro gestation” or “pro pregnancy”) slow your digestion down. This can cause abdominal bloating long before you have a noticeable baby bump.

You may also notice a bit of puffiness in your hands, feet, or face — but not much.

If you notice a lot of swelling this early on, especially if accompanied by other symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, or bleeding, it’s best to call your doctor or birthing professional, such as a midwife.

Second trimester

The second trimester begins with week 14 of pregnancy, roughly the start of month 4. It’s not unusual to start noticing swollen feet around month 5 of pregnancy, especially if you’re on your feet a lot or the weather is hot.

This swelling is due to the increasing volume of blood and fluids in your body. Your blood volume increases by about 50 percent during the course of your pregnancy, and that’s paired with a lot of hormonal fluid retention.

While it may make your rings and shoes a little snug, all this extra fluid helps to soften your body and prepare it for giving birth — and that’s exactly what you want. Rest assured, the extra fluid will rapidly decrease in the days and weeks after your baby is born.

Third trimester

Starting with week 28 of pregnancy, the third trimester is by far the most common time to experience swollen feet.

Especially as the weeks go on and you get closer to week 40, your toes are more likely to resemble little sausages than anything else (yes, becoming a parent is glamorous).

Your body is continuing to build its supply of blood and fluids, which can contribute to swelling. Your uterus is also getting much heavier as your baby grows, which can slow blood flow from the legs back to the heart. (Don’t worry, this isn’t dangerous — just uncomfortable.)

Other factors that can contribute to swollen feet include:

• hot weather
• dietary imbalances
• caffeine intake
• not drinking enough water
• being on your feet for long periods of time

Swollen feet are a very typical part of pregnancy, as many of your fellow pregnancy buddies can probably tell you! So most of the time, swollen feet are just another sign of all the hard work your body is doing to grow that new little life.

However, swollen feet can sometimes signal a more serious concern.

One of these concerns is called preeclampsia. This condition can develop during pregnancy and cause dangerously high blood pressure.

Call your birthing professional or doctor if you notice:

• sudden swelling of your hands, feet, face, or around your eyes
• swelling that gets dramatically worse
• dizziness or blurred vision
• a severe headache
• abdominal pain, especially in the upper right section of your abdomen
• confusion
• difficulty breathing

If you notice swelling in just one leg that is also accompanied by pain, redness, or heat, this could mean you have a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). A DVT is a blood clot, usually in your leg.

It’s important to call your healthcare professional immediately if you notice these symptoms. This is because people are more likely to get blood clots during pregnancy than when not pregnant (thanks once again, hormones).

If you’re unsure whether your swelling is typical or have any concerns, it is always best to call your doctor or midwife. They’re happy to help keep you and your baby safe and healthy!

Swollen feet are a very common side effect of pregnancy. Swelling is caused by increased fluid volume in your body, as well as decreased circulation.

If you experience sudden or severe swelling, it’s important to call your doctor or birthing professional, as this may be a sign of something more serious. But a little swelling is definitely expected.

You can help prevent foot swelling by getting regular gentle exercise, drinking plenty of water, resting, and eating a balanced diet.

Before you know it, your shoes will fit again and the only feet you’ll be focusing on will be those tiny baby toes!

For more pregnancy guidance and weekly tips tailored to your due date, sign up for our I’m Expecting newsletter.

what to do and how to get rid of edema in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters

A fairly large percentage of women experience edema during pregnancy: moderate edema is observed in 50-80% of pregnant women with a normal pregnancy (1). Often they indicate an excessive accumulation of fluid in the tissues of the body or a violation of the outflow of blood from the pelvic organs - this should not be feared. But there are cases when swelling is the result of health problems. In this case, both the condition of the mother and the condition of the baby are at risk. It is important to consult a specialist in a timely manner and not self-medicate.

Types of edema

Edema during pregnancy is divided into physiological and pathological. The former are considered natural and do not pose a health hazard. But pathological edema speaks of problems with various organs: for example, the kidneys or the thyroid gland. We will talk about the physiological edema of various parts of the body.

Swelling of the legs

The legs most often begin to swell after the fifth or sixth month of pregnancy. Severe swelling is noticeable on the calves, ankles and feet: the upper part of the legs almost never swells. Pregnant women may also experience an increase in leg size due to swelling. This happens under the action of the hormone relaxin, which is responsible for the relaxation of the ligaments. Due to its release, the distance between the ligaments becomes larger and the feet swell a little. (2)

Edema of the face

They occur due to an increase in the level of estrogen in the blood. This hormone is responsible for sexual development, reproductive function and the skeletal system. Facial swelling becomes more noticeable when the level of estrogen becomes higher than normal: the nose, lips, and upper part of the face may swell. But if a pregnant woman has severe swelling under her eyes, this is a reason to seek the advice of a specialist. The so-called bags under the eyes can indicate problems in the functioning of the kidneys.

Swelling of the hands

Quite often hand edema appears in the third trimester of pregnancy. A woman cannot wear rings, there is a strong tension when clenching her fists, and after sitting work, her hands become very numb. The duration of the manifestation of edema is individual, but if there is, for example, swelling of the hands and face that cause discomfort, you should consult a doctor.

Mucosal and skin edema

A pregnant woman may experience difficulty in breathing without other accompanying symptoms. Mucosal edema is not so common, but it still happens: with a physiological manifestation, you should not be afraid of it. The mucous membranes also swell due to the accumulation of fluid in the intercellular space. A similar thing happens with the skin: traces of clothing remain on it, and the skin itself looks loose and devoid of moisture. If the swelling of the skin covers a large area, and when pressed, a distinct hole remains, it is necessary to visit a specialist.

In these cases, swelling is a natural condition that accompanies pregnancy. But swelling can be the cause of the development of serious diseases. Therefore, it is important to start treatment on time in order to prevent the threat to the life of the mother and child.

When edema occurs

In the first three months of pregnancy, a woman in most cases does not experience edema: they begin to appear in the second and third trimester.

Second trimester

Puffiness appears on the arms, legs and face, most often the hands suffer from edema from 13 to 28 weeks. Fluid retention is often reflected in the face. Swelling appears on the cheeks, nose and upper eyelids. It is necessary to monitor how much fluid is consumed and how much is excreted: if there is very little urine, you should consult a doctor. Such a condition may indicate not only puffiness, but also toxicosis of the second trimester.

- Edema can appear both in early and later pregnancy due to venous-lymphatic insufficiency. During pregnancy, a restructuring of the hormonal background occurs, progesterone disrupts vascular permeability, and as a result, water is retained in the tissues. Most often, the arms and legs swell, from where it is harder for fluids to return, - adds Nina Antipova, obstetrician-gynecologist, gynecologist-endocrinologist .

Third trimester

From the beginning of the seventh month of pregnancy until the ninth month, a woman may experience swelling of the extremities: but most often it is, of course, the legs. The shins, ankles, calves swell much more strongly in the afternoon, with strong pressure, a slightly noticeable fingerprint is formed. Such edema is aggravated by hot weather, eating salty foods, and prolonged standing.

What to do if edema occurs

Physiological edema affects no more than two areas of the body. For example, hands and feet, or swelling of the eyelids and feet. Usually such edema is not very pronounced and subsides by the next day. In this case, you do not need to worry and consult a doctor: the puffiness will subside on its own. (3)

If a woman feels that breathing is difficult, or edema appears in the early morning and does not disappear the next day, the amount of urine begins to decrease sharply, and, on the contrary, weight increases, it is worth going to a specialist for a consultation.

How to get rid of edema

With natural manifestations of edema, it is important to monitor nutrition, do not include a lot of fried and fatty foods in the diet, and limit salt intake. In case of swelling of the legs, it is worth spending less time in a standing position, giving them a rest.

If it is possible to perform light exercises, do exercises, then it is worth paying attention to physical activity. Despite the fact that during edema water accumulates in the body, it is important for a pregnant woman to drink enough liquid - 1.5-2 liters of purified water. Compression underwear will also help get rid of edema, which alleviates symptoms and helps not only with swelling, but also with varicose veins.

Medicines may only be used during pregnancy with the permission of a doctor. Therefore, in the event of an increase in symptoms or their prolonged manifestation, you should not drink pills on your own: they should be prescribed by a specialist.

Popular questions and answers

Popular questions were answered by Nina Antipova, obstetrician-gynecologist, gynecologist-endocrinologist, hemostasiologist at REMEDI Reproduction Clinic.

Why are edema dangerous?

— Edema can be a concomitant symptom of other diseases, such swelling is also called pathological. To distinguish it from physiological edema will help the doctor during the examination. That is why it is important to visit a specialist systematically, and not only if necessary.

After examining the veins of the lower extremities and lymph nodes, the doctor may additionally prescribe medications that improve vascular permeability, as well as wearing compression underwear. If venous-lymphatic insufficiency can lead to deep vein thrombosis of the lower leg, then injections are prescribed. Risk factors include age, obesity, smoking, predisposition to thrombosis, individual characteristics with the onset of pregnancy.

Edema may occur due to preeclampsia. The complication occurs after the 20th week, in the second half of pregnancy: swelling of the extremities and face appears, blood pressure rises, and an increased amount of protein is present in the urine. Preeclampsia occurs due to disruption of the placenta, as a result of which biologically active substances begin to enter the body, which lead to disruption of the cardiovascular system and blood supply to the organs. Complications in preeclampsia can be very serious: liver dysfunction, stroke, coma, placental abruption, bleeding, acute hypoxia, intrauterine death. You can prevent the development of preeclampsia at the first screening at the 12-13th week of pregnancy. It is important to see a doctor regularly.

Swelling may be the result of a chronic disease. Women with such a diagnosis are registered with specialized specialists who are already familiar with the medical history.

What is the prevention of edema?

To reduce and prevent swelling, it is necessary to review the diet: limit or completely eliminate salty and spicy - seasonings retain fluid in the body. If there are no contraindications, then regularly go to the pool and massage.

What foods relieve swelling?

You should include more fresh vegetables and fruits in your diet, drink clean filtered water. Foods low in sodium have a diuretic effect: rice, pasta. You can eat lean fish or meat, it is better to boil the chicken. Pay attention to foods high in potassium. These are dairy products, green tea, raisins, dates.

Sources

1. Edema in pregnant women: a disease or a norm? V.E. Radzinsky, T.V. Khapova et al./2014. URL: https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/oteki-u-beremennyh-zabolevanie-ili-norma/viewer
2. What causes ankle swelling during pregnancy — and what can I do about it? Yvonne Butler Tobah/ 2020. URL: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/expert-answers/swelling-during-pregnancy/faq-20058467
3. Swelling During Late Pregnancy. By Emily E. Bunce/2021. URL: https://www.msdmanuals.com/home/women-s-health-issues/symptoms-during-pregnancy/swelling-during-late-pregnancy

Pregnancy swelling

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Article content:

1. Pregnancy and edema
2. Why do edema appear during pregnancy?
3. When does edema occur during pregnancy?
4. What factors can affect the appearance of edema during pregnancy
5. What can I do to get rid of swelling during pregnancy?
6. Questions from patients about edema and pregnancy

Pregnancy and Edema

Swelling during pregnancy is normal because the body produces approximately 50% more blood and body fluids to meet the needs of a developing baby.

Edema during pregnancy

Edema during pregnancy occurs on the hands, face, legs, ankles and feet.

Why does swelling occur during pregnancy?

This extra fluid retention is needed to soften the body, allowing it to expand as the baby develops. The extra fluid also helps prepare the pelvic joints and tissues for reopening for childbirth. Additional fluids make up approximately 25% of a woman's weight gain during pregnancy.