Only one ankle swelling during pregnancy

When to Worry (and What’s Perfectly OK)

In the early pregnancy, you may beam from the inside out with bright, rosy skin and hair that brilliantly glistens for days. Then, one day, something takes the wind out of your prego-beauty sails — you look down and don’t even recognize the two extremely puffy cankles beneath you.

Unfortunately, swelling falls into that perfectly normal category of pregnancy side effects. In fact, most expecting mamas experience it. But why?

Let’s look at what causes swelling during pregnancy and offer some tips to beat the bloat with comfort and confidence.

And, a note of caution: There are a few instances in which swelling during pregnancy is concerning. We’ll also explain when it could be a sign of a more serious health condition.

During pregnancy, your body does some pretty herculean things, and there’s a lot that, well, increases. One of them is the sheer amount of fluid in your body. While pregnant, your total body water volume can increase by up to 8 liters— that’s over 33 cups!

Meanwhile, your plasma volume leaps 30 to 50 percent, which means your total blood volume increases as well.

So, where does all that fluid go? Good question.

Some of the water stays within your cells to help them function. The rest accumulates outside of your cells to enhance oxygen delivery, clear waste, and control electrolyte flow.

The increase in plasma is in response to the growing needs of the placenta and your maternal organs, as your blood volume increases to deliver all that your baby needs to develop.

As your little one inches closer to birth in the third trimester, your blood volume reaches its peak. Hint: That’s why your swelling (among other slight unpleasantries) can peak around this time.

But that’s not all.

The massive increase in body fluids during pregnancy is coupled with increasing sodium levels. And most of us have seen the effects of what a little too much takeout pizza can do.

Sodium affects how your body absorbs and processes water. Even the slightest rise in sodium may cause you to feel the power of the “puff.”

It’s completely normal to shed a little tear the day your rings and favorite heels don’t fit anymore (sigh). A little gradual swelling in your fingers, legs, ankles, and feet throughout pregnancy is part of the journey.

You may find that your swelling tends to worsen toward the end of the day. This is because the extra fluid in your body can gather in the parts of your body farthest from your heart. A hotter, humid day or a lot of standing can contribute to some normal swelling, too.

Moving into the second and third trimesters, more pressure from your little one’s growing size — in addition to more blood volume — may further affect blood flow in your legs, ankles, and feet, causing you to experience even more swelling.

Tips to relieve normal pregnancy swelling

Sometimes, swelling may be as inevitable as that supersonic sense of smell and burning indigestion that you take in stride with the pure joys of pregnancy. However, here are a few things that you can do to help prevent or ease it.

Elevate your feet at a level above your heart throughout the day, as this helps the fluid circulate back to your heart.
Drink more water to flush extra fluid and sodium out of your body.
Wear compression stockings to improve circulation, especially if you’re taking a long flight.
Avoid being outdoors in very hot and humid weather.
Take frequent breaks to elevate your feet when standing for long periods.
Avoid heels and wear comfortable, breathable, and supportive shoes.
Eat more foods with potassium, such as bananas and avocados, to flush out sodium and increase urine production (yes, even more).
Limit high salt foods, such as prepackaged meals, fast food, and chips.

We know every mama bear wants to know when to panic. The answer? Never. Panicking only boosts your emotional and physical stress. Instead, feel empowered by learning when to call your OB-GYN or midwife about swelling.

The two most concerning conditions during pregnancy that can cause swelling are preeclampsia and a blood clot.

First thing to remember: These conditions aren’t common, but the risk is real during pregnancy. Therefore, it’s important to be aware of them.

Secondly, swelling associated with these conditions is different than the normal, gradual swelling you may experience over the course of your pregnancy.

Here’s how the swelling is different.

Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia only affects about 5 percent of pregnant women, usually only after the 20th week. The following are three main symptoms of this disorder:

high blood pressure
protein in the urine
edema (a fancy word for swelling caused by excess fluid in the body)

Labs may also show abnormalities in liver enzymes and lower than normal platelet levels.

This relatively rare condition can have devastating consequences for mom and baby if not treated immediately, so it’s important to be aware of the symptoms — and swelling is one of the major ones.

Significant swelling in your hands, face, or around your eyes that comes on suddenly or gradually becomes worse should alert you to call your OB-GYN. If your swelling appears “pitted” — meaning when you push on your skin, an indentation remains — this is also concerning.

In preeclampsia, swelling might be accompanied by a persistent headache, vision changes, abdominal pain, and sudden weight gain. If you have any of these symptoms, call your OB or midwife immediately. They may advise you to go to your nearest emergency room.

Blood clots

Pregnancy is a risk factor for blood clots in the leg, thigh, or pelvis called deep venous thrombosis (DVT). A 2017 review states that pregnancy alone increases a woman’s risk of DVT fivefold. The risk is consistent throughout every trimester and even up to 12 weeks after delivery.

DVT is a serious condition during pregnancy and warrants immediate treatment, as it may cause a pulmonary embolism (PE), which can be fatal.

To protect mom and baby, it’s important to catch a DVT by knowing the symptoms. Swelling affecting only one leg is a big one.

Swelling related to DVT often occurs with other symptoms affecting the same area, such as:

significant pain
tenderness
redness
warmth to the touch

If you have any of these symptoms, call your OB or midwife immediately and follow their direction.

Reducing normal pregnancy swelling is nice but not always possible — and that’s OK.

It’s more important to do what you can to prevent serious complications like preeclampsia and blood clots. Again, though, prevention isn’t always possible and early recognition is key. That said, here are some tips that might decrease your risk.

How to lower your risk of preeclampsia

A limited number of studies have demonstrated proven ways to prevent preeclampsia.

While supplementation with vitamins C and E has been researched as a possible preventive measure, a study in 2007 concluded that antioxidant supplementation with these vitamins shouldn’t be recommended for preeclampsia prevention during pregnancy.

Moreover, while some studies have demonstrated a possible connection between prenatal physical activity and a reduced preeclampsia risk, more studies are needed to confirm this relationship.

It’s most important to know your risk factors so your obstetrician can monitor you more closely if necessary.

Some risk factors for preeclampsia include:

chronic high blood pressure before pregnancy or during a previous pregnancy
kidney disease before pregnancy
personal or family history of preeclampsia
having overweight or obesity
having a multiple gestation pregnancy (more than one baby)
being over age 40
being pregnant with your first baby
pregestational and gestational diabetes
being of African American ethnicity

For women with a history of preeclampsia, low-dose aspirin has been cited as an effective secondary prevention strategy. Aspirin to prevent preeclampsia in women with a high risk but no personal history is still under debate.

How to lower your risk of blood clots

Like preeclampsia, preventing blood clots during pregnancy, childbirth, and the 3-month period afterward starts with knowing your risk factors, such as:

personal or family history of blood clots
personal family history of a blood clotting disorder
history of a cesarean section, also known as a C-section
immobility or long-term bed rest
certain pregnancy or childbirth complications
having diabetes, heart disease, or a lung condition

Your OB or midwife can work with you to help reduce your risk by developing a personalized prevention plan. Here are some easy everyday things you can do, too:

drink plenty of water
move your legs or get up at least every 1 to 2 hours if you’re sitting a lot
exercise as recommended by your doctor
use compression socks or stockings if recommended by your doctor
take prescribed medications as directed

If growing feet coincide with your growing belly, you’re certainly in very good company. There’s a normal level of swelling that affects most expecting ladies.

Normal swelling can peak in the third trimester, affecting the legs mostly. Some simple elevation and R&R with a big glass of water may be all that you need to calm your cranky cankles.

In rarer cases, swelling is a sign of something more serious. If swelling affects only one leg and is accompanied by pain, redness, or warmth, a blood clot could be a concern, and you should call your doctor.

If you experience sudden or gradually worsening swelling in your face, around your eyes, or in your hands accompanied by high blood pressure, call your doctor immediately. This could be a symptom of preeclampsia, which requires immediate treatment to protect you and baby.

When to Worry (and What’s Perfectly OK)

Unfortunately, swelling falls into that perfectly normal category of pregnancy side effects. In fact, most expecting mamas experience it. But why?

Let’s look at what causes swelling during pregnancy and offer some tips to beat the bloat with comfort and confidence.

And, a note of caution: There are a few instances in which swelling during pregnancy is concerning. We’ll also explain when it could be a sign of a more serious health condition.

Meanwhile, your plasma volume leaps 30 to 50 percent, which means your total blood volume increases as well.

So, where does all that fluid go? Good question.

Some of the water stays within your cells to help them function. The rest accumulates outside of your cells to enhance oxygen delivery, clear waste, and control electrolyte flow.

The increase in plasma is in response to the growing needs of the placenta and your maternal organs, as your blood volume increases to deliver all that your baby needs to develop.

As your little one inches closer to birth in the third trimester, your blood volume reaches its peak. Hint: That’s why your swelling (among other slight unpleasantries) can peak around this time.

But that’s not all.

The massive increase in body fluids during pregnancy is coupled with increasing sodium levels. And most of us have seen the effects of what a little too much takeout pizza can do.

Sodium affects how your body absorbs and processes water. Even the slightest rise in sodium may cause you to feel the power of the “puff.”

Tips to relieve normal pregnancy swelling

Elevate your feet at a level above your heart throughout the day, as this helps the fluid circulate back to your heart.
Drink more water to flush extra fluid and sodium out of your body.
Wear compression stockings to improve circulation, especially if you’re taking a long flight.
Avoid being outdoors in very hot and humid weather.
Take frequent breaks to elevate your feet when standing for long periods.
Avoid heels and wear comfortable, breathable, and supportive shoes.
Eat more foods with potassium, such as bananas and avocados, to flush out sodium and increase urine production (yes, even more).
Limit high salt foods, such as prepackaged meals, fast food, and chips.

The two most concerning conditions during pregnancy that can cause swelling are preeclampsia and a blood clot.

First thing to remember: These conditions aren’t common, but the risk is real during pregnancy. Therefore, it’s important to be aware of them.

Secondly, swelling associated with these conditions is different than the normal, gradual swelling you may experience over the course of your pregnancy.

Here’s how the swelling is different.

Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia only affects about 5 percent of pregnant women, usually only after the 20th week. The following are three main symptoms of this disorder:

high blood pressure
protein in the urine
edema (a fancy word for swelling caused by excess fluid in the body)

Labs may also show abnormalities in liver enzymes and lower than normal platelet levels.

Blood clots

DVT is a serious condition during pregnancy and warrants immediate treatment, as it may cause a pulmonary embolism (PE), which can be fatal.

To protect mom and baby, it’s important to catch a DVT by knowing the symptoms. Swelling affecting only one leg is a big one.

Swelling related to DVT often occurs with other symptoms affecting the same area, such as:

significant pain
tenderness
redness
warmth to the touch

If you have any of these symptoms, call your OB or midwife immediately and follow their direction.

Reducing normal pregnancy swelling is nice but not always possible — and that’s OK.

How to lower your risk of preeclampsia

A limited number of studies have demonstrated proven ways to prevent preeclampsia.

Moreover, while some studies have demonstrated a possible connection between prenatal physical activity and a reduced preeclampsia risk, more studies are needed to confirm this relationship.

It’s most important to know your risk factors so your obstetrician can monitor you more closely if necessary.

Some risk factors for preeclampsia include:

chronic high blood pressure before pregnancy or during a previous pregnancy
kidney disease before pregnancy
personal or family history of preeclampsia
having overweight or obesity
having a multiple gestation pregnancy (more than one baby)
being over age 40
being pregnant with your first baby
pregestational and gestational diabetes
being of African American ethnicity

How to lower your risk of blood clots

Like preeclampsia, preventing blood clots during pregnancy, childbirth, and the 3-month period afterward starts with knowing your risk factors, such as:

personal or family history of blood clots
personal family history of a blood clotting disorder
history of a cesarean section, also known as a C-section
immobility or long-term bed rest
certain pregnancy or childbirth complications
having diabetes, heart disease, or a lung condition

Your OB or midwife can work with you to help reduce your risk by developing a personalized prevention plan. Here are some easy everyday things you can do, too:

drink plenty of water
move your legs or get up at least every 1 to 2 hours if you’re sitting a lot
exercise as recommended by your doctor
use compression socks or stockings if recommended by your doctor
take prescribed medications as directed

If growing feet coincide with your growing belly, you’re certainly in very good company. There’s a normal level of swelling that affects most expecting ladies.

Normal swelling can peak in the third trimester, affecting the legs mostly. Some simple elevation and R&R with a big glass of water may be all that you need to calm your cranky cankles.

Edema during pregnancy | Nutriclub

What you need to know about edema: why they appear, how to deal with them, how to distinguish ordinary physiological edema from a symptom of a serious illness

It is believed that edema inevitably accompanies the pregnancy of most women - you just need to endure their unaesthetic appearance. However, swelling can be a signal of health problems and pose a danger to both the expectant mother and the development of the fetus. Nutriclub understands when to worry if you have swelling. nine0003

Edema - excessive accumulation of fluid in the interstitial space - occurs quite often in pregnant women. Swelling can occur at any time and in different parts of the body.
Edema on the face (especially bags under the eyes and severe swelling of the eyelids) are especially noticeable and cause maximum dissatisfaction, because they directly affect the appearance.
Very often, pregnant women have swollen legs, especially after a long walk. That is why it is so important to get comfortable shoes for the entire period of pregnancy. nine0008
Hands tend to swell in women who work at a computer or do needlework. Rings begin to press, fingers look like “sausages”. In such cases, you need to temporarily abandon jewelry.
Pregnant women often mistake swelling of the nasal mucosa for a runny nose or allergies. The latter is more likely because allergic reactions tend to get worse during pregnancy. Also in pregnant women, due to changes in hormonal levels, a condition called rhinitis of pregnancy can develop, which is accompanied by severe nasal congestion. It is better to take tests and be sure to discuss the situation with a doctor who will prescribe a drug that is allowed during pregnancy. Ignoring nasal congestion is not recommended - breathing problems in the mother can make it difficult for oxygen to reach the child. nine0008

All these edemas can be both physiological and pathological.

Physiological edema of pregnant women

Physiological usually do not cause complications. They are explained by natural changes in the body of the expectant mother: the uterus puts pressure on neighboring organs, slowing down blood circulation, and sodium accumulates in the blood - it slows down the excretion of fluid from the body. At the same time, during pregnancy, the total amount of fluid circulating throughout the body almost doubles (part of it is contained in the amniotic fluid and placenta). nine0003

At the same time, a woman's hormonal background changes, which may be the cause of the legendary “salty” craving, which, in turn, provokes thirst and excessive fluid intake.

Summer heat or stuffiness in transport and premises, physical overload also affects health and appearance.

Physiological edema is considered natural at any stage of pregnancy - and does not pose a threat to the woman's health.

But at the first sign of swelling, you should definitely contact your obstetrician-gynecologist. The doctor will prescribe the necessary examinations and tests to exclude pathological edema, indicating health problems and complications of pregnancy. nine0003

Pathological edema during pregnancy

Pathological edema in the early stages may signal hypothyroidism - a condition in which there is a lack of thyroid hormones in the body. Doctors try to identify the disease before the appearance of swelling - pregnant women with a deficiency or excess body weight, with severe toxicosis, a blood test for thyroid hormones is prescribed. If the results are not normal, treatment is prescribed.

Also, starting from the first trimester, edema may appear due to problems with the kidneys. It is very important to take a urine test every two weeks, as recommended in the antenatal clinic. Erythrocytes, high leukocytes, a protein that should not be in the urine - a reason for referral to a urologist and ultrasound of the kidneys. It is important to exclude an infection in the kidneys, and if it is diagnosed, it should be treated qualitatively. Otherwise, premature obstructed labor or the birth of a child with a low weight are possible. nine0003

Starting from the 20th week, swelling may indicate varicose veins. Circulatory disturbance due to uterine pressure leads to the formation of "knots" and pain in the legs. If you suspect varicose veins, you will be referred to a phlebologist who will give the necessary recommendations.

Edema also accompanies heart failure, which is considered a serious complication of pregnancy. In this case, the appearance of edema is preceded by shortness of breath and cyanosis of the mucous membranes.

However, most often, pathological swelling indicates late toxicosis - gestosis. This is a problem in the third trimester of pregnancy, but the first signs can begin to appear between the 18th and 20th weeks. Preeclampsia almost always requires the help of a doctor and the presence of a pregnant woman in a hospital. nine0003

What is gestosis and why is it dangerous?

However, gestosis, in addition to edema, has other symptoms: high blood pressure, protein in the sea (it is normally absent), nausea, vomiting, headaches, convulsions, fever, drowsiness, or, conversely, severe arousal.

There are four degrees of preeclampsia. The first degree is known as dropsy of pregnant women, it is mainly expressed in edema. The second degree is edema, protein in the urine, a violation of pressure. The third degree of preeclampsia is called preeclampsia. It is characterized by a decrease in cerebral circulation and even hemorrhage. In the most severe, fourth stage of the disease, convulsions (eclampsia) are observed. A pregnant woman may have a stroke or placental abruption. nine0003

Thus, even if everyone around them says that edema is completely natural, and they do not cause discomfort to the pregnant woman herself, it is very important to inform the doctor about the first appearance of swelling - precisely in order to make sure that the edema is physiological, and not pathological, and no complications for the development of the fetus and the process of childbirth will not entail.

When should a pregnant woman see a doctor immediately?

The following problems can be considered the reason for an urgent visit to a doctor:

swelling visible already in the morning, immediately after getting up;
edema accompanied by high blood pressure;
edema becomes very severe: it is impossible to clench the hand into a fist, shoes are painful and uncomfortable to wear, it is difficult to open the eyes due to swelling;
regular shortness of breath, palpitations;
headaches do not go away for several days;
regularly experience nausea and vomiting after the 12th week;
Urges for small needs are rare and are accompanied by the release of urine of a dark color; nine0008
there are pains in the upper part of the abdomen;
painful convulsions appear;

What helps with swelling during pregnancy?

If, according to the results of examination and analysis, it is established that the edema is physiological, it is possible to get rid of them (or at least reduce them) using the following methods.

Avoid fried, smoked, spicy, pickled and sweet foods. Steam or bake, eat fruits and vegetables regularly. nine0008
The use of salt should be limited - it contains sodium, it is he who retains fluid in the body.
Many advise to limit the use of water, even in the form of broth. In fact, it threatens with dehydration. It is better to drink plain water in small sips - and consume most of the daily allowance of one and a half to two liters in the morning. Soda should be excluded.
It is contraindicated to stay in heat or stuffy rooms for a long time.
On the recommendation of a doctor, you can wear special compression underwear, while giving up tight tights, uncomfortable shoes and heels. nine0008
Sleep at least 8-10 hours. It is also recommended to lie down every day for 15-20 minutes with legs raised up, do foot massage and foot baths with sea salt.

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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. nine0003

What are the 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.

Photo: pixabay.com

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 are 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. nine0003

Edema of the hands

Quite often, swelling of the hands 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.

Edema of mucous membranes and skin

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. nine0003 Photo: pixabay.com

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. nine0003

- 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 more difficult 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. nine0003

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. nine0003 Photo: @shvets-production, pexels.com

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, limit salty 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. nine0003

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.