Painful swollen hands pregnancy
Swollen ankles, feet and fingers in pregnancy
Swelling in your ankles, legs, feet and fingers is common during pregnancy.
Causes of swelling
As your womb grows, it can put pressure on the circulation to the lower part of your body. This means that blood doesn't flow as well as usual, which can cause fluid to build up in your lower limbs.
During pregnancy your body also holds more fluid than usual. This extra fluid can collect in your legs and ankles, which can cause swelling.
It can also sometimes collect in your hands and fingers. This can cause them to swell. It may mean that you can no longer comfortably wear jewellery like rings.
When to get medical help
Swelling that happens gradually can be uncomfortable, but it's not harmful to you or your baby.
Swelling that happens suddenly or with other symptoms could be a sign of pre-eclampsia. This can cause problems for pregnant women and babies if it's not diagnosed and treated.
Always see your GP if you suddenly become swollen or have other symptoms.
High blood pressure in pregnancy and pre-eclampsia
Urgent advice: Contact your GP immediately if you have:
- sudden swelling of your face, hands or feet
- blurred vision or flashing lights before your eyes
- a severe headache
- severe pain just below your ribs
- vomiting after 24 weeks of pregnancy
Swelling in pregnancy usually affects both of your legs, ankles or feet.
Urgent advice: Always see your GP if you have:
- one leg that is swollen
- one calf that is red, hot or tender
These could be signs of a deep vein thrombosis, or DVT (blood clot).
How to reduce swelling
If you have gradual swelling and no other symptoms, there are things you can do that might help.
These include drinking plenty of water and being as active as possible. Exercise during pregnancy helps your circulation.
Swelling in your hands and fingers
There are various things you can do to reduce gradual swelling in your hands and fingers.
Use cold compresses on your hands and fingers if they are swollen. For example, wet a flannel or face cloth with cold water and hold it around the swollen part.
Try not to wear anything that is too tight on your arms or wrists. For example, tight watches or bracelets.
If you notice that your rings are becoming tight, it's probably a good idea to take them off.
Tell your GP, midwife or obstetrician if you have any pain or tingling in your wrists or fingers.
This could be a sign of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Swelling in your legs, ankles and feet
To treat gradual swelling in your legs, ankles and feet, you should:
- avoid standing for long periods of time
- put your feet up when you can
- not cross your legs
- wear comfortable shoes
- drink plenty of water
- stay as active as possible
Foot exercises can help reduce ankle and foot swelling, and reduce leg cramps.
- Bend and stretch your foot up and down 30 times.
- Rotate your foot 8 times in one direction and 8 times in the other direction.
Page last reviewed: 17 May 2019
Next review due: 17 May 2022
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
what to do if legs and arms swell during pregnancy
Edema during pregnancy, few people manage to avoid. According to various sources, only a fifth of future mothers are lucky. For the rest, this unpleasant phenomenon causes a lot of moral and physical suffering. What to do? Let's try to explain.
What is edema?
Edema is an excess of fluid in the tissues. The place where it accumulates looks swollen, puffy. In the early stages, the problem is almost imperceptible or it does not exist at all, which cannot be said about edema during pregnancy in the second and third trimesters.
Pay attention! Hot flashes during early or late pregnancy and swelling are two different things! In the first case, we are talking about a sudden fever (less often chills), and not about the accumulation of fluid.
Why pregnant women have swollen legs
In fact, understanding the cause of edema is very important, because they are both natural and pathological. The latter are quite rare, but are the causes of severe violations.
Natural or physiological edema during pregnancy begins due to a changing hormonal background, when sodium salts linger in the tissues and do not go away. In another version, the growing uterus, while the woman is lying, occludes the inferior vena cava and does not allow blood to leave the femoral veins.
Pathological swelling during pregnancy may indicate the presence of:
| Disease | Description |
| Deep vein thrombosis | Blockage of the vessel, which leads to death. |
| Preeclampsia | It occurs in approximately 2% of pathological edema. It is characterized by increased blood pressure and high levels of protein in the urine. The disease has varying degrees of severity. The most terrible consequences are a stroke, the death of a mother or child, fetal pathology. Risk factors: chronic hypertension, adolescence or women over 35 years of age, hereditary predisposition, first or multiple pregnancies, diabetes mellitus, etc. |
| Phlegmon | Acute infection, usually caused by streptococci; characterized by skin lesions and inflammation of the subcutaneous tissue. |
Risk factors: trauma, venous insufficiency, smoking, physical inactivity, oncology. Types and features of edema
Edema begins in the lower extremities and gradually moves up to the face. We’ll talk about the dangers of edema during pregnancy a little later, but for now it’s worth understanding if there is any difference between them at different times.
Note that we will talk about pathological situations when the accumulation of fluid exceeds the norm by 30%.
Early
Edema is not as common in early pregnancy. The weight of the child and the volume of the uterus are not yet so large as to interfere with the full functioning of the body. However, if they occur, then you should pay the attention of your doctor to this, since such deviations may indicate serious illnesses. In particular:
- hypothyroidism - insufficient production of thyroid hormones.
- kidney problems - that is why it is very important to give urine for analysis every two weeks.
Second trimester
In the middle of pregnancy, this pathology can signal the onset of varicose veins, in which case the doctor will send the woman for a consultation with a phlebologist.
Another pathology that causes the disease is heart failure. The disorder is also accompanied by shortness of breath and cyanosis of the mucous membranes.
Such problems will have to be treated together with a cardiologist.
But a much bigger problem when carrying a baby is preeclampsia. Its onset can be seen already at 18-20 weeks, although the disease is gaining full strength in the third trimester. It will only have to be treated in a hospital.
Late term
Here it is worth dwelling in more detail on gestosis. So called late toxicosis. Together with edema, a woman is tormented by high blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, convulsions, drowsiness, weakness, fever, or excessive emotional arousal, which affects the physical condition.
The condition has four levels of severity:
| Severity | Description |
| 1 degree | edema directly |
| 2 degree | protein in the urine and problems with pressure are added to them |
| 3 degree | preeclampsia |
| 4 degree | eclampsia, in which strokes and placental abruption are possible |
Case study:
A woman was observed in our hospital with complaints of severe swelling of the legs during pregnancy.
The lower limbs were indeed swollen, which was noticeable to the naked eye. During the survey, it turned out that the woman's blood pressure began to rise regularly. Since she was already in her 3rd trimester, the patient was recommended to immediately go to the hospital for preservation and additional examination. As a result, the patient was diagnosed with preeclampsia.
How to get rid of swelling during pregnancy
Physiological edema can be prevented or at least reduced. For this you need:
- reconsider your diet - there should not be fried, smoked, salty or spicy.
- treat water more carefully - drink only clean, non-carbonated and, preferably, most of it before lunch.
- less to be in the heat and in stuffy rooms - you will certainly want to drink.
- wear comfortable shoes.
- lie down daily for about half an hour so that the legs are located above the head.
- walk more - light physical activity is beneficial for everyone, but in this case there is a need for the approval of a doctor.
Your doctor may give you other recommendations. Here it is important to take into account all the factors of pregnancy and choose the most effective therapy within the given framework. Our doctors can advise you remotely and draw up the right treatment regimen.
FAQ
Swollen legs during pregnancy - how to fix?
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You need to discuss this with the doctor who manages the pregnancy. Edema can be both physiological - then you will simply be given a number of recommendations for their elimination, and pathological - when it comes to certain disorders in the body.
What is "internal edema" during pregnancy?
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Internal or hidden edema during pregnancy is invisible externally. Here we are talking about swelling of the internal organs. A violation is calculated by exceeding the norm of weight gain in the last terms.
How to eliminate swelling at 37-39 weeks of pregnancy?
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Follow the recommendations of the doctor and, if necessary, undergo a course of treatment. In any case, your doctor will answer all questions in more detail. Do not self-medicate.
We publish only verified information
Article author
Menshikova Maria Viktorovna obstetrician-gynecologist
Experience 38 years
Consultations 1816
Articles 46
Specialist with extensive practical experience.
He has a certificate of a mammologist, a certificate of professional certification. Participates in foreign business trips and individual training programs (Los Angeles).
- 1982 - 1986 NPO MONIIAG - obstetrician-gynecologist
- 1987 - 1989 VNITs OZMIR - obstetrician-gynecologist
- 1989 - 1992 departmental polyclinic st. Moscow - Kurskaya - obstetrician-gynecologist
- 1992 - 2001 NPO MONIIAG - obstetrician-gynecologist
- 2007 - 2008 NP KMIKM - doctor administrator
- 2009 - 2013 Pereslavl Central District Hospital, women's consultation - obstetrician-gynecologist
- 2020 to present Teledoctor24 LLC - doctor - consultant (gynecologist)
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 pregnancy for 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.
- Edema - excessive accumulation of fluid in the interstitial space - occurs quite often in pregnant women. Swelling can occur at any time and on 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.
- 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.
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).
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.
Pathological edema during pregnancy
Pathological edema in the early stages can 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.
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.
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.
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 is already visible 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;
- there are pains in the upper 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.
- 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.
- 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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