Swollen feet at 37 weeks
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
Swollen feet during pregnancy: Causes and treatment
Many women experience swollen feet during pregnancy. Swelling is common at this time because the body retains extra fluid to protect and support the growing fetus.
Swelling in the feet usually happens later in pregnancy, when the weight of the uterus and fetus puts extra pressure on the legs and feet. This pressure can reduce circulation and increase fluid buildup, which causes swelling.
Here, we look at the steps that women can take at home to reduce swelling.
We also discuss the signs that may indicate more serious conditions and explain when to see a doctor.
Swelling in certain parts of the body is a normal part of pregnancy. It often occurs because the body generates extra fluid to help support the growth of the fetus. Also, circulation slows down, which can add to the buildup of fluid.
The feet and ankles can swell because the uterus expands with the growing fetus, putting more pressure on the veins in the lower body.
Swelling in the feet is most common in the later stages of pregnancy, or the third trimester. The reason for this is that the fetus is larger and puts more pressure on the legs and feet.
In women who experience swollen feet during pregnancy, the swelling typically:
- appears gradually
- is worse in hot weather
- appears worse by the end of the day
- lessens when they lie down or raise the feet
- is equal in both feet
Women may be able to reduce swelling in the feet during pregnancy by taking the following steps at home:
- avoiding standing for long periods, as this can increase pressure in the legs and feet and cause more swelling
- elevating the feet slightly to increase blood flow toward the heart
- raising the legs on pillows while sleeping
- wearing supportive tights or compression stockings to help improve circulation in the legs
- keeping active throughout the day, with short walks or gentle exercise
- limiting salt intake
- staying hydrated and drinking 8–10 glasses of fluid each day to help prevent the body from holding onto excess water
- avoiding caffeine, as it is a diuretic, which means that it promotes the increased production of urine
- wearing loose, comfortable clothing
- wearing loose socks and comfortable shoes
- avoiding sitting for long periods
- staying cool and spending limited time outdoors in hot weather
- sleeping on the left side of the body, which can help increase blood flow to the heart
- trying massage or reflexology to improve circulation
Exercises
Doing foot exercises when resting can help improve circulation.
Pregnant women can try raising one foot off the floor and flexing it up and down 30 times before repeating the movement with the opposite foot.
Next, they can raise one foot off the floor and rotate it clockwise eight times and then anticlockwise eight times. Again, they should then repeat this with the opposite foot.
Although they may be uncomfortable, swollen feet are a common effect of pregnancy. Medical treatment is unlikely to be necessary, and many women can relieve the swelling with home remedies.
However, a woman will require medical treatment if an underlying condition is causing the swollen feet.
Swelling can sometimes signal a health issue in pregnancy. Women should contact their midwife, doctor, or healthcare team immediately if they notice any sudden or rapid increase in swelling.
Preeclampsia
A sudden increase in swelling in the feet can be a sign of preeclampsia. Women may also notice a puffy or swollen face, swelling around the eyes, or sudden swelling in the hands.
If the swelling in the feet is extreme, pressing down into the skin may leave an indentation for a few seconds. There might also be some decolorization in the legs.
Preeclampsia is a health condition that can happen during pregnancy or postpartum. Preeclampsia causes very high blood pressure and organ problems in pregnant women.
It most commonly occurs after 20 weeks of gestation or up to 6 weeks after giving birth. Preeclampsia can progress quickly, and without treatment, it can be very dangerous for the woman and the fetus.
A doctor may prescribe antihypertensive drugs to lower blood pressure. If the pregnancy has reached 37 weeks or more, healthcare professionals may recommend delivering the baby early.
Deep vein thrombosis
Uneven swelling in the feet or legs may indicate a blood clot, known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Pregnant women and women who have given birth within the last 3 months have a higher risk of DVT than women who are not pregnant.
The reason is that blood clots more easily during pregnancy to prevent excess blood loss during labor and birth.
The growing fetus also puts pressure on the legs, which can reduce circulation. Being less mobile than usual during both pregnancy and the recovery period after delivery can also reduce blood flow in the legs.
A doctor may prescribe a drug called low-molecular-weight heparin to prevent or treat blood clots and DVT. They will inject the drug under the skin.
If women have any concerns about swollen feet during pregnancy or are not able to relieve uncomfortable symptoms, they can talk to their healthcare provider to discuss treatment options.
They should contact their doctor or midwife immediately if they notice any of the following symptoms:
- a sudden increase in swelling in the feet
- sudden swelling in the hands or face or around the eyes
- a severe headache or a constant dull headache
- blurred vision or seeing “stars” or flashing lights
- severe pain below the ribs or in the abdomen, especially on the right side
- nausea, vomiting, or feeling unwell
- swelling is present at the beginning of the day and does not improve when lying down or raising the feet
The above symptoms can all be signs of preeclampsia, and pregnant women will require medical attention straight away to prevent the condition from progressing.
Women should also contact their doctor straight away if they notice that:
- one foot or leg is more swollen than the other
- there is pain or heat in the calf or elsewhere in the leg
- the skin on the leg is red or discolored
Uneven swelling or pain in the leg could indicate DVT. Without treatment, DVT can lead to the blood clot traveling to the lungs and causing a pulmonary embolism. It is important to seek immediate medical attention for:
- difficulty breathing
- chest pain, which worsens when coughing or breathing deeply
- coughing up blood
- increased or irregular heartbeat
Swelling in the feet is usually a normal feature of the later stages of pregnancy and not a cause for concern. The body stores excess water during pregnancy. Also, pressure from the fetus can reduce circulation in the legs, which causes swelling in the feet.
Home remedies for swollen feet during pregnancy include elevating the feet when sitting down and wearing loose, comfortable shoes.
Drinking plenty of water, engaging in regular gentle exercise, and avoiding standing for long periods may all help, as well.
If pregnant women notice a sudden increase in swelling in the feet, hands, or face, or around the eyes, they should contact a doctor straight away.
Sudden swelling can be a sign of preeclampsia, a condition that will require medical treatment. Pregnant women should also contact their doctor straight away if they have uneven swelling, pain, redness, or warmth in one leg, as these symptoms could indicate DVT.
How to remove edema during pregnancy and why they are dangerous
Edema during pregnancy appears in most women "in position". Most often, they notice swelling in the third trimester, after 30 weeks, however, with late toxicosis, symptoms of fluid retention appear as early as the 18th week.
General information
During the period of bearing a child in a woman's body, the volume of fluid increases significantly, at least twice.
As a result, the internal organs experience increased stress, which leads to swelling.
Most often in pregnant women, the legs swell in the area of \u200b\u200bthe feet and ankles, because under the influence of gravity, the water descends. But over time, swelling can spread to the hands, face, and sometimes the whole body.
Species
Given the prevalence, swelling during pregnancy is of 2 types:
1. Localized (local)
When only one part of the body swells - legs, arms or face.
2. Generalized (generalized)
In which edema spreads to the whole body.
Generalized edema is called dropsy of pregnancy and is a consequence of the release of plasma into the intercellular space. Puffiness is generally characteristic of late toxicosis, or gestosis, but it manifests itself with varying degrees of severity.
In some cases, gestosis is quite difficult and is accompanied by such conditions as:
- nephropathy
It develops against the background of dropsy in about a quarter of women.
With nephropathy, blood pressure rises, dizziness, lower back pain, and digestive problems;
- pre-eclampsia
The next stage after nephropathy with the preservation of edema and the appearance of severe headache, weakness, nausea, turning into vomiting. Typical signs of preeclampsia are drowsiness, blurred vision, lethargy and trembling in the hands;
- eclampsia
Replaces preeclampsia and lasts no more than 3-4 days. The clinical picture includes severe edema and other symptoms of preeclampsia, against which a convulsive attack appears, turning into a coma. The coma can either get worse or end with the restoration of consciousness.
General edema in pregnant women causes a change in the composition of the blood, which, in turn, leads to fetal hypoxia. Edema can be both obvious and hidden: the first is visible to the naked eye, and the second is determined by too sharp weight gain.
Attention! If during pregnancy weight gain was more than 18 kg, then doctors ascertain internal edema.
The volume of fluid consumed significantly exceeds the amount of urine excreted.
Causes of edema in pregnancy
Edema during gestation can be physiological and pathological. Fluid retention in both cases is due to hormonal fluctuations. Already from the first weeks of pregnancy, the level of progesterone begins to rise, which is necessary to reduce the contractile activity of the uterus and prevent miscarriage.
In the first trimester, the concentration of progesterone already increases 10 times! And the same hormone prevents the excretion of sodium and water from the body, as the need for fluid also increases.
Why pregnant women need more fluids:
- The volume of circulating blood should be sufficient for the blood supply to the fetus.
- The formation of the placenta and amniotic fluid is impossible with the same amount of fluid.
The growing uterus puts pressure on the vessels, thereby provoking stagnation of blood in the pelvic organs and lower extremities.
Therefore, even a healthy woman may experience swelling of the legs.
The amount of fluid during pregnancy increases by 6-8 liters. From 4 to 6 of them fall on the placenta, the remaining 2-4 liters are distributed throughout the body.
The mechanism of development of physiological and pathological edema is associated with three factors, including:
- hormonal changes;
- sodium retention;
- poor outflow of blood from the pelvic organs and legs.
Symptoms
Edema is not always visible visually and is sometimes determined only by weighing. For some women, even 5 liters of excess fluid can be completely invisible, while for others, temporary water retention causes visible swelling in different parts of the body.
Typical symptoms of edema:
- traces on the skin from socks and seams of clothing that do not “straighten out” for a long time;
- heaviness in the legs, especially in the evening;
- if you press on the shin or foot, a notch remains;
- habitual shoes become tight;
- unable to clench the hand into a fist;
- it is difficult to put on or take off the ring from the finger;
- tingling and slight numbness in the fingers due to compression of the nerves by swollen tissues;
- puffiness of the face;
- increase in chin, lips, nose in volume.
Book an online consultation if you experience swelling during pregnancy. Our doctors remotely, by phone or video call, will help interpret the symptoms and talk about methods of dealing with edema. Experts on call around the clock, contact for advice at any time.
Which doctor to contact
First you need to go to the gynecologist who leads the pregnancy. He will prescribe an examination and tell you which doctor to book a consultation with. With high pressure and the presence of protein in the urine, preeclampsia can be assumed, which often requires hospitalization. Gynecologists deal with this problem.
If there is a predisposition to varicose veins, heaviness or pain is felt in the legs, then you need to visit a phlebologist.
Alarm symptoms:
- swelling appears in the morning;
- excess weight gain was recorded in the early stages, already in the 1st trimester;
- constant thirst and decrease in urination when using the usual volume of liquid;
- shortness of breath, a feeling of fullness and heaviness in the chest;
- persistent bags under the eyes;
- swelling rises above the knees.
Diagnostics
Sometimes it is not easy to distinguish physiological from pathological edema, so a woman is prescribed an examination. It may include different diagnostic methods:
| Study | What the result shows |
| Analysis of urine | In kidney disease, protein is found in the urine |
| Assessment of daily diuresis | Normally, the amount of fluid drunk per day is less than urine excreted by no more than 25%, if this parameter deviates, we can talk about latent edema |
| Biochemistry of blood | By the concentration of electrolytes, protein, urea, creatinine, you can evaluate the work of the kidneys and other organs in early and late pregnancy |
| Weighing | Weekly weight gain is normally up to 300 g |
| Blood pressure measurements | A large difference in the results of measurements on different hands indicates the development of preeclampsia |
| Fundus examination | According to the condition of the veins of the fundus, one can judge the functioning of the cerebral vessels and the entire vascular system. |
| Blister test | 0.2 ml of saline is injected into the forearm area. Normally, the formed blister resolves in 40-60 minutes. Otherwise, there are hidden edema |
| Ankle diameter measurement | Measurements are taken every week, with increased hydrophilicity of tissues, the circumference of the lower leg increases by more than 1 cm |
| Physical examination | The doctor pays attention to the condition and tone of the skin:
|
If the veins are dilated, then the blood stagnates, which leads to circulatory disorders According to indications, a woman may be prescribed an ultrasound of the pelvic organs, thyroid gland, kidneys, vessels of the lower extremities.
In case of cardiac pathologies, a cardiogram is made, daily Holter monitoring, and phonocardiography are carried out.
How to get rid of edema
You can fight on your own only with physiological edema, and a woman can remove them completely or at least reduce them. But pathological edema requires mandatory medical care, as they are dangerous for the development of complications.
Diet
The restrictions apply mainly to salt and "harmful" products, in which there is a lot of it - smoked meats, marinades, semi-finished products and canned food. The recommended dose of table salt per day is 1.5 g. If you reduce the amount of sodium entering the body, excess fluid will be more quickly excreted by the kidneys.
It is recommended to lean on products that have a mild diuretic effect. These include most fruits and vegetables - carrots, beets, cucumbers.
Drinking mode
It is very important to drink at least a liter of water per day, and preferably one and a half, in the absence of contraindications.
It will not be possible to avoid edema with a decrease in this volume, because water is needed to replenish the amount of amniotic fluid, remove metabolic products and prepare the body for the upcoming birth.
Case study:
A pregnant woman went to the doctor with complaints of periodic swelling and hot flashes. She has a history of nephrolithiasis, the results of the latest tests are normal. Canephron was prescribed, a low-salt diet, half-bed rest was recommended. When edema appears, lie with your legs elevated, placing a pillow under them, or on your left side.
Physical activity
Dosed physical activity allows you to remove swelling by at least half. Simple exercise and walking help improve blood circulation, as contracting muscles push blood out of the veins, preventing them from overflowing and thereby making the heart work easier.
To remove swelling from the legs, it is enough to perform exercises every 2 hours for 5-10 minutes.
Pregnant women especially benefit from swimming, yoga, and exercise balls.
Sign up for an online consultation to learn more about how to get rid of swelling during pregnancy. Our doctors will remotely tell you about the most effective methods in relation to your case and tell you what to do. Specialists work for you 24 hours a day.
Treatment
To relieve swelling and prevent their occurrence in the future, various drugs are used.
With gestosis, antispasmodics, anticonvulsants, sedatives, as well as drugs to reduce pressure are prescribed. Women with diagnosed kidney pathology are prescribed diuretics, xanthines, potassium preparations, and antithrombotic agents.
With varicose veins, phlebotonics, anticoagulants, and compression therapy are effective. High blood pressure is reduced with the help of vasodilators, calcium channel blockers, alpha-2-agonists.
FAQ
What are the dangers of swelling during pregnancy?
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In the later stages, edema can be a sign of preeclampsia, a very dangerous pathology for both the mother and the child.
Can hands swell in the second trimester of pregnancy in the heat? This is fine?
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Yes, both hands and feet can swell in the second trimester. High temperatures are one of the reasons for the formation of edema.
How does swelling appear in the third trimester?
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In the later stages, mainly the legs swell, and especially the feet. They swell most noticeably in the afternoon and in the evening.
Expert opinion
Edema during pregnancy is an almost inevitable companion of a woman "in an interesting position." If there are no pathologies, then there is no reason for concern, you just need to slightly adjust your lifestyle. But this does not cancel planned visits to the gynecologist and regular tests. Remember that you can not drink medicines without a doctor's prescription, so as not to harm yourself and the child.
We publish only verified information
Article author
Menshikova Maria Viktorovna obstetrician-gynecologist
Experience 38 years
Consultations 1816
Articles 95
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)
Harbingers of childbirth | Avanta-Med Medical Center
If a woman suffers during a normal, uncomplicated delivery, then this may indicate some kind of pathology. Pain is a protective reaction of the body, which is necessary in order to recognize any disease in time and save your life and health.
During childbirth, a sharp pain syndrome is a sign of certain complications that require qualified medical assistance. With a favorable course of childbirth, when nothing threatens either the mother or the child, the appearance of pain is not justified by anything. But when the end of pregnancy is near, you are looking forward to its resolution and it seems that the birth is already very close, there may be sensations that can be caused by the growth of the fetus and uterus. They can occur at any time and in themselves are not signs of an imminent onset of labor, but you should remember about them and know how to respond.
Heartburn
Heartburn appears due to the fact that the size of the uterus is enlarged and as a result it presses on the gallbladder. In addition, due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, bile production increases. All this can lead to the fact that bile is thrown from the duodenum into the stomach and, accordingly, is manifested by heartburn.
Shortness of breath
Shortness of breath can occur due to the fact that the enlarged and growing uterus raises the diaphragm, as a result of which it becomes difficult for a pregnant woman to breathe even after a small load.
Puffiness
Puffiness is manifested by the fact that excess fluid accumulates in the tissues of the lower extremities. The result is swelling of the feet and legs. These problems require medical advice, a doctor's examination, a balanced diet, and in many cases, medications.
Varicose veins of the lower extremities
Varicose veins of the lower extremities often appear in the third trimester of pregnancy. As a rule, rapid fatigue of the legs, a feeling of heaviness, leg cramps, and swelling of the feet are noted. Vascular stars. When the hormonal background changes, the structure of the venous walls changes, their framework softens and the veins easily undergo changes.
The growing uterus compresses the veins and prevents the outflow of blood from the legs. Considering that during this period the volume of blood flow increases, the load on the veins increases accordingly, as a result of which they are overstretched.
Pain in the legs
Pain in the legs is usually associated with varicose veins, as well as provoked by a lack of calcium in the body. As a rule, they are spastic in nature and appear mainly at night.
Soreness with fetal movement
Soreness during fetal movement is due to the fact that at the end of pregnancy, the number of fetal movements decreases significantly, as it sharply gains weight and cannot move freely. But in connection with this, the force with which the baby acts on the uterus and neighboring organs increases. Therefore, even small movements of the fetus can be very painful.
Locks
Constipation occurs due to the fact that hormones that bring the uterus into a relaxed state to improve the growth and development of the baby also affect the intestines, which in turn reduces activity.
