Swollen when pregnant

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

Swelling during pregnancy | Pregnancy Birth and Baby

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Most women get swollen ankles and feet while pregnant. It’s natural to have concerns about swelling since it can be uncomfortable, make your shoes tighter and possibly make you feel embarrassed. Knowing what to look for and how best to manage it can help you stay as comfortable as possible.

Why do women experience swelling during pregnancy?

There are 3 main reasons women experience swelling while pregnant.

Throughout pregnancy, you produce more blood than usual to help your baby grow.
As the baby grows, your uterus presses on and slightly blocks the veins that return blood from your legs to your heart.
Your hormones make the walls of your veins softer, which makes it harder for them to work properly.

For these reasons, your blood tends to pool in your legs. There, a small amount of blood leaks through tiny blood vessels into the tissues and produces the swelling you can see and feel.

Where and when will I get swelling?

The swelling should be only in your feet and ankles. Your fingers might get a little larger — enough to make any rings feel tight — but they shouldn't be obviously swollen.

Your feet and ankles are likely to swell later in the day. This is mainly due to gravity — any extra fluid in your body will sink to your feet and ankles, especially if you spend a lot of time on your feet.

Swelling is also more likely to happen later in your pregnancy.

Gradual swelling isn't harmful to you or your baby, but it can feel uncomfortable.

How can I reduce swelling?

Some simple things can help you feel more comfortable and can also aid in preventing swelling.

Try to:

avoid standing for long periods without moving
wear comfortable shoes (avoid tight straps or anything that might pinch if your feet swell)
put your feet up as much as you can
limit salty foods and excessive salt in your diet
sleep on your left side, which will help blood return to the heart
exercise regularly by walking or swimming — this helps keep your circulation going

If you need to stand for long periods, try to move around and change position regularly.

Compression stockings can help the blood flow back to the heart and limit how much swelling you get. Massage and reflexology might also help reduce swelling and associated symptoms.

Even if your swelling is bothering you, remember to still drink plenty of water. Keeping your fluids up is important to avoid dehydration and stay healthy.

Normal or abnormal swelling?

Most pregnant women have swollen feet and ankles at some point, and this is perfectly normal. However, there are times when swelling could indicate something more serious.

Contact your midwife, doctor or hospital immediately if:

swelling is there at the start of the day or doesn't go down when you rest
your face or hands are swollen
the swelling is more than you have had before

These are warning signs for pre-eclampsia, which is high blood pressure caused by pregnancy. This is a very serious condition both for you and your baby, so call your doctor or midwife as soon as possible. Don't wait for your next regular appointment.

If one leg is more swollen than the other, this could suggest a more serious problem with one of your veins, such as deep vein thrombosis. Again, contact your doctor or midwife as soon as possible.

Most swelling is a normal part of pregnancy and will usually go away after you've given birth. However, if you're concerned about anything, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, talk to your doctor or midwife.

You can also call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby on 1800 882 436 to talk to a maternal child health nurse.

Sources:

NSW Health (Having a baby), The Royal Women's Hospital (Active pregnancy), The Royal Women's Hospital (Common concerns in early pregnancy), Cochrane (Interventions for varicose veins and leg oedema in pregnancy), King Edward Memorial Hospital (Pregnancy, birth and your baby), Department of Health (Clinical practice guidelines: Pregnancy care), King Edward Memorial Hospital (Minor Symptoms or Disorders in Pregnancy King Edward Memorial Hospital Clinical Guidelines: Obstetrics & Midwifery), The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists - Pre-eclampsia and high blood pressure during pregnancy (The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists - Pre-eclampsia and high blood pressure during pregnancy)

Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.

Last reviewed: February 2020

Common discomforts during pregnancy
Varicose veins
Leg cramps during pregnancy

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The information is not a substitute for independent professional advice and should not be used as an alternative to professional health care. If you have a particular medical problem, please consult a healthcare professional.

Except as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, this publication or any part of it may not be reproduced, altered, adapted, stored and/or distributed in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Healthdirect Australia.

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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.

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 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.

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 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;
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.
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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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.

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.

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.

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.

- 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.

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.

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.

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.

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