In plain words
Pitting edema is swelling that leaves a dent when you press on it. Press a finger into the swollen skin, and the dent stays for a few seconds before it fills back in. It is common in the legs and feet during pregnancy and in the first weeks after birth. Standing, heat, and salt can make it worse. Sudden swelling of the face or hands, or swelling with headache, vision changes, or belly pain, needs prompt care. Go in now or call 911 if you also have chest pain or trouble breathing. Call your provider the same day for swelling in one leg that is painful, red, or warm.
The deeper version
Pitting edema is interstitial fluid accumulation that displaces tissue and leaves a depression after firm pressure, graded by depth and duration. In pregnancy it is common because of and venous pressure from the gravid uterus, and it is distinguished from and from by pattern, speed of onset, and associated signs. ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 222 (2020) notes that edema alone is not sufficient for a diagnosis of preeclampsia, and the 2013 ACOG Task Force on Hypertension in Pregnancy report made the same point. Unilateral swelling, calf tenderness, or erythema raise concern for thrombosis and require same-day evaluation.
Where it comes up
- Swelling: feet, ankles, hands, facePregnancy: Your Body
- Swelling after birthPostpartum: Your Body
- Drinking enough waterPregnancy: Eating
- Varicose veins and leg crampsPregnancy: Your Body
- High blood pressure and preeclampsiaPregnancy: Your Body
What mothers here say about pitting edema
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Sources
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists — Practice Bulletin No. 222: Gestational Hypertension and Preeclampsia (2020)
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists — Hypertension in Pregnancy: Report of the Task Force on Hypertension in Pregnancy (2013)