What it is
Edema, swollen feet, feeling puffy by evening: swelling is part of late pregnancy for most mothers. Your blood volume is up by about half. The uterus presses on the veins that bring blood back from your legs, and fluid pools in the lowest places. About 8 in 10 pregnant women swell in the third trimester.
What's typical
Swelling usually starts around week 22 to 27 and grows toward the end. It is worst at the end of the day and in hot weather. Feet and ankles go first, then hands, so rings get tight. It goes down overnight. Swelling that does not go down, comes on fast, or is in your face is not typical.
What's known
ACOG describes gradual swelling of the feet and hands as expected. Sudden swelling of the face and hands, with headache, vision changes, or pain under the ribs, is a sign of preeclampsia. Swelling in one leg, with pain or warmth, can be a blood clot.
What helps
- Put your feet up above your heart for 20 minutes when you can.
- Sleep on your left side. It takes pressure off the big vein on the right.
- Drink water. Cutting fluids makes swelling worse, not better.
- Compression socks, put on first thing in the morning before swelling starts.
When to call someone
- Nowswelling with a severe headache, vision changes, trouble breathing, or chest pain.
- Todaysudden swelling of the face or hands, swelling that stays overnight, or one leg that is swollen, painful, red, or warm.
- At your next visitswelling that makes shoes or work hard. Ask them to check your blood pressure and urine.
Who helps
Tools: Due Date Calculator
Related
- High blood pressure and preeclampsiaPregnancy: Your Body
- Numb or tingling hands (carpal tunnel)Pregnancy: Your Body
- Varicose veins and leg crampsPregnancy: Your Body
- Swelling after birthPostpartum: Your Body
- Blood clots: the signs to knowPostpartum: Your Body
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Sources
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists — Patient FAQ on preeclampsia and high blood pressure during pregnancy
- NHS — Swollen ankles, feet and fingers in pregnancy
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