Swollen feet and kankles :(

[Armywag]

21+1 and my feet and ankles have swollen up quite badly today. At the moment I'm putting it down to the heat we are experiencing at the moment but it's really quite uncomfortable. I've got some cool spray but it's only temporary relieve. Had them soaked in cold water tonight too but nice at the time but now they feel fit to burst!

I'll keep my eye on them over the next few days and try to elevate as much as I can but any suggestions to relieve them ladies?

[CarolineDarz]

Hey,

Elevation is the only thing that really works to relieve it- feet have to be above your heart. I lie on sofa with feet propped up at the end. To prevent ; keep well hydrated, try not stand or sit for too long, wriggle your feet and ankles lots and elevate them. when possible

[lou42]

Oh no! Poor you. Do you think it's the hot weather?

That's worrying as I'm less than a week behind you!

I found this. I'm guessing option 3 here will be the last one you try...

mayoclinic.com/health/swell...

I also saw something saying if you notice any swelling in your face you need to get in touch with the doc. Mind you, my face is definitely fatter than it was but I suspect that's all the biscuits and ice cream I'm troughing xx

[Megzey]

Hiya, it is most probably the weather. Keep your feet elevated if you can to drain the fluid. If it continues over the next few days and you get headaches and blurry vision then it may be a start of pre-eclempsia so contact your midwife immediately.

[Armywag]

Defo think its just the weather (and not very sensible shoes ) they were back to normal this morning but just started swelling a bit again. Pre-eclampsia is obviously one to look out for but no other symptoms off that however will watch out for it. My poor little trotters lol x

[cheekymonkey3791 in reply to Armywag]

I answered this question about a week ago so I have simply pasted my research response here for you, see the Baby Centre bit

I have had swollen legs, feet and ankles for a good few months and am 31+ weeks now. I am on my feet all day and so it's very hard to elevate them. I have found that being able to sleep on my left side again now that my rib pain is mildly better the swelling in my feet and ankles does come down overnight but is soon enough full of fluids again as the day goes on.

Have you got a dream genie pillow or are using another pillow between your legs, this might help by freeing up circulation.

Kankles look 'bleugh' so more recently I have been on the hunt for maxi dresses so at least for the best part of the summer before birth they are not on display & I just try and get feet up when I can, they need to be higher then your heart so that fluids can return and be filtered. It's really only a temporary message but makes me feet less swollen. Flip flops are also the only foot wear suitable now.

I Copied this from the Baby Centre Site

I hope this information helps................All the best X

Why are my ankles and feet so swollen?

What you're experiencing is oedema – that's when excess fluid collects in your tissue. It's normal to have a certain amount of swelling during pregnancy because you're retaining more water. Changes in your blood chemistry also cause some fluid to shift into your tissue.

In addition, your growing uterus puts pressure on your pelvic veins and your vena cava (the large vein on the right side of the body that carries blood from your lower limbs back to the heart). The pressure slows the return of blood from your legs, causing it to pool, which forces fluid from your veins into the tissues of your feet and ankles.

For this reason, oedema is most likely to trouble you during the third trimester. It may be particularly severe for women with excessive amniotic fluid or those carrying multiples. Oedema also tends to be worse at the end of the day and during the summer.

After you deliver your baby, the swelling will disappear fairly rapidly as your body eliminates the excess fluid. You may find yourself urinating frequently and sweating a lot in the first days after childbirth..

When should I be concerned about swelling?

A certain amount of oedema is normal in the ankles and feet during pregnancy. You may also have some mild swelling in your hands.

Call your midwife or doctor if you notice swelling in your face or puffiness around your eyes, more than slight swelling of your hands, or excessive or sudden swelling of your feet or ankles. This could be a sign of preeclampsia, a serious condition.

Also call your caregiver promptly if you notice that one leg is significantly more swollen than the other, especially if you have any pain or tenderness in your calf or thigh. This could signal a blood clot, another serious condition.

What can I do to minimize the puffiness?

You can help relieve the increased pressure on your veins by lying on your side. Since the vena cava is on the right side of your body, resting on your left side works best.

Here are some other tips:

•Put your feet up whenever possible. At work, it helps to keep a stool or pile of books under your desk.

•Don't cross your legs or ankles while sitting.

•Stretch your legs frequently while sitting: Stretch your leg out, heel first, and gently flex your foot to stretch your calf muscles. Rotate your ankles and wiggle your toes.

•Take regular breaks from sitting or standing. A short walk every so often will help keep your blood from pooling in your lower extremities.

•Wear comfortable shoes that stretch to accommodate any swelling in your feet.

•Don't wear socks or stockings that have tight bands around the ankles or calves.

•Try waist-high maternity support stockings. Put them on before you get out of bed in the morning so blood doesn't have a chance to pool around your ankles.

•Drink plenty of water. Surprisingly, this helps your body retain less water.

•Exercise regularly, especially by walking, swimming, or riding an exercise bike. Or try a water aerobics class – immersion in water may temporarily help reduce swelling, particularly if the water level is up near your shoulders.

•Eat well, and avoid junk food.

Try not to let the swelling get you down. The sight of your swollen ankles will probably add to your feeling of ungainliness, but oedema is a temporary condition that will pass soon after you give birth.

[Armywag in reply to cheekymonkey3791]

I tried to do a search for similar questions but the new update on this site is a nightmare! Difficult to find things, doesn't keep you logged in, says you can't read some questions/posts as it's for members only (ahem ... i'm a member and logged in) - they need to get these bugs fixed asap - don't they know we are pregnant and have a short fuse?!?!

Just cuddling a normal pillow at the moment - I think I will get a maternity one in a few weeks. The swelling goes down overnight and I have my normal feet back in the mornings; having said that they have been fine today and it's still very warm and humid where I am.

Having a few little worries and niggles at the moment. I'm still not really feeling much movement and that along with a few pains every now and then make me so anxious! I know it's perfectly normal (first baby and all that). I've just ordered a doppler which will hopefully keep me sane until my next midwife appt on 6 Aug.

[cheekymonkey3791 in reply to Armywag]

I'm sure all is fine, movement varies for everyone from what I understand. Have u played music to womb? Some say laying on your left ANC drinking cold water can stimulate movement.

My latest thing is 'hiccups' and bubs often gets them after I eat lol.

Doppler is fine of you know how to use it. Consultant always said we would rather hear from you if you are worried and I have Doppler at my work and I think I have used it twice 'just for interest sake or for colleagues to hear the baby'

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In addition to the research the Cheekymonkey posted, pregnancy massage can help too

[msizzard]

I'm doing frozen bottles of water wrapped in towels as footrests. Helps loads!