Edema, commonly known as swelling, is when excess fluid collects in your tissues. It is incredibly common during pregnancy, and often affects the feet and ankles, making getting around a bit difficult or painful. Edema of the feet and ankles is most common during the third trimester, and fades rather quickly after giving birth. Mild swelling in the feet and ankles is perfectly normal, but excessive or sudden swelling could be a sign of preeclampsia, so you should seek medical advice if you notice any sudden or extreme swelling.
What causes it?
There are a number of factors that could contribute to edema in expectant moms. Pregnant women have hormones that help retain more water than usual, and your expanding uterus applies pressure to your pelvic veins and the vena cava, which results in slower blood flow back from the legs, and pooling of the fluid near your feet.
Tips?
While not every trick will work for each person, here are some great ones to try:
- Sleep on your left side
- Get a mix of activity and rest (with elevated feet) during the day
- Use compression socks
- Soak feet, especially in the evening
- Stay hydrated
- Wear comfortable shoes that don’t leave marks or indentations
- Avoid very hot and humid conditions
Again, if swelling is sudden and severe, it’s important to get it checked out right away. And if swelling appears higher up in only one leg, check in with a healthcare provider, as this could be a sign of a blood clot.
Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team
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Sources
- Larish, A. “What causes ankle swelling during pregnancy — and what can I do about it?” Mayo Clinic. July 9, 2024 https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/pregnancy-week-by-week/expert-answers/swelling-during-pregnancy/faq-20058467
- Jablonski, N. “When Pregnancy Swelling Becomes Concerning” Healthline. March 19, 2020 https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/swelling-in-pregnancy-when-to-worry
