Swelling is extremely likely to occur at some point during your pregnancy, particularly towards the third trimester. The hands and feet are the most likely locations for swelling to occur, though any part of the body can have a swollen feeling.
What causes it?
Swelling during pregnancy is usually a normal part of your body managing a larger amount of fluid and blood volume, while also having a harder time returning blood to the heart because of pressure from your growing uterus on your veins. There are also hormonal changes that make it harder for your body to circulate fluid well, and it can end up sitting in your hands, feet, face or lower legs. Our activity levels matter too. Those folks who stand all day at work are much more likely to see some fluid pool and cause swelling in their feet and legs.
Tips?
Even though it is slightly counter-intuitive, staying well-hydrated is important to combat swelling. Sleeping on your side can also help. Feet and lower leg swelling can often be helped by a mix of activity – to push the fluid out of those tissues – and elevated rest, to allow fluid to move out of those areas more easily. Some people find that soaking their feet also helps with comfort and reducing swelling, while others swear by compression socks if they have to spend long periods on their feet. If your hands are bothering you, be sure to remove rings before they become trapped and potentially restrict your circulation. Many people love a gentle hand massage to help move hand swelling up and out. See if it feels good for you!
The good news is that most swelling is normal and disappears after pregnancy as you pee and sweat out excess fluids. Sometimes, however, swelling can be a sign of serious complications. If you notice sudden and severe swelling, it’s always important to get medical support right away.
Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team
Sources
Jablonski, N. “When Pregnancy Swelling Becomes Concerning” Healthline. March 19, 2020 https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/swelling-in-pregnancy-when-to-worry
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
