Swelling in pregnancy...?

Question

I had no swelling during my whole pregnancy and then all of a sudden, the day of my baby shower (34 weeks), my feet and ankles swelled up very painfully. In the last three or four days since, they swell up early in the morning and then only go away if I lie down for a long period of time (not an option at work). Is it normal to have such a sudden increase in swelling? On Saturday, I assumed it was because I was on my feet more than normal due to the shower, but since then, I haven't been on my feet much at all, but my ankles look like softballs! I know there's probably nothing wrong, since my hands and face are normal, but is it usual to have such a sudden change?

Answer 1

I just had my youngest 5 months ago and that happened to me also.  And just like you it wasnt an option for me at work.  The swelling go so bad that it was painful to even move my feet. I did call my doctor's office and they did run some tests checking the circulation in my legs to make sure I didn't have any blood clots.  They ended up saying it was due to the increase in fluids in your body plus the weight of the baby is putting pressure on your veins causing your blood circulation to slow down.  Your best bet is to try to be off your feet as much as possible but you might want to let your doctor know what's going on just to make sure its not anything serious.

Answer 2

I had this happen to me too.  I gained 22 lbs in 3 weeks from all the fluid I was retaining.  It was horrible.  It started in my feet and legs and then gradually spread everywhere.  My doctor monitored me closely for pre-eclampsia.  I had my son at 38 weeks on a Tuesday and on the Saturday following, my body replaced the pounds that I was supposed to lose from having a baby with fluid.  I was rushed to the hospital because my blood pressure was extremely high.  I went back to the hospital where I had my son because I didn't know where else to go.  Well, after talking to my doctor on the following Monday, he said that I was lucky that I didn't have a stroke and that I should have gone to a different hospital in the area.    

Answer 3

I kind of had that problem. I only had some carpal tunnel until recently. I was at work and ended up standing for a couple hours. That night my feet were so swollen I looked like I had balloon feet. Now it seems that the swelling won't go a way no matter what. I asked my doctor and she said that it's normal, and theres nothing I can do about it. I wish there was though cause I can't wear my shoes now! :( Good Luck and Congrats!

Answer 4

yes, I was the same way. if you have anyway of getting a chair at work ask for it. If not just elevate your feet when you can you want to make them higher than your heart. unfortunately it is going to be like this for the rest. in my case it got worse before it got better. after i had my daughter my dr. put be on a water pill to help the swelling go down.....hope this helps