swollen feet and ankles - pregnant
By kiran1978
@kiran1978 (4134)
Australia
January 27, 2008 3:43am CST
I have 4 weeks to go in my pregnancy and my feet are aching. Have not had this problem before they are really swollen, they look like elephant trunks, lol. I have heard this is quite common for pregnant woment. Although I did not have this problem in my other two pregnancies. Does anyone have any advice on how to reduce the swelling. I know to put ice packs on them, that does not seem to work for me. Appreciate any advice, thank you.
2 people like this
4 responses
@chrysz (1602)
• Philippines
28 Jan 08
Whenever I get leg pain, even when I am not pregnant, I just double my calcium dosage. When pregnant, its better if you will take a walk regularly and rest your legs when you have time by elevating it. It is also advisable that you seek your OB's advice since swelling could be an indicator of some complications. I had swelling when I was only 4 months on the way and I did not know that I was already having pre-eclampsia.I guess yours is just normal since you are nearing your due date and your baby is really gaining weight and your body has to adjust.
Anyways, goodluck and conratulations!
@kiran1978 (4134)
• Australia
28 Jan 08
Thanks for your response. I have been walking about 3-4 times a week. However I have not been elevating my legs enough. Tried to today, although still really swollen. Went to doc today, does not think I have pre-elampsia, normal blood pressure and no other swelling elsewhere. Thanks for your best wishes.
@mummybec (685)
• Australia
27 Jan 08
Ahhhh I feel sorry for you - I remember that feeling!! Try to keep them up... so sit on the couch with your legs on their too so they are in line with your hips if that makes sense... that is supposed to help a bit. Have you used foot spa's at all? they can also help - or if you do not have a foot spa just a bucket of warm water (you can put something in the water too if you want to make your feet nice as well) If it gets too bad as well make sure you tell your doctor as it can lead to other problems. Good Luck for the last part of your pregnancy - hope all goes well for you :)
@kiran1978 (4134)
• Australia
27 Jan 08
Thanks for your suggestions. I haven't tried a foot spa before, maybe I could try your bucket idea. That sounds good.
@potatobutt87 (348)
• United States
28 Jan 08
do you have swelling of your wrists, or face also??
i had it REALLY bad i was borderline pre-e so my hands face and feet/ankles were VERY swollen.
as stupid as it sounds drink LOTS of water. it gets your circulation going from your heart. keep them elevated, and stay off your feet.
i was so swollen that after i had my daughter within 2 days i had lost 30lbs, cause its was all water!! very very painful, and it might get worse right after you have the baby too. so deffinatly try to do as much as you can to get rid of it now. the min you have to pee go. i know its hard not to, but i used to hold it as long as i could (20 mins lol)
@sacmom (14192)
• United States
27 Jan 08
Try to stay off your feet. :P
When I was in my last trimester with my youngest I had to be careful as my legs would cramp up and I would be in a lot of pain during the night if I had been on my feet too long during the day. I'd wake up from this pain and it was terrible. But I noticed if stayed off my feet as much as possible during this time I wouldn't get any painful cramping.
My ankles didn't swell much, thankfully.
