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Q&A: Swollen feet and ankles during pregnancy?

My ankles and feet are so swollen. Is there anything I can do?

Re: My ankles and feet are so swollen. Is there anything I can do?

The Bump Expert

Pregnancy puffiness: Another of those uncomfortable and annoying, but not usually dangerous, symptoms. First off, know what’s normal and what isn't. Call your doctor if you see swelling in your face, your hands puff up more than just a little bit, one leg is much more swollen than the other, or your ankles or feet swell very suddenly. (This can be a sign of preeclampsia.)

For everyday swelling, R&R coupled with prevention is your best bet. Get off your feet and lie down (preferably on your left side) whenever possible. When you sit, elevate your feet if you can, don't cross your ankles or legs, and stretch frequently. Also, get up and walk around to keep your blood moving. Drink plenty of water, even if it seems counterintuitive. If the swelling gets really bad, try support hose. You may feel like you’re channeling your grandma... but the sweet relief will be worth it!

Paula Kashtan | May 07 , 2009 11:28 AM

re: Q: Swollen feet and ankles?

I just received a lymphatic massage from a prenatal massage therapist that really helped to ease the swelling of my feet!

CharlieandJenn | July 30 , 2008 4:49 PM

Q&A: Swollen feet and ankles during pregnancy?

my legs and ankles don't seam to be swollen but I can't wear my wedding ring anymore and it was loose to begin with. :/

DuckyBear | February 10 , 2010 1:13 PM

Q&A: Swollen feet and ankles during pregnancy?

My midwife also said that mild swelling of the ankles and legs means you need to eat more protein. She recommended 75 g per day for me, but I have found that I need to eat more like 85-95 to really see a difference (she said that it probably meant that I needed more, maybe because I exercise), combined with walking a couple of miles during the day.

feminaformosa | March 13 , 2010 5:29 PM

Q&A: Swollen feet and ankles during pregnancy?

My feet just started to swell this week and i'm only 25 weeks. I'm just wondering, will this get any worst since i have at least 11-12 weeks to go?

ANESCORP | September 12 , 2010 10:11 PM

Q&A: Swollen feet and ankles during pregnancy?

my hands and feet tend to be more swollen int he morning when i wake up after laying all night n i sleep with the pillows opn my left side like it says it the best way to sleep and it makes my hands cramp up and its hard to do things like brush my hair n teeth in the morning but after being up n active it tends to go away..any advice?

juinieboo0113 | October 26 , 2010 8:27 PM

Q&A: Swollen feet and ankles during pregnancy?

my ankles and feet have been swelling up since about my 21st week ( I am now 24 weeks with twins.) DR says to keep feet up as much as possible, but my feet are so swollen, he gave me a note to wear slippers to work because all my shoes are too small now and very uncomfortable. I dont know how much is too much, but when your feet start looking like cabbage patch feet like mine do, listen to your body and rest.

hvnsangel702 | January 25 , 2011 9:29 AM

Q&A: Swollen feet and ankles during pregnancy?

I am 34 weeks and my feet and ankles have been swelling since about 26 weeks. However in the last couple of weeks the swelling has gotten worse and it is harder to make it go away. A couple times a day at work I have to go and lay down (on my side) in the rest area because my feet are at the point that they feel they might explode. When I get home I am pretty much couch ridden trying to get the sweling to go down.

brandilane | January 26 , 2011 10:25 AM

Q&A: Swollen feet and ankles during pregnancy?

Protein and salt pull excess fluid out of the body tissues and back into circulation. Also, my midwife recommended steeping thin slices of 1 lemon and 1/2 cucumber in a glass pitcher overnight and drink that the next day. You can do without the cucumber if you don't care for the taste.

edibagno | February 05 , 2011 8:33 AM

Q&A: Swollen feet and ankles during pregnancy?

My doctor recommended limiting salt intake of course, and keeping my feet elevated as much as possible. Of course when you work as a full time nurse, its hard to do that! Im 27 weeks this week and hope that I can keep the swelling down to prevent me from developing preclampsia

snewborn0718 | July 13 , 2011 7:41 PM

Q&A: Swollen feet and ankles during pregnancy?

For those of you with pre-existing injuries, such as ankle sprains...swelling is inevitable. My right ankle has been swelling for weeks and now that I am 24 weeks, the swelling is starting to go to my feet. My doc just told me to get support stockings to wear, especially during work. It is so hard to stay off your feet and keep them elevated!

michkev9707 | July 19 , 2011 11:57 AM

Q&A: Swollen feet and ankles during pregnancy?

Support hose are a Godsend! I do feel pretty frumpy in them, but the relief I feel far outweighs the fashion crime. My fiance and I joke about it and I pretend to be sexy in them. They work great!

thdish2011 | September 04 , 2011 12:13 PM

Q&A: Swollen feet and ankles during pregnancy?

Taking a daily walk really helps me. I drink tons of water every day anyway, so walking and trying to avoid salt and sodium are the only recourses I have.

debelmontkid | September 11 , 2011 8:54 PM

Q&A: Swollen feet and ankles during pregnancy?

I have been taking a little extra magnesium at night, and that seems to really help too!

klong75 | September 14 , 2011 12:44 PM

Q&A: Swollen feet and ankles during pregnancy?

My doctor recommended Preggers maternity compression products - I only need to wear the socks, not the full length pantyhose so that's a relief - can you imagine trying to put those on! But, if I needed them, I would do it because the socks have made a HUGE difference for me. She recommended Preggers because they aren't your typical medical-like socks. They have more colors and styles and don't look medical at all.

charpenau | September 16 , 2011 2:14 PM

Q&A: Swollen feet and ankles during pregnancy?

My swelling was really bad after a long day at work. I have been on bed rest for about 4 weeks now and have just hit 34 weeks. After only a couple days of bed rest the swelling went down, now that I am allowed to move around the condo a bit the swelling has returned. I was told its normal and not to worry. I hope must of my extra weight is swelling ;) Then it can just go away after the baby is born!

kerrswood | December 23 , 2011 10:56 AM

Q&A: Swollen feet and ankles during pregnancy?

I have been mainly working morning shifts getting off around 3:30. This was helping me when I didn't realize. I have switched to working mid shifts getting off work around 7 or 8. Yes it's nice to sleep in but the later in the day I am on my feet the worse the swelling is. I noticed it the first three days that I worked those shifts, at 32 weeks I had no issues before that. My midwife wrote a note for me so I don't have to work super late. On all my breaks I elevate my feet. Hope I can make it to 40 weeks!

jlauren22 | March 22 , 2012 9:33 AM

Q&A: Swollen feet and ankles during pregnancy?

Swimming helps! If I swim more than twice a week, my swelling goes away. Also, I know it sounds backwards but, increasing your salt intake (make sure it's iodized) a little bit also helps.

Kelticlady | May 21 , 2012 3:06 PM

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