Have you found yourself sifting through your closet, looking for a pair of shoes that don’t kill your feet lately? Have you discovered that many of your shoes don’t even fit any more? Chances are, your feet are swollen from pregnancy. There are various reasons for your feet to swell during pregnancy, causing those favorite heels to fit a little more snugly, or not at all. Fortunately, there are some things you can do, as well.
The technical term for swelling of the extremities, such as the feet, during pregnancy is called edema. Fluid is collecting in the tissue. Your doctor will test for this by firmly pressing a finger on the affected area and watching your skin’s response. If it is edema, it will remained depressed for a moment and slowly return, as opposed to bouncing back the way normal tissue does. (Think of pressing a finger on your cheek – it never leaves an imprint, does it!)
It’s completely normal to swell up a little bit when you are pregnant. Your body is retaining more water and certain changes in your blood chemistry cause fluid to move into your tissue. Another reason you puff up a little, especially in the ankles and feet, is because the pressure on your vena cava by your growing uterus slows the return of blood from your legs back to your heart.
Now, if swelling is sudden and severe, it could be the sign of something more dangerous, like pre-eclampsia (see “What Is Pre-Eclampsia?” below.) If you notice that even your face is really swollen, contact your doctor right away.
In the meantime, wear comfortable shoes, put your feet up and avoid crossing your legs or ankles. To combat water retention, drink more water! Surprising? Yes, but it’s true. It will flush you out. If you have a hard time drinking enough water, read “Tips for Increasing Your Daily Water Intake” (linked below). You might also try wearing a maternity support belt. More information on support belts can be found below as well. If your hands are swollen, put away those rings for a while until they return to their normal size. You wouldn’t want to have to have them cut off in an emergency! It has happened!
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Tips for Increasing Your Daily Water Intake