Swelling in feet and ankles question??? Sleep ques also?

I am confused. My Midwife told me to watch for signs of preeclamsia one of them being swelling. I know that swelling in your feet is normal during pregnancy so how do I know if it is something to worry about or not. My feet and ankles swell up so bad by the end of the day and Im not even on my feet that much.

I also have a question about sleeping?? I sleep on my sides and use pillows between my legs and under my belly but I still cannot stay on one side for very long, whichever side I am on my arm and leg start hurting really bad, just sharp pain all the way down. Does anyone else experience this and if so have you found a better position to sleep.

Thanks,
PeanutMom

[karen23]

I think pre-eclampsia swelling is usually in the face and hands.  Not to say it can't occur other places, but watch for the face and hands first - this is what my doc told me - my bp was a little high on Friday - I am suitably freaked out, of course.

I am the same with sleeping.  I have to turn every 1/2 hour or so.  It is annoying because it's very hard to turn - I am due tomorrow!

[Myah's Mom]

I don't know much about the swelling, but as for the sleeping, I was like that during my first pregnancy, also. I found a body pillow to be VERY helpful. I had been in a car accident 5 years prior, and had some pinched nerve problems in my neck, which caused pain in my arms. I found a good massage therapist who worked wonders for me. Maybe that would help. And if it doesn't help, can a hour for yourself with someone massaging you really HURT? :)

Re the swelling, I think there are other signs of preeclampsia, high blood pressure being one. Perhaps that is why your midwife/dr isn't concerned, but I would definitely be going back for another visit if you didn't feel content with their answer...
Hope you feel better.

[Kassimom]

Try to stay off your feet alot during the day. Swelling by the end fo the day is natural for most pregnant women. However, if you have edema, which is pitting of the skin, then you should probably call your Dr. Pitting is when you push on the skin of your ankle with one finger and rather than bouncing right back, it stays pitted for several seconds.

Also, as mentioned, your blood pressure will be sky high with pre-eclampsia. YOur Dr is probably checking that at every visit and chances are if your BP has been normal this long, it will probalby remain normal. (THough that's NOT a gaurantee...just PROBABLY)

AS for sleeping, I am having the same problem. I have tried the pillow thing (surround myself with pillows and one under belly) but it doens't help. But like you, laying on one side for too long numbs that side. Actually, it also happens when I am sitting on hard chair, one side of my body becomes numb. ANd when I say numb, I mean it begins to fall asleep. That annoying tingling feeling. I wish I could help you in how to fix it, but at least you know you're not alone! :)

[ildike]

I had very bad swelling with my son, in fact it was carpal tunnel syndrome. It was so bad especially in the morning I wasn't able to hold the spoon when I was making breakfast. I guess your dr checks your bloodpressure so I don't think you have to worry about that.  You may have carpal tunnel syndrome?  I got a wrist brace and it really helped the pain and the swelling.

[Kassimom]

LOL I am the same way! It IS SO annoying because it's not like it isn't hard enough to sleep as it is, then you have to turn every 30 min's and with a belly like a mountain, it takes no small amount of effort to swing the belly from one side to the other. In fact, sometimes I am so tired and my belly is so "cumbersome" (as my DH puts it) that I stop mid turn and have to lay there and catch my breath!

[PeanutMom]

Thank you all for your advice. At least Im not alone with the sleeping problems. My BP was up and thats why Im going back tomorrow but the swelling is only in my feet and ankles so Im pretty sure its not preeclampsia. I will see what they say tomorrow, hopefully my BP will be down. I also get another U/S Yipee!!!!

PeanutMom

[carrieabbiemom]

I had preeclampsia with both of my daughters.  The first things you should be watching for are swelling in the hands and feet.  I ignored the swelling with my first daughter as I was told that swelling is normal in pregnancy.  I did not go to the doctor until my ankles swelled over my shoes.  I delivered 6 days later at 28 weeks gestation.  I was watched more carefully with my second daughter and still developed preeclampsia.  The swelling was milder, but the blood pressure was worse.  I delivered 10 weeks early.  Go to see your doctor if you develop swelling in your hands or feet especially if it seems to get worse throughout the day.  That is a sign that preeclampsia may be developing.

[PeanutMom]

Thanks, I will watch for the swelling to get worse. Since its not in my hands or face Im pretty sure its normal I guess. I will see what they say tomorrow at my appt.

Thanks everyone
PeanutMom