Swelling

[Super_sally888]

Hi,

I'm now about 4 1/2 months pregnant with my first & am 38 today.  Have just started (actually yesterday) having significant swelling of my lower legs (I think this is what they call pitting oedema).  Fingers and calves feel tight.  It improved a bit after lying down all night, but still there....  My BP is fine, so I doubt it's anything serious.

My tummy is hardly showing, but I've got swelling. Is this early to start swelling?  Any advice on how to manage this?  I am trying to walk around as much as possible, and will try to resume regular swimming (been out of exercise for a few weeks post appendectomy surgery 6 weeks ago).  I know diuretics not recommended, but any natural diuretics with mild action recommended?

I want this baby very much, but I don't like what's happening to my body!

[Super_sally888]

Thanks for your input.  I'll try all of that.  This has really only just come on really noticeable the last three days, so it's kind of sudden.  Talked to my sisters (4 of them) and none of them ever had swollen ankles in their pregnancies, though it's not just ankles cause fingers feel stiff so its more widespread.....

Today had 6 hours driving (site visit and back) which surely didn't help and I don't have ankles this evening!

I will see my drs (endocrinologist - I have hypothyroid and gestational diabetes) next week, and probably also schedule the obstetrician as well and just clear all is ok with them...    But am sure it's nothing urgent - my blood pressure is normal... actually kind of low normal - a little less than 100/60 most times I measure, and I'm feeling ok.

Sally

[prevatt77]

I have experienced swelling with both my pregnancies.  I'm 23 weeks now and mine has started a little.  Basically PamelaBee gave you almost everything there is to do for it.  What I was told (I work in a hospital, so I have easy access to them) I wear the T.E.D. support knee-hi's, they are the white stockings that they put on your feet/legs when you have any type of surgery.  They have worked a lot for me.  Also I drink lots of water, almost a gallon a day.  I have also cut out all friut juices because they have lots of sodium in them.  Try to avoid your food that have a lot of sodium in them.  I have also heard that swimming in a cold pool is very good for it as well.  As long as your blood pressure doesn't go up there is really nothing they can do for you.  It's a part of pregnancy and some women get it and others don't.

Good Luck!

[tahariel]

Have you spoken with your doctor regarding the swelling? This may be an issue of importance to contact them about.

Happy Birthday and Congratulations!

[PamelaBee]

Well, Happy Birthday and Congratulations!!  I never experienced swelling and the conditions you mentioned, however, I have a close girlfriend that did. We were pregnant at the same time, so I'm familiar with what she did.   Elevate your feet as much as you can...drink lots of water, and lay off the salt.  The extra fluid in your body helps prepare you for pregnancy and delivery. It allows your tissues to handle the growth of your baby. It also prepares your pelvic area for labor and delivery. Extra fluids in your body account for much of the weight gained during pregnancy. You body usually get rid of them in the days after delivery.  

Later in your pregnancy, your growing uterus puts pressure on the veins to your legs and feet. This will slow blood circulation and cause even more fluid to build up in your feet and ankles. Standing or sitting with your feet on the floor for long periods of time can increase the pressure on these veins.

To help relieve the pressure, try elevating your feet--or lie on your side, especially your left side. This will relieve the pressure on the veins of your lower body and reduce the swelling. Also, while you sleep, raise your legs slightly with pillows. Don't cross your legs when you sit. Avoid standing or sitting with your feet on the floor for long periods of time. try to stay cool.  After long periods of sitting, take a short walk. Avoid tight clothes or jewelry that cut off the circulation at your wrists or ankles. Leg massages and supportive tights or stockings can also help improve circulation.  Wishing you a comfortable and happy pregnancy!  : )  Pam