As pregnancy progresses many women experience edema, or swelling in the feet, ankles, and hands. This typically reflects pressure from the uterus as it expands. It can be aggravated by hot or humid weather, and is often more pronounced at the end of the day.
Minimizing the effects of edema starts with avoiding extended periods of standing. You should prop up the feet when sitting, keep them elevated, and avoid crossing the legs. When sleeping, try lying on the left side and upon waking put on maternity support stockings that extend to the waist. Regular exercise helps keep swelling under control. One comfortable way of accomplishing this that takes pressure off the feet involves swimming or walking in the pool.
In rare cases, swelling during pregnancy may reflect a disorder such as pre-eclampsia, deep vein thrombosis, or peripartum cardiomyopathy. Pre-eclampsia pairs increased blood pressure with greater levels of protein in the urine. Along with fluid accumulation and swelling, this can cause damage to organs such as the lungs, kidneys, liver, and brain, and also cause issues with the infant as well.
Deep vein thrombosis involves the formation of blood clots in areas such as the legs. The clotting factors reflect excess protein production and interfere with blood flow, also potentially breaking loose and traveling to the lungs via the bloodstream. This may result in the life-threatening blood flow blockage known as pulmonary embolism. Peripartum cardiomyopathy, or heart failure occurring either late in the pregnancy or following delivery, is associated with fatigue and shortness of breath, along with swelling.
Among the risk factors for these serious conditions are diabetes, pregnancy involving two or more fetuses, kidney disorder, and autoimmune disorder. Having experienced pre-eclampsia in a previous pregnancy and being above age 35 also increases the risks. If you are an expectant mother and experience persistent swelling, it’s important to discuss it with your OB/GYN.
