It's normal to get some swelling in pregnancy, particularly in your legs, ankles, feet and fingers. It's often worse at the end of the day and further into your pregnancy. Swelling that comes on gradually is not usually harmful to you or your baby, but it can be uncomfortable. A sudden increase in swelling can be a sign of
pre-eclampsia, a condition that needs to be monitored as soon as possible. Non-urgent advice: Call your midwife, GP or labour ward immediately if you have:
These could be symptoms of pre-eclampsia, which can lead to serious complications if it's not monitored and treated. Normal pregnancy swellingSwelling is caused by your body holding more water than usual when you're pregnant. Throughout the day the extra water tends to gather in the lowest parts of the body, especially if the weather is hot or you have been standing a lot. The pressure of your growing womb can also affect the blood flow in your legs. This can cause fluid to build up in your legs, ankles and feet. What can help to reduce swellingTry to:
Foot exercisesYou can do foot exercises sitting or standing. They improve blood circulation, reduce swelling in the ankles, and prevent cramp in the calf muscles:
Get more tips on exercising in pregnancy. Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with one of our podiatrists from Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists, PA. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs. What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy? One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward. This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby. Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages. How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?
If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in Stuart and Jupiter, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs. What causes one foot to swell more than the other?It can be caused by a variety of ailments affecting the foot, including trauma or venous blockage such as by a blood clot. Fluid backup can also be caused by physical obstruction, such as a mass, in the surrounding area. It is important to seek care if you have swelling of only one foot with no apparent cause.
When should I be concerned about foot swelling in pregnancy?Call your midwife, GP or labour ward immediately if you have: a sudden increase in swelling in your face, hands or feet.
Why is my left foot swollen during pregnancy?During pregnancy, the extra fluid in the body and the pressure from the growing uterus can cause swelling (or "edema") in the ankles and feet. The swelling tends to get worse as a woman's due date nears, particularly near the end of the day and during hotter weather.
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