Hello!

The last 4 days my feet have been swelling up really badly (I’m 37+3 with 1st bubba) and I’m just wondering what I can do to relieve the discomfort and reduce the swelling. Laying on the lounge and putting my feet up doesn’t seem to be helping.  :( Thanks .


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  • When your ankles stay swollen with all the below mentioned measures you might want to consult your Gp


  • mild swelling of the ankles and feet caused by edema is harmless and perfectly normal. It’s also just as normal not to experience noticeable swelling (one in four lucky pregnant women don’t). However if your hands or face become puffy or if swelling persists for more than a day at a time (i.e., it doesn’t improve overnight), call your practitioner. Excessive swelling can be one sign of preeclampsia — but when it is, it’s accompanied by a variety of other symptoms (such as elevated blood pressure, rapid weight gain and protein in the urine). If your blood pressure and urine are normal (they’re checked at each prenatal visit), there’s nothing to be concerned about.
    Things you can do:
    Avoid standing for long periods.
    Minimize outdoor time when it is hot.
    Rest with your feet elevated.
    Wear comfortable shoes, avoiding high heels if possible.
    Wear supportive tights or stockings.
    Avoid clothes that are tight around your wrists or ankles.
    Rest or swim in a pool.
    Use cold compresses on swollen areas.
    Drink water, which helps flush the body and reduce water retention.
    Minimize sodium (salt) intake and avoid adding additional salt to meals.


  • Definitely consult your health professional who is monitoring you. There could be an underlying problem besides fluid retension.


  • I never found anything that relieved my swollen feet


  • Check with ur doc or midwife to rule out any complications, if not just elevate and rest as much as you can – good luck hope bubba is here soon


  • Cool foot baths helped me


  • Elevate them as often as possible.
    Drink plenty of water.
    No tight shoes/socks
    Speak to your midwife/doctor for more advice.


  • check with your doctor or midwife to make sure it is all ok


  • I used compression stockings at night (the ones they give you in hospital) – and keep feet up during the day if possible. This helped with some swelling.


  • You need to put your feet up so they are above your heart so maybe lying on the lounge but with your feet over the top mind you thats if you can.


  • These last few weeks are not fun lol


  • Oh I remember this! Elevation and staying off your feet if possible.


  • Not long now but all I did was elevate them higher than my body while laying and soaking them in a bucket of cool water


  • :) thanks! I’ll discuss at my next appointment.. they get so sore i need some relief haha


  • Sorry I forgot to add, celery and dandelion as a food or tablet. Please check with the doctor first before using them, just to make sure they are safe for you to use.


  • If it is fluid retention you could try natural diuretics such celery, dandelion. I would also continue putting your feet up.


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