Why pregnant women have swollen legs

Elevated hormone levels, weight gain, and increased blood volume can cause pregnant women to retain water, causing swelling and bloating (also called edema). The legs may also feel heavy or painful. However, while swelling is uncomfortable, having excess fluid in your body is normal and necessary during pregnancy.

Your body needs this extra fluid to carry nutrients and oxygen to your baby, explains David S. Levine, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City.

Typically, fluid retention and swelling are most noticeable in the feet, ankles, and calves, especially later in pregnancy. This is because the growing uterus puts pressure on the veins that carry blood back from the lower body. Pressure on the veins partially blocks blood flow, allowing fluid to remain in the legs and feet. Dr. Levine adds that the blood vessels in the feet and ankles are also the smallest, so it’s difficult for your body to accommodate the extra fluid that flows there.

Common triggers of swollen feet and ankles during pregnancy include fatigue, exercise, eating salty foods, drinking caffeine, and standing and walking for long periods of time.

Although edema during pregnancy is usually not a cause for concern, talk to your healthcare provider if you notice swelling in your face and hands, blurred vision, severe or persistent headaches, and weight gain of more than a pound per day. These may be signs of preeclampsia, a serious condition characterized by high blood pressure.

Simply put, leg swelling is when your body is holding more water than usual during pregnancy. Throughout the day, excess water tends to collect in the lowest parts of the body—the legs, ankles, or feet, especially if the weather is hot or you stand for long periods of time. The pressure of a growing uterus can also affect blood flow in the legs. This can lead to fluid accumulation in the legs, ankles, and feet.

Why are your legs swollen?

When do your feet start to swell? The good news is, it’s usually later in pregnancy. Therefore, you may recognize your feet during the first half of your pregnancy or longer.

first three months

A rapid increase in progesterone (literally “pre-pregnancy” or “pregnancy-promoting”) levels can slow down your digestion. This can cause bloating before you get a noticeable baby bump.

You may also notice some swelling in your hands, feet, or face, but it won’t be serious.

If you notice severe swelling early on, especially if it’s accompanied by other symptoms such as dizziness, headache, or bleeding, it’s a good idea to call your doctor or midwife, such as a midwife.

second trimester

The second trimester begins around the 14th week of pregnancy, around the 4th month. It’s not uncommon to start noticing swelling in your feet around the fifth month of pregnancy, especially if you stand a lot or if the weather is hot.

This swelling is caused by an increased amount of blood and fluid in the body. During pregnancy, your blood volume increases by about 50%, and there’s also a lot of hormonal fluid retention.

While it may make your rings and shoes a little snug, all that extra fluid helps soften your body and prepare it for labor—which is exactly what you want. Rest assured, the excess fluid will decrease quickly in the days and weeks after your baby is born.

late pregnancy

Starting in the 28th week of pregnancy, late pregnancy is by far the most common time for swollen feet.

Especially as time goes on, toward week 40, your toes are more likely to resemble little sausages (yes, being a parent is glamorous).

Your body is continuing to increase its blood and fluid supply, which can cause swelling. As your baby grows, your uterus also becomes heavier, which slows the flow of blood from your legs back to your heart. (Don’t worry, it’s not dangerous—just uncomfortable.)

Other factors that may cause swollen feet include:

• Hot weather
• Unbalanced diet
• Caffeine intake
• Not drinking enough water
• Standing for long periods of time

Solutions to Reduce Leg Swelling

• Avoid standing for long periods of time
• Wear comfortable shoes and socks – avoid tight straps or anything that could pinch your feet as they swell
• Rest with your feet elevated as much as possible
• Drink plenty of water – this helps your body get rid of excess water
• Exercise – try taking regular walks or doing foot exercises during the day

foot exercises

You can perform foot exercises while sitting or standing. They improve circulation, reduce ankle swelling, and prevent calf muscle cramps:

• Bend and stretch your feet up and down 30 times
• Rotate each foot in a circle 8 times, to one side 8 times, to the opposite side 8 times

Swelling of the feet is a very typical phenomenon during pregnancy, as many pregnant friends may tell you! So most of the time, swollen feet are just another sign