Lopsided Swelling--Normal or Concern?

[gunnarsmama77]

Hi all, I've been very lucky to not have much swelling at all this pregnancy, and none in my first, so this is totally new to me. My ankles have been mildly swelling up in the last 5 weeks or so (I'm 35 weeks pregnant) but usually go down as soon as I get in some rest and fluids (I always eat lots of protein). However, this past weekend my left ankle has swollen a lot, like it looks broken or something, and the top of my foot is swollen as well, but the right foot and ankle look almost normal, markedly smaller than the left. I always figured they'd be even, at least. Has anyone had this happen? If it matters, I am on low-dose beta blockers (12.5 mg daily of Toporol) this pregnancy for rapid heartrate, which can cause swelling, but still the unevenness doesn't make sense to me. Any thoughts?

[MaerynPearl]

To me thats totally normal... my right tends to swell WAY more than my left... sometimes it seems like my left doesnt swell at all, others its just much less than right (after taking two flights when my swelling was at its worst, my right foot looked like I was stung by a bee and am allergic, my left foot just looked like it was a bit chubbier than usual)

[trimestersdoula]

Uneven swelling should always be reported to your care provider. Lopsided swelling could indicate a blood clot. I would definitely be checked by your doctor or midwife.

to you.

[SteelerMom]

If it were a blood clot, the swelling wouldn't go away with rest and fluids I don't think. The top of my left foot is swollen off and on and has been since week 33 (37 now) and nowhere else. I would certainly report it if you have pain (esp. if you bring your toes toward your knee with knee bent) and redness though.

[MaerynPearl]

And yes, its always worth telling your care provider you are having swelling whether its lopsided or symmetrical, normal or not... but I wouldn't worry too much, this is my second pregnancy Ive gone through the same, I just figure my left leg handles it better lol!

[dachshundqueen]

Call your HCP. Lopsided swelling is not a good thing.

Liz

[dakotablue]

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/swe...gnancy/AN01194

Although mild foot and ankle swelling during pregnancy is normal, extreme swelling during pregnancy can be a red flag. Contact your health care provider if you have:

* Severe or sudden swelling
* Swelling in only one leg

Severe or sudden swelling could be a sign of a serious condition called preeclampsia. Other signs and symptoms of preeclampsia include severe headaches, blurred vision and rapid weight gain. Swelling in only one leg — especially if it's accompanied by pain or tenderness in the calf or thigh — could indicate a blood clot. Both conditions warrant prompt evaluation and treatment.

I'd call just to be safe.

[gunnarsmama77]

Okay, thanks for all the responses! I didn't even think blood clot, I was wondering if possibly baby could be compressing an artery or something. By the time I realized what it looked like, my Dr. office was closed for the day, but I'll definitely give them a call in the morning just to see what they think. I don't have any pain anywhere in my calf, and it has gone down some, it was just freaking me out this afternoon. I'm sure working at a desk all day doesn't help the swelling. And thanks, Maeryn and Steelermom, I'm glad to know this isn't just me!

[XanaduMama]

Personally I don't think swelling is ever good...obviously it could be a side-effect of your meds, but like PP said, swelling can also be a sign of pre-e or HELLP (which a friend of mine had recently). I'd go in just to be sure.

[Funny Face]

Originally Posted by trimestersdoula

Uneven swelling should always be reported to your care provider. Lopsided swelling could indicate a blood clot. I would definitely be checked by your doctor or midwife.

to you.

Originally Posted by dachshundqueen

Call your HCP. Lopsided swelling is not a good thing.

Liz

[gunnarsmama77]

Update: I did call the Dr., they said that it's very common to have more swelling on one side than the other and probably related to baby's positioning. They would only worry about it if blood pressure was elevated (which mine never has been yet) or the swelling did not go down with rest/overnight (which it always does). She did also say that this would probably keep going for the rest of the pregnancy, though. Thanks for all the responses, I will definitely be keeping a very close eye on this if it does not go down with rest!
~Lindsay

[kittywitty]

It did with my 4th. I woke up to really severe right side swelling and it went away but always swelled up more. I don't know why and I had no other issues.

[MaerynPearl]

I'm glad your Dr. was able to reassure you that all is fine