Swollen Hands

[Teenytoona]

Shouldn't be much of anything to worry about at this stage (39+3) of the game, should it? I have had pregnancy induced carpal tunnel, and some swelling seems to be part of it. It's just that this morning I woke up and they're a bit moreso than they have been. Not HUUUGE, but certainly bigger. I drink a fair amount of water, and only one cup of coffee a day (which I'm cutting out as of today), but just wanted to see what you all have experienced and what you all know...

Thanks!

[LawrenceDoula]

I get this the last week or two myself. It's mostly in the morning, and not too bad, but still annoying. I wouldn't worry if everything is fine. Take a bath, drink your water, eat your protein, you know the drill! Your body just does weird stuff in the end. Yikes, the end is fast approaching!

[steph117]

Last night was the first night I got seriously swollen ankles. Thankfully no other symptoms of anything yucky. Not a fan of the swelling, though. It's creepy!!!!

[RasJi7]

Hi teenytoona,
I have had swelling out of nowhere i'm at 37+5. Just my fingers and above my ankles. I mentioned it to my midwife and she said she wasn't concerned because I had weight gain in the last week that could be explained if i was holding some water. Also because I have no headaches, lightheadedness or fuzzy thinking she thought it was nothing. She told me to eat cucumbers, asparagus and put lemon in my water- and drink A LOT!

The lemon and lots of water seem to be doing it for me- but the best thing is when i lay in my side with my legs on two bed pillows. (Hope you can put your feet up sometimes- with all the little ones may be tougher for you!) My swelling is worse by the end of the day.

[Teenytoona]

Thanks all! I feel alot better reading that. It's just that I knew my BP was up ever so slightly last time (120/84 instead of the 120/80), and then my hands are swelling and I'm kickin' myself because I've been not doing my usual healthier routine.

Ras, unfortunately, we're still working on the situation with the little ones (long story), but hopefully they will be home soon! I'm still working, so putting my feet up is an end of day thing. It's not too bad, I just sit at a computer desk working all day.

You know, you mentioned the lemon. I had been eating an orange nearly every day, but got sick of them. So instead lately, I've been eating chocolate ice cream every day heh (I've been SO into chocolate), and not being as healthy an eater as usual. Tonight I'm jumping back on track. I'm pretty sure that's all there is going on, now that I think on it.

Thanks gals... I'm not as worried any more.

[Dea]

My hands are catchers mits! And some of my fingers have gone numb. Also to carry on the baseball theme... my calves look like they've swallowed a baseball.
Oh yes, I'm all sorts of sexy right now....

[Writerbird]

Just got back from my 38 week check - my midwife said that almost everyone puffs up a bit in the last two or three weeks, even if we guzzle water like a fish.

I wouldn't say I'm getting puffy, but my rings definitely don't come off without some effort.

[steph117]

My wedding ring came off...but now I can't get it back on! I'm wearing it on my pinky.

[zulupetalz]

I think most everyone's swelling (if you are lucky enough to have it) gets worse towards the end. I wouldn't worry unless you have other symptoms that you are concerned about (i.e., headache, vision changes, etc.)

[gingerbane]

My husband is wearing my wedding rings on his watch band because of my swollen hands (I'm 39+4). I was a bit worried at first but it seems to come and go. Drink a lot of water, stay away from salty foods, and get as much rest as possible. That's what seemed to take care of the swelling for me.