Leg Swelling

[upnorthmama]

So for the past three days I have had really extremely swollen legs/ankles and feet. Day 1-I had done a bunch of running around and attributed it to that. Day 2-went to the grocery store and spent the rest of the day around the house. Today I just went a couple blocks to pick DS up from school. The swelling is up to my knees and the skin is soooo tight.

Why is this happening all of a sudden? Is there something that I should/shouldn't be doing that I don't know about? Is it normal at this stage (39 weeks)

help please

[thomlynn]

My mw said today it could be from the weather warming up. She suggested electrolyte replacement drinks, soaking in epsom salts and putting your feet up. And adding potassium.

[Incubator]

Sit down, put your feet up, SERIOUSLY, put your feet UP. Drink some water, go pee often and try to cut out some salt. I'd be worried about that much swelling.

How do you feel otherwise? Are you seeing a doctor or midwife, or doing self-care?

Don't panic, I don't want you to worry, but this happened with my first and I really freaked out. I haven't had any swelling troubles this time, but I attribute that to really trying hard to take it easy at this point. If you're sitting, put your feet up, period. Your body is increasing blood volume in prep for birth, so it's harder to keep the fluid moving around the body, and sometimes it pools in the feet.

[cmi]

I did read somewhere that in preparation for labor you build up your blood supply and may notice some swelling as a result, so maybe that's it. My other thought was preeclampsia, as that is one of the symptoms. If you have a visit with your midwife/doctor coming up, I would think they'd be able to check for that pretty easily. Drinking a lot of fluids and keeping your feet elevated are supposed to help.

Hope it just means that you're on your way to labor (assuming you're as ready as I feel at 39 weeks)!

[Mamato3wild ponnie]

My midwife told me to eat a whole cucumber with skin and all. It's a great diuretic. Also drinks lots of water and put your feet above your heart level.

[thomlynn]

And I remember her asking about my protein. Are you keeping up with your protein???

[xekomaya]

I had really bad swelling for the last 3-4 days (today its finally getting better but I still can't fit in my shoes or DH's ). I did lots of water, water fruits (grapes, melons), cucumbers, avoided anything processed, took epsom salt baths -- but slightly cool because when I took a hot one I came out even more plump.

Def. check your blood pressure, and if you see spots or get a headache call your mw/dr.

I think it was actually Chinese food that did it to me along with the position of the baby I couldn't get any circulation-- I just needed to clear the gunk out of my body and the baby has moved a bunch (and off my veins)- not sure if your situation is either of those.

Oh and I was really desperate the other night and slept with ice bags on my legs. It was enough to take the edge off and let me stop worrying that my toes would burst.

Good luck - I hope it goes away soon!

[mkmama]

But personally...try not to worry too much. With DS I swelled up twice what i am now and everything was fine. My Bp is normally 100/50 and it stayed around there.

This round, about a week ago i started getting swollen. can't see my ankles. I think sometimes it just happens. no worries for me personally, but my BP is still really stable and i drink a lot.