Tips for swelling??

[gagirl2008]

Hi,

I may have actually been swelling before but didn't realize it. Yes, that sounds stupid but I don't notice stuff. Today my coworkers told me that my face was puffy. I was telling my aunt about it and she asked if my ankles were swollen so I looked down to check and there was a HUGE dent in my leg from where I had my other leg propped. It freaked me out big time and then my coworkers looked and said I was just swollen and that caused the dent. It was funny because I just didn't know I was swollen and had never seen anything like that! I got a coworker to take my bp and it was 135/89. : They brought me a bucket so I've tried to have my feet propped up on that. I'm going to try to get into the pool tonight depending on my temp and I'm trying to drink tons of water today. What else? Did I read on here that pineapple is good for swelling???

I have an appointment Wednesday and I'm afraid of them trying to induce me! I'm 38 weeks today by the way.

Thanks!

[Mamato3wild ponnie]

Eating watermelon and any type of melon also...the little cucumbers..eating the whole fresh cucumber.
Drinking half your weight in oz. So if your 160lbs then you should be drinking 80oz of water a day.
Also Uva Ursi tea helps with swelling. Lots of rest mama.

[gagirl2008]

Thank you! I want to have it under control when I go Wednesday!

[srneda78]

I don't want to be alarmist at all, but keep an eye on the facial swelling and BP. My MW said she's not concerned about a BP unless it's over 140/90 (and even then, it can sometimes depend on the person/stage of pregnancy). So your BP isn't that high yet (and I think to be considered HPB, you have to have two readings over 140/90 six hours apart). I would just try to take it easy and see if the swelling comes down. I'm assuming you don't have headaches or abdominal pain either.

I'm around the same point in pregnancy as you and my BP has been creeping up a bit. I monitor it every day -- I can't help it -- the stupid little machine calls my name. I know that technically I'm fine, but I was having some pretty bad swelling in my hands and wrists and it concerned me. My standard BP in early pregnancy is around 115/70 or so and lately it's been more like 125/82, sometimes slightly higher. My MW said an increase in BP at the end is normal. Just make sure you're not having other symptoms of pre-e.

What I've found that helps is cucumbers, lots of water, protein, and rest. Also not limiting salt (salting to taste).

Good luck to you! I'm hanging in there with you!

[gagirl2008]

Thank you! I'll pick up some cucumbers and melon tonight and I was already planning on eating grilled hamburger patties.

Good luck to you also!

[boobyfeeder]

Absolutely keep your feet up as much as possible and drink lots of water. Rest if you are able. Swelling is normal at this stage of the game, and as long as your bp stay fairly low (one borderline high reading is not alarming) you should be fine. If you get a higher than normal reading on Wed at the dr's, make sure they take it again after you lay on your left side for at least 10 minutes. As long as it has gone down, you are fine.

[gagirl2008]

Thank you! I will definitely do that!

[cellarstella]

I've found that wearing tight knee socks during the day has really helped with the leg/ankle swelling, and has kept the varicose veins from getting out of control. I have this one vein that pops out on my calf but on days I wear knee socks it's totally flat.

[SkyMomma]

I agree w/pp, but would add that the thing that has helped the most with the edema I've experienced has been a mix of exercise & rest. Swimming (really gently - careful with the BP) in particular, in coolish water, has been immensly helpful. But anything that helps your circulation will help decrease swelling. I'd also recommend very gentle Yoga (no head down poses), with a big focus on relaxation & breath. The absolute worse for swelling in the legs/feet is standing or sitting with your feet lower than your hips for long periods of time. If you can, sit tailor style (criss cross, etc) in your chair @ work. Or try to get up & walk around every half-hour or so.

Finally - massage is a great way to relax while your circulation is increased. Perhaps check out someone in your area who specializes in prenatal massage, if that's not available (money, whatever), ask your DP or a friend to massage your feet & legs as often as possible

Good luck!

[yummama]

I have had a LOT of swelling since about 22 weeks and the only thing that has helped is keeping my feet elevated. Except that I normally don't, so I'm normally super swollen. Swimming/Floating in the cool river also provided a lot of relief.

[srneda78]

OP -- Just checking in to see how you're feeling -- if you're reading this!

[hsofia]

Getting in a swimming pool is a good idea! It helps me a lot. Get enough protein and water, and alfalfa supplements (organic) are supposed to help with the swelling, too.

[MuslimMama]

I have heard that soaking in epsom salt helps a lot with swelling... I take a bath just about every night with 2 lrg cups of epsom salt added to the bath and until about 2 days ago (been on my feet a LOT) I have not had any swelling at all... I dont know if it is the epsom salt baths or something else but it is worth a shot. Besides that just drink LOTS of water and cut back on the sugars!!! My midwife has said that sugar retains more water than salt, so probably best to try and avoid both as much as possible. Hang in there!

[gagirl2008]

Originally Posted by srneda78

OP -- Just checking in to see how you're feeling -- if you're reading this!

Thanks for checking! I'm feeling well and was yesterday too really. The swelling just freaked me out yesterday! My bp was a little high yesterday and still is today,,,,137/90. It has been around 120/80 the whole time until now. I just don't want them to have a "reason" to induce. Hopefully I won't have any protein in my urine tomorrow. I'm drinking my water, eating protein and I bought some watermelon and cucumbers last night.

[gagirl2008]

Thanks for the replies! I didn't get in the pool last night but I really do need to tonight!! My swelling is a little better today,,,,so far. I'm just wondering about my bp now!

[Charmie981]

Originally Posted by gagirl2008

I just don't want them to have a "reason" to induce. Hopefully I won't have any protein in my urine tomorrow. I'm drinking my water, eating protein and I bought some watermelon and cucumbers last night.

If your BP gets truly high, it will be a reason to induce, not a "reason," but try not to stress out about it. Some swelling is normal in pregnancy, especially in the feet and legs at the end. And a slight rise in BP is also normal as you approach your EDD.

[joshs_girl]

The best way I've found to help is to sleep with my feet propped up at night - for me, it's not just enough to keep my feet elevated, they actually need to be above my heart. But I've been sleeping with my feet propped up on a big couch cushion for about a week now, and in the morning my feet look almost pre-pregnancy!

And I don't know if this helps or not, but it sure makes me feel better, to have a really great foot massage with nice cold aloe - it's so relaxing and makes me feel a ton better! Especially since I get the husband to do the massaging!

[gagirl2008]

Originally Posted by Charmie981

If your BP gets truly high, it will be a reason to induce, not a "reason," but try not to stress out about it. Some swelling is normal in pregnancy, especially in the feet and legs at the end. And a slight rise in BP is also normal as you approach your EDD.

I didn't realize a rise was normal so that is good to hear!! Thanks!

[srneda78]

Originally Posted by gagirl2008

I didn't realize a rise was normal so that is good to hear!! Thanks!

Yes, it's normal at the end to go up some.

Is everything still okay?

[gagirl2008]

Originally Posted by srneda78

Yes, it's normal at the end to go up some.

Is everything still okay?

Thanks for checking! I'm feeling fine still. I'll go to dr. today so we'll see what they say. My bp this morning at work was 137/86.