Condition
Swelling in Pregnancy (Edema): Normal vs Warning Signs
Mild swelling in your feet, ankles, and hands is common in pregnancy, especially late in the day and in warm weather. Most is normal, but sudden or severe swelling can be a sign of preeclampsia, so it is worth knowing the difference. This page is educational, not medical advice.
Call your clinician now for
- Sudden swelling of the face or around the eyes, or puffy hands, with a headache or vision changes (possible preeclampsia)
- Swelling in one leg with pain, warmth, or redness (possible blood clot)
- Swelling with shortness of breath or chest pain
Sudden facial or hand swelling with a headache or vision changes can mean preeclampsia. One-sided leg swelling with pain can mean a clot. Both need urgent care.
Normal swelling
Gradual swelling in the feet and ankles that is worse at the end of the day and better in the morning is usually normal. It comes from extra fluid and your growing uterus slowing blood return from the legs.
How to ease it
Put your feet up, avoid standing for long stretches, move and walk, drink water, lower very salty foods, wear comfortable shoes and support stockings, and rest on your left side. If swelling is sudden, one-sided, or in your face, call instead.
How Materna helps
Materna helps you tell everyday swelling from the patterns that need attention, tracks your blood pressure, and puts a bilingual nurse one tap away. Spanish-first and Medicaid-friendly.
Frequently asked questions
- Is swelling in pregnancy normal?
- Mild, gradual swelling in the feet and ankles is normal. Sudden swelling of the face or hands, or swelling with a headache or vision changes, can signal preeclampsia and needs a prompt call.
- How can I reduce swelling?
- Elevate your feet, stay active, drink water, lower salty foods, wear supportive shoes, and rest on your left side. Compression stockings can help.
- When is leg swelling dangerous?
- Swelling in one leg with pain, warmth, or redness can be a blood clot, which is an emergency. Call your clinician or 911 right away.
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