I'm blowing up like a balloon and I am not quite 30 weeks! Still a long way to go. I also swelled up with DD so it's not a surprise. My blood pressure has typically been perfect, so it's not really a major health concern or anything...
I know the answer is probably nothing, since that's what my midwife tells me... but I am willing to try anything, no matter how silly!!!
How can I reduce the insane swelling??? Help!
wonderful clementine / 24134 posts
Ive heard that drinking lots and lots of water can help. It helps flush some of the sodium that can impact swelling. Just make sure you are still eating enough (potassium and such).
wonderful pea / 17279 posts
Compression type clothing like panty hose helps. Elevating your legs when you sit. Epsom salt baths.
cantaloupe / 6397 posts
@pwnstar: The working out thing I definitely need to work on... haha. Thanks for the reminder 
cantaloupe / 6397 posts
@Mrs. Lemon-Lime: I hadn't heard of epsom salts... time for a nice bath I guess!
grapefruit / 4355 posts
Elevating helped a little. I didn't find exercise to have any affect.
pear / 1718 posts
@sslm: Swelling can also be caused by inadequate protein. You could try to monitor your protein intake for a few days, and if it is consistently less than 80 grams, adjust from there (to get between 80-120 grams).
nectarine / 2288 posts
If my feet were swollen elevating them helped. The downside was the swelling had to go somewhere and usually then settled in my lady parts. My ob said that could happen and it was way true for me. I usually drank extra water and tried ice and cool baths for my feet.
It does basically just suck tho.
wonderful olive / 19353 posts
I've heard lots of water and elevating/resting your legs helps!
GOLD / wonderful coconut / 33402 posts
My doctor had me work from home a couple days a week and it really helped. Sitting on the couch with my feet on the coffee table. Could you do that?
wonderful pea / 17279 posts
@sslm: sometimes I don't feel like taking a full bath and will just do a foot and calf soak. OMG the relief!
nectarine / 2148 posts
I have heard all the above things help, but. They didn't work for me...crying just made me feel better haha.
cantaloupe / 6397 posts
@Smurfette: I do have the ability to work from home, so maybe I will talk to my manager about that!
cantaloupe / 6397 posts
@Eko: seriously! I do want to cry. It's so bad everywhere, even in my legs. Crossing my legs feels uncomfortable. It's awful.
pear / 1718 posts
@sslm: I had awful swelling with my first (pitted edema in my lower legs). Most days, it was already bad by 10:30 in the morning. I am so sorry you are dealing with this! I am hoping it won't be as bad this pregnancy (I'm 14 weeks), but, only time will tell!
coconut / 8854 posts
I was super swollen with my LO also, and the only thing that helped me were compression socks.
pomelo / 5000 posts
Misery. I was in your shoes. Well, clogs....shoes did not fit. Legs on the wall offered some relief, as did soaking. But I mainly just suffered through it. I bought compression socks, but they cut into my swollen legs. My OB said I would need something that would go up over my belly to get any help with that.
nectarine / 2243 posts
and when a doc says to elevate your legs, it means to actually get your feet above your heart. Thats the most effective way (sit down and try this. It helps to really gauge what that means, simply sitting on the sofa or chair with your legs on a footrest won't cut it. its better than nothing but you really need gravity on your side on this one)
compression stockings: ted hose are great and you can get them at a medical supply store. they are cheap. travel sox are another brand but they are more $$$ (you can get them from amazon)
nectarine / 2987 posts
More protein, more water, and try walking or.doing some slow laps in a pool if you have access to one. And yes, legs have to go higher than you think to be elevated!!
nectarine / 2148 posts
@sslm: I hope you find something that helps! The end of pregnancy definitely sucks. I would elevate my feet and ice them at night. And pretend that crying helped drain the excess fluid.
cherry / 156 posts
I was told by a PA at my doctors office to watch my sugar and sodium intake and to add a little lemon juice in my water to help prevent swelling. I don't know if it works as I was lucky and didn't have very bad swelling during my pregnancy. Good luck.
pear / 1767 posts
I signed up for a prenatal swim class and after I'd leave the pool I'd miraculously shrink down to my prior size. I tried Epsom baths, sleeping with my feet propped on pillows, etc. and an hour in the pool was the only thing that helped. I'd swell back up the next day but the temporary relief was so worth it!
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