News Moms Need

Are you pregnant and feeling like a puff ball? It’s normal for your body to produce and retain more fluid during pregnancy, particularly during the last few months. This can cause slight swelling (called edema), particularly in the legs, feet and ankles, but also in the hands and face. This swelling may be worse towards the end of the day or during hot summer months.

While you may find it slightly annoying, the extra fluid in your body helps prepare you for pregnancy and delivery. It allows your tissues to handle the growth of your baby. It also prepares your pelvic area for labor and delivery. Much of the weight you gain during pregnancy is from extra fluids. The good news is that your body usually gets rid of them in the days after delivery.

During late pregnancy, your growing uterus puts pressure on the veins to your legs and feet. This slows blood circulation and causes even more fluid to build up in your feet and ankles – did somebody say cankles? Standing or sitting with your feet on the floor for long periods of time can increase the pressure on these veins. Put those tootsies up when you can!

Again, some swelling, particularly in the feet and ankles, is normal during pregnancy. But if your swelling is severe, contact your health provider. Click on this link to read some tips for relieving and managing normal swelling.

Your feet could hurt for any number of reasons.  They might be swollen from fluid retention or if your weight gain is on the high side, they might be fat or they might just be expanding.  Yes, it’s true along with all of your other joints, your feet will spread. Sorta scary if you are already a size 9W like I am.  And it’s possible that your feet may stay larger—as much as full size. Yikes.   
 
Puffy feet and ankles are common during pregnancy.  As many as 75% of women develop swelling at some point.  It is especially common in warm weather, or after standing or sitting for long periods and late in the day.  Often the swelling disappears overnight. 

If your feet are swollen or (gulp) bigger, shop for new shoes at the end of the day when your feet are tired and the most swollen.  Look for shoes with low heels, a wide toebox, and made of natural material, leather or canvas so your feet can breathe.