WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

Dealing with Pregnancy Swelling

Dealing with Pregnancy Swelling
Experiencing puffiness and swelling in the face, hands, and feet during pregnancy is a common concern for many expectant mothers.
This condition, known as edema, is a result of increased fluid retention in the body, which is a normal part of pregnancy.
While it can be uncomfortable, there are ways to manage and alleviate the swelling.
Causes of Pregnancy Swelling
  • During pregnancy, your body produces more blood and fluids to support your growing baby. This leads to an increased volume of blood and can result in fluid accumulation in tissues, causing swelling.
  • Hormonal changes can also play a role in water retention, as certain hormones influence how the body regulates fluids.
Common Areas of Swelling
  • Face: Facial puffiness can be a result of increased fluid retention in the facial tissues.
  • Hands: Swelling in the hands is common due to fluid buildup in the joints and tissues.
  • Feet and Ankles: Fluid accumulation in the lower extremities is frequent during pregnancy, leading to swelling in the feet and ankles.
Coping Strategies for Pregnancy Swelling
  • Elevate Your Feet: Elevating your feet whenever possible can help reduce swelling in the lower extremities.
  • Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can actually help flush out excess fluids and alleviate swelling.
  • Avoid Standing or Sitting for Prolonged Periods: Changing positions frequently can improve circulation and reduce fluid buildup.
  • Wear Comfortable Shoes: Opt for comfortable and supportive footwear that accommodates any foot swelling.
  • Avoid Excess Sodium: Reducing your salt intake can help manage water retention in the body.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While mild swelling is common during pregnancy, sudden or severe swelling could be a sign of a more serious condition called preeclampsia.
Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-related condition characterized by high blood pressure and can have serious implications for both the mother and the baby.
If you experience sudden and significant swelling, accompanied by other symptoms such as headaches, vision changes, or abdominal pain, it's essential to contact your healthcare provider promptly.
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B
BreAnna
3 Feb 2024

Dealing with pregnancy alone has to be by far the hardest thing ever!!!! my heart is screaming 😔🤦🏽‍♀️

4 comments
T
Taisha
You are as far as I am. I can be your companion 🥰 my bf is in and out with me so I get it
27 Mar 2024

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B
BreAnna
Im learning to adapt to the situation!! Im learning to accept that he doesn’t wanna be around , im use to sleeping alone and dealing with pain alone at night it’s not what i expected but it’s fine 🤦🏽‍♀️🤷🏽‍♀️I’ll be sooo glad when June come seem sooo far away
27 Mar 2024

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L
Liz
2 Aug 2023

OKAYYYY I AM FREAKING OUT. I’m in the first trimester. I didn’t have this happen with my other pregnancies. I’ve been dealing with so much breast pain and mild swelling. BUT WHAT THE HECK ARE THE LITTLE WHITE BUMPS THAT HAVE SHOWN UP ON MY BREASTS? I am so confused

5 comments
A
Ashley
Is it inside the nipple?
27 Mar 2024

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L
Liz
By inside do you mean on the areola
27 Mar 2024

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'*•.¸♡Hαყʅҽιɠԋ♡¸.•*'
21 Jul 2023

Is anyone else dealing with nose bleeds yet? Mine have officially started, and this is always the worst symptom I deal with during pregnancy 😩🙄

4 comments
🪷
🪷Shantel🪷
Yea they really do suck and they always happen to me in the morning when I’m trying to get ready for the day.
27 Mar 2024

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'
'*•.¸♡Hαყʅҽιɠԋ♡¸.•*'
That's when it happened to me today too ugh! 😥
27 Mar 2024

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B
Breanna
6 Jul 2023

Now, i know being almost 8 months pregnant and being its summer time and swelling is normal, but it swelling on just one side normal or should i start talking to my doctor?

2 comments
A
Amanda
My left ankle tends to swell but my right one doesn't so far and I'm 28 weeks.
27 Mar 2024

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J
Janelle
It’s normal
27 Mar 2024

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C
Chavanna
23 May 2023

Mommies I need help😩😩 Recently I have been dealing with severe feet swelling any recommendations?

6 comments
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🍹Jenni
Walking, elevating them on a pillow while relaxing or sleeping. Bath 🛀 with episome salt.
27 Mar 2024

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G
Gina
Plenty of water
27 Mar 2024

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K
Katie
21 May 2023

I have been struggling with my feet swelling and my hands are swelling I'm in so much pain my lower back is constantly hurting and my rib has a sharp pain that won't go away and I know that this is all just normal pregnancy stuff but I'm really struggling and I need help any advice on how to help with the pain

5 comments
J
Jasmine
You need to relax and drink plenty of water and elevate your feet.
27 Mar 2024

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q
queen
No boo go to the hospital I literally just had the same thing and it happen couple days before I turned 31 weeks I came into the hospital Friday I been here ever since and can’t leave the said it’s preeclampsia
27 Mar 2024

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K
Kadie
12 Apr 2023

Ankle swelling 😓 any one else dealing with this right now at 32 weeks pregnant? I had it bad yesterday but I think it’s cuz my socks and my leggings were too tight. Now this morning I woke up with them a tad swollen. Ughhh

2 comments
A
Amanda
me too girl even my legs it's crazy
27 Mar 2024

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Janelle
Randomly I’m swollen 😂 it’s annoying to stop and have to elevate my feet and relax my hands ‘ it’s almost over ladies
27 Mar 2024

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T
Tiara
26 Mar 2023

Is anyone dealing with pregnancy acne? I normally have dryer skin but now it's so oily and I'm starting to break out 😔

10 comments
𝓣
𝓣𝓲𝓯𝓯𝓪𝓷𝓨 💞
Yes just started tho... im in 3rd trimester
27 Mar 2024

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T
Tiara
I hate it because the stuff I normally use for my face can't be used while pregnant 🥲
27 Mar 2024

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K
Kristina
14 Mar 2023

Is anyone having trouble with their legs swelling during delivery/after. My legs swelling doesn't seem to be going down. What are some things I can do?

1 comments
J
Jojo31
Keep them elevated. My leg swell. It'll go down within the 2 weeks after birth. Don't do no house chores or stand on it to long!!!
27 Mar 2024

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K
Katrina
8 Jun 2022

Does anyone have any suggestions for swelling? I got extreem swelling (4+ shoe sizes) with my last pregnancy and I'm starting to swell again already.

2 comments
F
Fabiola
Hey good morning!!! Swelling at 16wp it’s not normal it might be something ur taking … i was like that with my other pregnancy n i had to stop taking prenatals now for this pregnancy I’m also not taking prenatals that stopped the swelling!! My body was reacting to a vitamin!!!
27 Mar 2024

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K
Katrina
tired but good morning! I honestly haven't been keeping up with my prenatals.. I asked my ob about it and he said just drink more water that he isn't a swelling dr🙄
27 Mar 2024

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