WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

Swollen hands & feet

Swollen hands & feet
It’s when your hands and feets start puffing up. A sure sign this is you? Rings no longer easily slip on your fingers or your favorite shoes can feel super tight in a few days.
Juliette Seblon
Midwife for 8+ years
Is it normal?
3/4 women are concerned with swollen hands and feet. 

During pregnancy, your body generates about 50% more blood and other body fluids for your baby’s growth. Some of that extra fluid fills up your tissues, especially in your hands, feet and ankles. 

Why? To soften your body, allowing your joints and tissues to open up and prepare for delivery. You’ll usually see more swelling around your fifth month, lasting through the third trimester.
Prevent and care
Proper management of swelling, such as elevating the affected areas and avoiding prolonged standing, is important to avoid discomfort and potential complications.
  • Elevate your hands and feet whenever possible to reduce fluid accumulation. 
  • Avoid excessive sodium intake to minimize fluid retention. 
  • Wear comfortable, supportive shoes and avoid tight clothing.
If you had high blood pressure before pregnancy you should report any swelling to a GP or midwife. This is because people with high blood pressure are more likely to develop pre-eclampsia. It is always best to check.
Juliette, Midwife for 8+ years
When to consult?
Prompt medical advice is crucial for sudden and severe swelling as it could be a sign of serious health issues like preeclampsia during pregnancy or deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT forms blood clots in deep veins and may be indicated by pain, heaviness, redness, and warmth in one leg. 

Seeking guidance quickly is essential to prevent life-threatening complications.
Top Asked Questions
Why do hormonal changes during pregnancy cause swollen hands and feet, and when is it most common?

Hormonal fluctuations and increased blood volume can lead to fluid retention, and swelling is most common during the third trimester.

Are there specific exercises to alleviate swollen hands and feet during pregnancy?

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When should I consult with a healthcare provider about severe swelling during pregnancy?

If swelling is sudden, severe, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as high blood pressure, contact your healthcare provider promptly.

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All I Need to Know
S
Shameka
26 Dec 2023

My hands and feet are swollen nd I didn’t have any of these problems with my last 2 pregnancy is it ok or should I call my doctor or just go to the hospital

3 comments
A
Abby
Go to hospital if it is sudden and severe
27 Mar 2024

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S
Shameka
I’m thinking I’m gonna do just that
27 Mar 2024

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A
Adriana
27 Jun 2023

I’m really swollen from my feet and hands and have been having light headache is this normal or should I go get check

11 comments
t
telly
please go get checked
27 Mar 2024

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A
Amanda
Swollen feet safe. Swollen hands no. Go get checked
27 Mar 2024

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M
Marlena
12 Jun 2023

My feet swell and my hands but I couldn’t sleep last night bc My hands hurt so bad , I literally wake up with my hands so swollen and rough I can’t even grip anything, is there something you do to make this some what better.

1 comments
S
Sarah
It's from carpal tunnel very common try wrist braces or sleeves not to tight though
27 Mar 2024

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Shannon
24 May 2023

Please can someone tell me if there anyone that know if it’s normal to have headaches and swollen feet hands is normal for pregnancy this headache comes in goes ugh help?

8 comments
S
Shannon
Ooo my gosh thank you I was about to start freaking out going to the worst thing possible thank you so much lol ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
27 Mar 2024

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T
Tamara
Just be weary of preeclampsia 🫶🏾if the swelling gets bad
27 Mar 2024

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C
Chazcityy Lei
2 Apr 2023

Swollen hands & feet are no joke. It’s get this baby out of me o’clock🤣😭

1 comments
C
Ciera
Same here but I’m only 5 months
27 Mar 2024

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A
Angel
6 Jan 2023

Swollen hands and feet 😩😂🤣 GREAT!!! Now I’m getting numbness from my hands to my feet 🤣

15 comments
A
Angel
What is this a sign of? If you don’t mind me asking
27 Mar 2024

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D
Dorcus
It’s very normal mama mostly us having twins my doctor said it’s normal
27 Mar 2024

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C
Cryss
5 Dec 2022

So I just noticed that my feet and hands are swollen so I just took of my ring off because it was literally hurting! is anyone else experiencing that at the end of their pregnancy ?

12 comments
S
Slim
Swelling is common at the end of your pregnancy!
27 Mar 2024

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C
Cryss
Oh ok I was a little worried cause I don’t remember getting swelling with my first but then again I heard every pregnancy is different thanks
27 Mar 2024

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S
Stephanie
12 Nov 2022

I’m about to be 39 weeks pregnant 🤰🏽 this Saturday and my feet 👣 are swollen hurting and it feels like I’m walking on water 💧 and my hands 🙌🏽 are swollen

19 comments
C
Claudia
😨😱😱😱
27 Mar 2024

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S
Sarah
Get yourself some compression socks.
27 Mar 2024

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v
verenise
11 Jul 2022

So I'm 35 weeks tomorrow, my hands, feet, and ankles are super swollen! I'm tired and they ache 😪 any advice mommas?

2 comments
C
Cheyenne
Salt water bath works wonders
27 Mar 2024

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C
Courtney
Drink water, compression socks & keep feet elevated when can
27 Mar 2024

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F
Faith
6 Jun 2022

I my feet have and hands have been so swollen. Is this normal this is my first pregnancy I’m 20 weeks pregnant idk if I should be worried or not.

3 comments
s
sade
Soo normal get some ice hot in jar rub on put socks on.... U will feel different so fast
27 Mar 2024

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J
Jessica
Do you eat alot of salty foods? It could be that.
27 Mar 2024

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