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Key takeaways

• Swelling (oedema) in pregnancy is common, especially in your legs, ankles, feet, and hands.
• It is caused by your body holding more water and pressure from your growing womb.
• Relieve swelling by elevating your legs, staying hydrated, and gentle exercise.
• Sudden or severe swelling, especially with other symptoms, needs urgent medical advice.

Understanding swelling in pregnancy

It is normal to experience some swelling during pregnancy. This is particularly common in your legs, ankles, feet, and fingers.

Your body holds more water than usual when you are pregnant. This extra water can gather in the lowest parts of your body.

This is why swelling can be worse at the end of the day. It can also be worse if the weather is hot or if you have been standing a lot.

The pressure from your growing womb can also affect blood flow in your legs. This can cause fluid to build up in your legs, ankles, and feet.

It is common to have some of this swelling (oedema), especially later in your pregnancy. Swelling or puffiness of your hands and feet is common in late pregnancy.

How to find relief from swelling

There are several ways to help manage and prevent swelling during pregnancy.

• Rest with feet raised – Try to rest with your feet up as much as you can. When sleeping, elevate your legs using pillows under your ankles or by placing books under the foot of your bed.
• Avoid standing for long periods – Limit the amount of time you spend standing.
• Wear comfortable items – Choose comfortable shoes and socks. Avoid tight straps or anything that might pinch if your feet swell.
• Stay hydrated – It is important to stay hydrated with caffeine-free and non-alcoholic drinks. Drinking less will not reduce fluid and could lead to dehydration.
• Exercise – Gentle exercise, such as regular walks or swimming, can help improve circulation.

Foot exercises

Foot exercises can improve blood circulation. They can also reduce swelling in your ankles and prevent calf muscle cramps. You can do these exercises sitting or standing.

1. Bend and stretch your foot up and down 30 times.
2. Rotate each foot in a circle 8 times one way and 8 times the other way.
3. Repeat with the other foot.

Compression stockings

Compression stockings can help reduce leg swelling. They can also improve circulation. You can buy graduated compression or support stockings at most pharmacies.

Wearing them on long car journeys (more than 4 hours) can help prevent blood clots.

Travel tips

If you are travelling, remember to move around regularly. If you fly, drink plenty of water and move about every 30 minutes or so. On long car journeys, stop regularly to get out and stretch.

You can also do foot exercises in the car when you are not driving. Flex and rotate your feet and wiggle your toes to keep blood flowing.

When swelling could be a sign of something more

Some swelling in pregnancy is normal. This normal swelling often gets worse at the end of the day. It happens in late pregnancy and comes on gradually. It usually gets better when you lie down and appear on both feet.

However, swelling can sometimes be a sign of a more serious condition. You should call your midwife or hospital maternity unit immediately if you have a sudden increase in swelling in your face, hands, or feet. This can be a sign of a serious condition related to high blood pressure in pregnancy (pre-eclampsia), which needs immediate assessment, treatment and monitoring. Most cases happen after 24 to 26 weeks of pregnancy, usually towards the end of pregnancy.

Pre-eclampsia symptoms to watch for

Symptoms of pre-eclampsia can include:

• A sudden increase in swelling in your face, hands, or feet.
• A very bad headache or a dull headache that will not go away.
• Problems with your vision, such as blurring or seeing flashing lights.
• Severe pain just below your ribs.
• Heartburn that does not go away with antacid medicine.
• Feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting).
• Feeling very unwell.

If you notice any of these symptoms, get medical advice immediately. Contact your GP surgery or NHS 111. If your face is swelling, tell your midwife, GP, or the hospital.

Swelling in one leg

Swelling in one leg can be a sign of a blood clot in a deep vein (deep vein thrombosis, or DVT). It's important to seek urgent medical care either through your GP or if not possible, by calling 111 if you have:

• Swelling in one leg.
• Throbbing pain in one leg.
• Warmth and/or redness in the painful area.