My ankles have started swelling up recently, and it's making me uncomfortable. Why do ankles swell in pregnancy, and is there anything I can do about it?
I totally understand how frustrating and scary it is to watch your ankles puff up like balloons. It's mostly because of fluid retention and blood flow, which is very common. Just try to keep your feet elevated and take a deep breath.
Swelling can be normal, but please check with your gynac to rule out high blood pressure or preeclampsia. It's always better to be cautious when it comes to sudden swelling in pregnancy.
It's just fluid retention and the pressure of your growing uterus on your veins. Keep your feet elevated whenever you sit and reduce your salt intake a bit. If the swelling is sudden, get your blood pressure checked immediately.
Swelling is common due to extra fluid, but the doctors at my hospital strictly told me to monitor it. If the swelling is sudden or accompanied by high BP or headache, call your hospital immediately. Better to clarify with your gynac team.
This happened to me heavily in my third trimester, and sitting with my feet up on a stool really helped. It's just your body holding extra water to support the baby. Try doing light ankle rotations to improve circulation.
