i had been swelling for the last week, i'm 38 weeks pregnant.. read more ...?

Question

i'm 38 weeks preganant and i feel like a turtle my hands are so swollen i cant even make a fist, my feet hurt so much that i cant even walk, i asked my doctor and instead of letting me know what could make it better he told me "what were you specting, you are pregnant" so please dont be rude. anyone who is going trhough the same thing??

i already try to elevate my feet but it doesnt seem to help,
thanks for all your answers!!

Answer 1

I'm assuming your blood pressure is normal? That is important to check with lots of swelling.

Here's my swelling remedy. It worked for me when I was very swollen and had pre-eclampsia. I lost 5 lb of water in a week (and no that wasn't dangerous- I had so much water on me it was ridiculous). Anyway, you take 2 tbsp of lemon juice and 1 1/2 teaspoons of cream of tartar. Dissolve in a cup of water and drink. You can add sugar if you want to improve the taste. Within three days your swelling will be much better.

You also might want to get a new doctor. No it's not too late. You don't want a jerk delivering your baby.

Answer 2

I went through the same thing! My friend was even worse. It is frightening to see your hands and ankles swell like balloons. There is not a lot that can be done. My heart goes out to you! Have someone massage unscented lotion on your feet/ankles and legs. It will help with the discomfort. Lay down as much as you can. And make sure you are on your side, use a bunch of pillows between you knees, ankles, belly and a few to support your back. Take it easy on salty foods, and hang in there you are almost there and just daydream about the beautiful baby you will have soon!
If this is your 1st baby, get as much sleep as humanly possible, you won't get another good nights rest till around 4-6 months.
Boy your DR. sounds like a bit of a jerk! I guess he must have failed the bedside manner training!
Good Luck to you! It will be worth it!
Oh yes please have your BP (blood pressure) monitored very closely

Answer 3

The first thing, is to drink a lot of water. While it doesn't seem like it makes sense to get rid of fluids by taking in more, the extra fluids will help flush out your system of waste products which may have increased swelling. You really need at least 8 eight ounce glasses of water a day.
Don't wear elastic topped socks or knee-hi pantyhose.
Wear comfortable shoes. Slip on types work best.
Put your feet up when possible.
If you stand at work, try to move around slightly or get a stool to prop a foot up.
Try support pantyhose.

Answer 4

Keep drinking plenty of water.
I'm surprised that you OB didn't make a big deal out of your hands being swollen. Mine told me if it was just my feet that it wasn't a problem but if my hands or face swelled to come in because my blood pressure could be rising.

Otherwise elevating your feet, soaking in the tub are pretty much all I can offer for advice

Answer 5

Oh, that is misrable:( I swelled with my first really bad and all I could do was put my feet up and rest. I'm currently 14 weeks and have yet to experience that wonderful symptom- currently trying to finally be rid of the morning sickness. Try staying away from salty foods as this contributes to water retention. Good Luck, Hun! Give me 4 or so more months and I'll be right there with you, I'm sure!

Answer 6

As long as your blood pressure is normal, you should be ok. My daughter just had a baby 7 weeks ago, and was terribly swollen, especially her legs and feet, but her blood pressure was always normal. She was very uncomfortable and had to quit work a couple of weeks early to get off her feet. That helped a lot! She gained 50 lbs and has lost 37 lbs already just from the fluid retention. I wouldn't worry too much, you'll be fine. After you see that baby, you'll realize it was all worth it!

Answer 7

well your doc should have not been so rude. But swelling is a part of pregnancy, but you sound like you are way to swollen. put your hands and feet up. make sure you try and reduce the amount of salt/sodium in your diet and drink plenty of water. totally cut out soda, it has a ton of sodium and will make you swell really bad. I do understand. I am 37 weeks tomorrow and my husband looked at my legs last night and told me I was really swollen also....ouch!

Answer 8

I'm totally swollen right now too. It's definitely not good to have too much swelling because that can affect your blood pressure and that can hurt the baby. You should be careful and if you feel worse, you should call your Dr for more advice. After you have your baby, you should consider changing Dr's. I wouldn't take that kind of attitude to the person you're supposed to trust to give you good advice!

Answer 9

I went through the same thing when pregnant with my son. It was towards the end of the pregnancy and my doctor told me (in a much nicer way I might add) that it was all water weight and is pretty normal at the end of the pregnancy. I was so huge at one point, shoes wouldn't even go on my feet. Good luck with everything!! :)

Answer 10

I agree with blueeyes. I had toxemia with my last 2 children and let me tell you ... the swelling you are describing brings back awful memories. If you are worried that your doctor isn't concerned about it you have every right to be. I would suggest going to labor and delivery and having them check your blood pressure. Toxemia can get really bad really fast. And can cause seizures, coma, and even death of the mom and baby. It is nothing to fool around with. The legs and feet aren't as big of a deal as the face and hands. That means trouble!! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE get checked!!!!!