im 35 weeks pregnant and i know swelling is normal, and i know i can call my doctor... but my ankles are swelling and its kind of painful, its not like major swelling or anything its just... annoying.. my question is, does anyone know any ways to reduce the swelling besides elevating my feet? thanks for any answers
2007-03-01 12:04:00 · 10 answers · asked by deceptions 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
also cut back on salt it makes you swell up because it makes you retain water ....that is the best i can give you
2007-03-01 12:07:49 · answer #1 · answered by pixiedust_asda2000 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It's edema. You need to drink more water. If you are retaining water then drinking more water will push it out. You need to elevate your feet whenever possible...but you already know that. You could wear support pantyhose...put them on when you first wake up in the morning so that the blood doesn't have the chance to cause the fluid to pool around your ankles. Are you eating a lot of salty foods? That will make you retain water as well. And lastly a little walking will help the swelling go down. Don't overdo it though.
2007-03-01 20:47:11 · answer #2 · answered by Angela 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Elevating ur feet will help, but not just "elevating" I had it real bad after my twins were born. My legs and feet and EVEN MY TOES were swelled up!I raised my feet in the air one at a time like u would if u were exercising. Really hope u don't get it as bad as I did, but I had to do that 2-3 times a day and all the swelling went away and my legs looked like water balloons or jello or something wiggly lol
Don't walk too much, avoid salt and be assured it goes away :)
2007-03-01 20:22:57 · answer #3 · answered by mommy2xatonce 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oh, how I hated the swelling of the ankles...I lived in flip flops till I gave birth (in December!!)...
The other answers are correct in telling you to cut back on salt and increase your intake of water. Elevating your feet does help, but laying on your left side works even better.
My doctors had me lay on my left side anytime I was resting because my blood pressure was slightly elevated - which can actually cause the swollen ankles. Even managing to lay down on your left side for 15 minutes can make a difference. Make sure you watch out for any additional swelling in your legs, face, etc, as they can be signs of preeclampsia.
Good luck with the delivery and baby!! (And just to give you a heads up...the swelling actually gets WORSE after you deliver - just for a few days, and then you will finally have your ankles back!)
2007-03-01 20:18:31 · answer #4 · answered by Hilary M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
• Put your feet up whenever possible. At work, it helps to keep a stool or pile of books under your desk. At home, lie on your left side when possible.
• Don't cross your legs or ankles while sitting.
• Stretch your legs frequently while sitting: Stretch your leg out, heel first, and gently flex your foot to stretch your calf muscles. Rotate your ankles and wiggle your toes.
• Take regular breaks from sitting or standing. A short walk every so often will help keep your blood circulating.
• Wear comfortable shoes that stretch to accommodate the swelling.
• Don't wear socks or stockings that have tight bands around the ankles or calves.
• Try waist-high maternity support stockings. Put them on before you get out of bed in the morning so blood doesn't have a chance to pool around your ankles.
• Drink plenty of water. Surprisingly, this helps your body retain less water.
• Exercise regularly, especially by walking, swimming, or riding an exercise bike. Or try a water aerobics class — immersion in water may temporarily help reduce swelling, particularly if the water level is up near your shoulders.
• Eat well, and avoid junk food.
i love this website..this will help alittle more for you ...good luck and congrats..
http://www.babycenter.com/refcap/pregnancy/prenatalhealth/230.html
2007-03-01 21:51:48 · answer #5 · answered by ~Ashley~ 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
mommy:
elevating your feet is great! and taking occasional breaks off your feet also great!doesnt sound like edima, and if your on your feet allday, you cant help but swell with the baby weight. not sure whats on your feet, but definetly treat yourself to a new pair of sneakers(tennis shoes) and bedroom slippers and new socks . theyll make a big difference, BUT LET THE DOC KNOW YOU NOTICE SWELLING!!! IT MAY BE AN EARLY SIGN OF EDIMA!!!
CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU !!! BEST OF LUCK, MOMMY!!!
2007-03-01 20:17:21 · answer #6 · answered by kim t 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Drink lots of water, cut back on salt and try ice packs on your ankles, sometimed support hose work too.
2007-03-01 20:58:30 · answer #7 · answered by tayshea143 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
put some kind of medicine for feet on your ankles and it will stop
2007-03-01 20:11:07 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I know it sound contradictory but drink lots of fluids.
2007-03-01 20:08:20 · answer #9 · answered by krispeds 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
increase your water intake..drink it cold.
2007-03-01 20:08:15 · answer #10 · answered by Shawnaj 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋