38 weeks and feet are so swollen?

Question

im 38 weeks and my feet and ankles are so swollen. everyone says to put them and relax but its kinda hard with a 10 month old son running around. is it normal for feet to be swollen to the point that you can barely walk?? what can i do about it? any advice would be appreciated. thank u

Answer 1

It sounds like you have a handful right now. I was pre-eclamptic when I was pregnant. Swelling of the feet is normal towards the end, but if they are so bad that you can't walk here's what you need to do.

Take your son, and put him in the car, and go to a pharmacy close by. Have them take your blood pressure, or use a machine. Normal is 120/80. If your bottom number is over 90, you need to call your doctor today and let him know, or it may be a good idea to just drop in. It can be very dangerous and can get bad really quick. If your bottom number is over 100, then go on to the E.R. It may even be a good idea to get someone to drive you if you can. Also, look for signs of a bad headache and pain in your left side.

If your blood pressure is ok, then just relax when you can. If your feet are elevated then the fluid will drain out of them, so elevate them whenever you can, which is hard I know, but the effort will pay off.

Good luck.

Answer 2

Well, at worst it could be an early sign of preeclampsia, which I had with my first. Make sure you tell your doctor at your next appointment and make sure they check your blood pressure. High bp + swelling can mean preeclampsia.

BUT... Don't stress! It's more likely a mixture of the sheer weight you are carrying + heat + water retention, all off which are normal at this stage in pregnancy!

I have had the same problem for a week, I'll be 41 weeks tomorrow. My bp is down though, so they aren't worried. I also find it hard to walk, by the afternoons my feet are so swollen and tender I'm limping and I can't get my shoes on!

Try bathing your feet in cold water with salt, or getting your hubby/partner to massage them with a cooling lotion. Also, avoid fizzy drinks and salt in your diet. If you do manage to put your feet up (I know how you feel, I have a 5 year old!), put them up above the level of your heart. Just propping them on a stool won't actually help, they need to be higher than your heart for circulation. Try sleeping with a pillow under them too.

I hope I helped!

*Mum to Alex, 5, and Encarni, due a week ago*

Answer 3

Swollen feet and ankles are very normal during pregnancy. I know that doesn't make it any more comfortable, but it IS normal. When I was pregnant, I used to go sit on the edge of the swimming pool and put my feet in front of the jets. That felt REAL good. But if you don't have that at your disposal, AND you have a 10 month old running around.......may I recommend the Foot Fixer? You can get them at WalMart. It's a foot bath thing that you can soak your feet in, and massage them at the same time. And you can use it without water for a massage only in case you have to hop up real quickly to get your kid out of something he shouldn't be in.

Answer 4

you gotta be careful with that. Swelling is a symptom of pre eclampsia. I'm almost 38 weeks and mine have been swollen for weeks!. If your blood pressure is fine and you don't have protein in your urine your fine.

Only things I have found that help the swelling is drinking lots of water, foot massage, and trying to prop the up as much as you can. I know how hard that is with a little one, I have a 2 and a half year old! IF you have a recliner, try sleeping in it tonight. Or while watching TV, lay down on the couch and prop your feet up on the arm of it. I have also slept with my feet propped up on a pillow in bed.
You can also try cutting out a lot of salt in your diet, my swelling gets worse after Ive eaten something salty.
Good Luck! Your almost there!

Answer 5

Let your hubby show your 10 month old in a fun way how to rub your feet. Even on such a young age they love to help around the house and if he sees you are very proud of him doing that you might just get 10 min a day of him spoiling you. Even if he is not all that good at it, It will keep you off your feet and make him feel grate. Good luck!

Answer 6

swelling is normal. However the way you describe it I would be a bit concerned. Ask your doctor about it or better yet make an appointment. My doctor always tells me if it gets really bad I should call him. I have a two year and it's hard to keep your feet up for even a moment. You should still do it every chance you get, especially during his naps or when his distracted by tv.

Answer 7

Try to lower the salt intake and if they get to bad doc might would put you on some water pills to help but, try cutting back on salt intake first this can help a lot and of course at bed time prop your feet up very high where it can get above your chest and sleep like that for a couple of nights to see if that helps.

Answer 8

That could be a sign of dehydration. Drink 8oz. of water 3 times a day. You need to flush your system. It should take care of some of the swelling. You should also put your feet up. Tell your significant other to get their *** up and help you with the 10mo. old.

Answer 9

It's the heat and fluid retention. Cut WAY back on salt. You also should call your Dr. just in case it's your blood pressure.....even if it's been fine, call anyway...my blood pressure was perfect right up until 38 weeks then it shot WAY up. Feet up and lower salt...that's it. Good luck!

Answer 10

Go to the hopsital. NOW.

It sounds like you are on the verge of toxima. Get to the ER right now.

That's one of the warning signs of high blood pressure of toxima, a potentially deadly "disease" if left untreated. Ailment may be a better term.

Swollen feet and hands are normal. But if it gets to the point where walking is extremely painful, something is wrong.