Is Swelling In Your Legs, Ankles, Feet And Fingers Normal During Pregnancy?

Most pregnant women experience some degree of swelling, but it’s not always easy to tell if the swelling is normal or if there is something wrong. Here are some tips for distinguishing between normal and abnormal swelling: If your swollen body part is painful, it’s probably not normal. Contact your doctor if the swelling is severe or persists beyond the first trimester. If you’ve been having frequent urination, you may be experiencing edema (swelling) in your bladder. Contact your doctor if the swelling increases in size or severity. If you have a fever, your body’s response to infection may be causing excessive fluid accumulation in your tissues. Contact your doctor if the swelling lasts more than a few days or if it reaches a level that is concerning.

Causes of Swelling in Pregnancy

There are a few reasons why pregnant women might experience swelling in different parts of their body. Click here pregnancy blog articles for expecting mothers to get more details. However, most cases of swelling are completely normal and will go away after the baby is born. Here are some of the most common causes of swelling during pregnancy: Water retention: This is one of the most common causes of swelling during pregnancy. As your body expands due to the influx of water, tissues can swell up as well. This usually decreases after around week 12 of your pregnancy. Gravid uterus: Your uterus (the organ that holds your baby) will continue to grow even when you’re not pregnant and this can cause some fluid retention. Placental growth: The placenta, which is attached to your baby and grows during early pregnancy, can also cause some fluid retention. Hormone fluctuations: Pregnancy hormones can cause your body to retain water and swell up, especially around the time of delivery. Preeclampsia: This condition is caused by high blood pressure and can lead to serious swelling in pregnant women. 

Why You Get Swollen Feet and Ankles

A lot of pregnant women experience swelling in their extremities. This is normal and generally goes away after the baby is born. Here are some reasons why you may experience swelling: You may be retaining water due to an increase in blood flow to your body. This is especially common during the first trimester when your body is growing and developing rapidly. You may have amniotic fluid retention, which is a result of the growth of the baby inside of you. Amniotic fluid helps cushion the baby and protects them from injury. You may be experiencing engorgement, which is a build up of blood in your tissues. This can happen because of a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). hCG triggers the production of collagen, which thickens the skin. You may have varicose veins, which are enlarged veins that can easily become blocked. Pregnancy causes an increase in blood flow, which can cause your veins to swell.Your feet and ankles may swell because you’re getting more exercise than usual or because you’re standing or sitting for long periods of time.  Pregnancy is an exciting time, but it can also be a physically and emotionally challenging one.