Where did my ankles go??

dmartin726

My feet have been super swollen since my shower on Sunday.  I guess all the standing around talking all day and then helping my mom get the house back in order.  (I'm not good at sitting still..)  But I have tried to rest and keep my feet up as much as possible and I dont feel like the swelling is going down.  Last night my feet looked so fat and uncomfortable that I propped them on 2 huge pillows while I slept but it didn't work, and I just looked down and realized that my ankles are GONE!  What can I do to alleviate this?  Not only does it look funny but it is getting to be really uncomfortable....anyone else dealing with this??

Im 33W5D so I knew it would happen eventually...but still

MilMom2B

I'm sure you already know all the preventative stuff (like proper shoes/socks, not crossing legs, stretching, etc) but once they're already swollen I've been told that propping them up for a while, drinking lots of water, and even soaking your feet and ankles in cool/cold water can help bring the swelling down.

I haven't had this issue, yet, so I don't know if this stuff works, but it's the advice I was given for when it does happen. GL! 

Hopeful11

Try drinking lots of water, sounds silly but it will help with swelling.  Also, watch your salt intake - don't completely cut it out but just don't over do it.  Not sure where you live but when it's humid or rainy mine swell up even more.  I have been dealing with swelling for the past 4 weeks and it goes from my toes to my calves.  Keep your feet up above your heart and that will help relieve the swelling.

aimeelynn116

Drink lots and lots of water. My doctor told me today I should be drinking at least 1.5 gallons of water a day I feel like I'm going to float away but it helps a lot with the swelling.

FordFalcor

I feel your pain. My feet and ankles look disgusting. They were so bad last night (on a date with DH for our third anniversary, of course...) that I started to worry that maybe my BP was high. I checked it this morning at one of those store things and it was normal so I guess I'm just puffy.

I wore sneakers today because my MW says flip flops, sandals, etc. can all contribute to the problem. We'll see how it goes.

 

jsong

This is exactly what happened to me too!  I had my baby shower on Sunday and was literally on my feet starting at 7:30 that morning until about 7pm and now.  I thought by yesterday, they would go down but nope, my feet and legs are still pretty swollen.  I've been doing everything that is recommended to help with the swelling but not much is helping. 

lissiealkie

I would definitely elevate your feet as much as possible, even if you don't want to sit still, and drink, drink, drink lots of water.  If the swelling doesn't go away at all after all this, give your doc a heads up at your next appointment or even give them a call.  Swelling is normal, but it should go away when you're feet are elevated and you've have lots of water. 

jesstellina

My swelling started at 19 weeks and has only gotten worse.   I just elevate my feet when I can, and if I'm planning to wear a skirt or something that shows my ankles, sometimes I'll wear compression stockings while elevating my feet beforehand. It helps to shrink them down a little bit!

I've really given up though. Last week I wore compression stockings all day at work one day, and when I got home my ankles were just as swollen as ever. Plus they made me too hot all day, so like I said, I'm just giving up now!

daisies05

I flew over the weekend and my ankles must have decided to stay out of state as they're nowhere to be found.  This happened with DS too though, so I wasn't super-surprised.  Things that helped me (some with swelling, some with the tight feeling of swelling), drinking lots of water, elevating my feet, soaking with epsom salts, and getting in a pool to walk/float/swim. I get puffy from my toes to my calves as well, so I feel your pain!

mum2jack&littleb

one other thing to note - it's important to get your feet/lower legs ABOVE the level of your heart when you elevate them.  Helps with venous return.   Also, if side-lying, lay in your left side more so than your right.

seadana

My feet and ankles have been swelling up since 30 weeks... started on my birthday the day before we moved! Wonderful timing!

I just try to elevate them as much as possible (I'm always drinking water too). OB said to walk and move less :-( I find that I need to elevate them more often than I can be on them (if that makes sense). Like if I take a 1 hour walk, I should relax and elevate for 1 1/2 hours. Or if I make dinner for 30 minutes, elevate for 1 hour after. As long as the swelling goes down each night I think you're OK.

Flip flops are the only footwear I'm wearing these days... but luckily I work for a non-profit and live in California so I can get away with wearing them to work everyday. 

cgrah1ai

ihearttab:

I feel your pain. My feet and ankles look disgusting. They were so bad last night (on a date with DH for our third anniversary, of course...) that I started to worry that maybe my BP was high. I checked it this morning at one of those store things and it was normal so I guess I'm just puffy.

I wore sneakers today because my MW says flip flops, sandals, etc. can all contribute to the problem. We'll see how it goes.

 

I'm on my feet most of the day teaching, and I can't wear any of my usual spring teaching sandals.  The swelling just started this week for me, but I've worn sneakers the last couple of days and it's been a little better.