rediculous swelling/edema, doctor not overly concerned?

Lyssapee · January 2010

Anyone else?

I've had problems with swelling since 18 weeks. The HR OB and my peri aren't overly concerned since my blood pressure is normal.

BUT... it' starting to get REALLY uncomfortable. It used to go away during the night, now it just gets slightly better. I'm wearing shoes nearly 2 sizes larger and even my ugg boots are getting tight, to the point where I need help getting them off. My skin actually looks shiney bc it's so stretched. Lovely right?

It's not salt, I've super watching that, and I drink about a gallon of water a day.

But like I said, docs aren't overly concerned bc my blood pressure is good. I am puffy everywhere, I havent' worn my rings for about 6 weeks now.

I'm not the only one right? Right?

bump54321 · January 2010

I had pretty excessive swelling in my ankles and hands early on in pregnancy. I had to finally get a ring I could wear because I never took my wedding band off and it was actually cutting my finger Indifferent

But, like your doctor, mine was never worried about it because I didn't have pitting (where you push in and the imprint stays) and my blood pressure wasn't high. Now I have high blood pressure, I'm on strict bed rest, and they are super worried. I'd say, as long as you're not having high blood pressure or other symptoms and your doctors aren't worried about it, you're probably fine. They see so many pregnant women, they know what to look for. But, if you're really worried about it, get a second opinion.

Lyssapee · January 2010

Thanks! I'm going to the peri on monday.

My edema is putting in my feet and on my shin bone, but it has been, nothing new.

I hate to leave work early but if it's what I have to do, I have to do it.

I'm also going to call my OB nurse on monday. My OB doesn't have hours on monday.

k8enewlywed · January 2010

Same here very frustrating!

Anna&Matt · January 2010

I'm right there with you lyssa! It's actually started to improve in the past week or two if that's any consolation. I haven't done anything differently so I'm not sure why it's improving.

RoxBride · January 2010

Swelling, even really bad swelling isn't a danger sign during pregnancy. If you have swelling that never improves, and that is throughout all your body, not just your legs and feet, they'll look at other factors like blood pressure. But with good pressure readings, you are okay.

bride711 · January 2010

I had really bad swelling in my pregnancy as well. Hands, feet, arms, etc. I tried support stockings. ( you can get them at your local pharmacy) The medical term for them is "teds" you can even ask the pharmacist to help you seek them out when you are there. They are great to help minimize the swelling. And of course elevating them like all the docs say. I continued asking the docs about my swelling and they kept telling me I was fine. Just watch for any signs of BP increases, headaches, vision changes, protein in urine, etc. Sometimes women just develop an excess of fluid with none of these other things I listed above. But, if you are overly concerned you could always get a second opinion. You can also watch your weight. If you are gaining excessive amounts I would let your doc know. You just want to keep an eye on how much fluid retention you have. But, again some women retain more than others. The good thing is if your doctor is monitoring you closely. Just listen to your body and let them know what you feel. You know your body better than anyone else. Best of Luck:)

Married2MrWright · January 2010

Have you cut out all salt? If so, that may be part of the cause of your swelling. You need some salt to regulate your water retention. So you should have some in your diet, just not excessive amounts. I'd also up the water intake and make sure you're not sitting or standing for long periods of time. Lying on your left side for 30-60 minutes should help bring the swelling down.

JillAly · January 2010

I got really bad swelling in my feet and legs starting at week 13 (last pregnancy). It lasted throughout my entire pregnancy. Clarks makes great wide sandals that I wore a lot during my pregnancy.

The one thing my doctors were concerned about was blood clots so I had to have several ultrasounds on my legs to make sure everything was ok (it was).

I did get pre-e later in pregnancy (around 31 weeks) so even though it isn't affecting your BP now, I'd keep a close eye on it. When my BP started to rise, my doctor had me buy a digital BP monitor and check daily. When it spiked up to 130/100, she put me in the hospital and delivered ds at 36 weeks.

jmrussell03 · January 2010

I have had pitting edema since right before Christmas. Boderline high BP since before Thanksgiving. I have 1+ to 2+ protien. I am up to shoe sizes and into wides. My Uggs dont fit because I no longer have calves, but thighs that run straight to my toes. I actually measured the girth of my foot and it is 13 in. NOTHING makes them go down.

They (all 3 OB's in the practice) aren't worried about my swelling at all. The statement was that swelling is common in over 70% of pregnancys. It is no longer being used in the diagnosis of pre-e. Sudden facial edema or changes in vision are more of an indicator.

It was really upsetting to me too. But, all the bloodwork was negative and I trust my OB.

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