Swollen ankles?

AKBrideinMD · April 2011

Does it seem a little early for swollen ankles? I noticed I had them on Tuesday and my doctor did too. She said she wasn't concerned because my blood pressure was fine and they haven't said anything about my urine sample so I'm going with the assumption that that was fine as well. My weight did go up a lot in the last month, but she thought it was probably water weight and she again said she wasn't concerned. This should have provided me peace of mind but instead I googled "swollen ankles in pregnancy" and everything about pre-e came up. I have been trying to drink more water (even though I feel like I'm already drinking and peeing all the time) and keep my feet elevated when I can. Did anyone have swollen ankles (this early) and it not result in pre-e?

SarahKate31 · April 2011

I'm trying to think when I first noticed swollen ankles and I think it was 28 weeks. But it could have been earlier, I just happened to look at my feet one night and thought, holy crap they're huge! lol...I now try to put my feet up at work and drink water, and sleep with my feet up at night too.

I know this is easier said than done, but if your BP is good and your Dr isn't worried, I'd try not to worry either. Lots of people have swelling that doesn't end up in pre-e, so hopefully it's nothing to worry about!

salc21 · April 2011

I have had swollen ankles since I was at your stage. Now I look like I have cartoon feet - including the tops of my feet, ankles, calves and knees. I am in the same boat you are though about blood pressue. I had my doctors appt today and mentioned it again, but everything in my urine is fine and my blood pressure is very good. My doctor just told me to make sure I drink a lot of water and get my feet up whenever possible. I asked about walking, and she said to try and limit it if my feet are this swollen and that compression socks can help. So, I'm only 25 days away from my due date and have had this issue for several months, and he is still very content inside - hopes this makes you feel better! Smile

AKBrideinMD · April 2011

Thanks, ladies - that does make me feel better.

I always feel better and worse after going to the doctor...better because everything looks great and they aren't worried, but worse because I am always wondering if they are missing something. lol.

jcsntms06 · April 2011

I had swollen ankles pretty early too. Probably at 25 weeks and my blood pressure had started to creep up too. Whenever possible I was putting my feet up, even at work. If your blood pressure is fine, then I would try not worry about it. When you get home and put your feet up, does the swelling go down? In the morning are your ankles swollen? If so then maybe you need to talk to your OB again.

Mella&T · April 2011

I had swollen ankles pretty early on (week 26 or 27) but they weren't nearly as bad as the bear claws I sport every day now. As long as you're not having sudden swelling in your hands and face, you're likely OK. Those are they key areas to watch for in terms of swelling. Always call your Dr if you're unsure though. Try keeping your feet up as much as possible and really watch your sodium intake.

weezie825 · April 2011

My hands and feet swelled up pretty badly and it turns out I was anemic. You may want to ask your doctor about taking an additional iron supplement.

KRMac · April 2011

I had them pretty early too (although I can't remember exactly what week it was.)

I cut as much sodium as I could out of my diet, in addition to putting my feet up as much as I could and drinking a ridiculous amount of water. GL!

ThePastor'sWife · April 2011

I might win for earliest cankles... Mine started to swell at 21w4d (checked my blog b/c I remember being horrified that they were starting to swell that early and therefore deciding it had to be blogged!). They only got worse from there... I never had a day after that that they weren't swollen, but I DO teach kindergarten and therefore spend all day on my feet. Anyway, my BP crept up slowly and consistently throughout my pregnancy, but never had any pre-e issues (although my dr was willing to induce at 39w b/c she was growing more concerned w/the swelling/constantly rising BP and LO was already over 8 lbs at 38w).

To try to combat it, I drank a TON of water (well over 100 oz daily) and kept my feet up from the time I got home until I went to bed. It really didn't matter, but at least I felt like I was doing something to help!

And FWIW, I walked into the hospital for delivery looking like I was sporting the Atlantic Ocean in one foot/ankle and the Pacific in the other, but it was drastically reduced by the time I checked out at 3 days PP and was gone entirely by 5 days PP. There's a light at the end of the tunnel!

ucgrad · April 2011

You could also try exercising more often, even if it is just going for walks. Exercise and increased water intake help with many of the annoying pregnancy symptoms like swelling and the dreaded c(onstipation).

AKBrideinMD · April 2011

ucgrad:
You could also try exercising more often, even if it is just going for walks. Exercise and increased water intake help with many of the annoying pregnancy symptoms like swelling and the dreaded c(onstipation).

I was doing the elliptical 5 days/week plus at least one hike a week before getting pregnant but I'm only doing it about half that now...I need to do it more, but I read online that walking a lot can make the swelling worse?! I hope not...I'm also hoping to take advantage of our pool come Memorial Day.

Thanks for all the tips/advice, ladies.

ucgrad · April 2011

The pool should actually help a lot - so said my doctor when I was pregnant over the summer.

I thought it helped because exercise helps with blood ciruclation which should help filter out the extra fluid. But, of course, I'm no doctor!

Informedbirthchoices · April 2011

I usully tell moms in my class that if they are not walking/exercising then their feet should be up. The walking helps circulation, the elevation helps the swelling so the two together are a great combo. Remember as the weather gets warmer the swelling will be harder to combat. As long as there is no protien in your urine, no elevated BP you should be fine. Swelling may be your "thing" in pregnancy. Some women get it bad!! and some never swell.

Good luck!

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