Needing outside opinions (kinda long)

HeartsOnABand · June 2012

Okay, I know that basically every Dr is different but I wanted to see what ya'll ladies thought about how my OB is handling my appointments and symptoms.

I have been swelling since around 26 weeks in my feet and ankles. Around that time my BP was in the norm range around 120/80, so my OB just told me to keep my feet elevated and drink plenty of fluids(water). 4 weeks ago at my biweekly check up my BP was 130/90 and my OB and nurse made a big deal about it. They said my bottom number was elevated and they wanted me to rest and drinks some cold water then they will check it again. When they checked it again it had gone down to 136/88 and they were content with that. My OB just told me it could have been the heat and to keep doing the same remedies regarding the swelling.

Well on Tuesday I had another biweekly appt. and I was very anxious to talk to her about my swelling. It seems that over the course of 6 days the swelling hasnt been going down over night like it normally would and I was really worried my BP was going to be elevated and something was going on. My BP ended up being 112/90 and my OB was okay with that and when I explained to her about my swelling and how it has progressed and has not been going down at all, she told me that was normal. She told me to keep my feet elevated and drink fluids like shes been telling me this whole time. I told her I basically drink my weight in water, I dont drink cokes or anything else-just water. I also told her I do very minimal walking and keep my feet propped up as much as I can and it just seems to be getting worse and not going down at all. She just smiles and says "Thats all normal dear, do you have any other questions or concerns for me?" This really upset me because I felt like she wasnt taking me seriously.

Ive read on here and heard from others that their Drs took a lot more precausion with their swelling and symptoms. I know swelling is very normal and common in pregnancy, but when women who have had children come up to me (my mother, MIL, even coworkers) and are like "Your swelling is SO bad you need to get off your feet now!" and "What has your OB said about your swelling?" it makes me wonder if my OB is doing everything needed to be done.

Anybody have any input, questions, similar instances? I may be over reacting about this but I am just concerned, its my first go round. TIA!

CourtneySue · June 2012

From my understanding the swelling is normal as long as your blood pressure stays good. It is just part of it that sucks. Cut out as much salt & no carbonated sodas etc from diet & see if that helps. However if is is that bad then you do need to stay off feet as much as possible.

ShelbehhRawrr · June 2012

HeartsOnABand:
Okay, I know that basically every Dr is different but I wanted to see what ya'll ladies thought about how my OB is handling my appointments and symptoms.

I have been swelling since around 26 weeks in my feet and ankles. Around that time my BP was in the norm range around 120/80, so my OB just told me to keep my feet elevated and drink plenty of fluids(water). 4 weeks ago at my biweekly check up my BP was 130/90 and my OB and nurse made a big deal about it. They said my bottom number was elevated and they wanted me to rest and drinks some cold water then they will check it again. When they checked it again it had gone down to 136/88 and they were content with that. My OB just told me it could have been the heat and to keep doing the same remedies regarding the swelling.

Well on Tuesday I had another biweekly appt. and I was very anxious to talk to her about my swelling. It seems that over the course of 6 days the swelling hasnt been going down over night like it normally would and I was really worried my BP was going to be elevated and something was going on. My BP ended up being 112/90 and my OB was okay with that and when I explained to her about my swelling and how it has progressed and has not been going down at all, she told me that was normal. She told me to keep my feet elevated and drink fluids like shes been telling me this whole time. I told her I basically drink my weight in water, I dont drink cokes or anything else-just water. I also told her I do very minimal walking and keep my feet propped up as much as I can and it just seems to be getting worse and not going down at all. She just smiles and says "Thats all normal dear, do you have any other questions or concerns for me?" This really upset me because I felt like she wasnt taking me seriously.

Ive read on here and heard from others that their Drs took a lot more precausion with their swelling and symptoms. I know swelling is very normal and common in pregnancy, but when women who have had children come up to me (my mother, MIL, even coworkers) and are like "Your swelling is SO bad you need to get off your feet now!" and "What has your OB said about your swelling?" it makes me wonder if my OB is doing everything needed to be done.

Anybody have any input, questions, similar instances? I may be over reacting about this but I am just concerned, its my first go round. TIA!

If I was you, I would consider getting a second opinion, if the concern is so bad, never assume you're over reacting. You're the mother and more than most of the time, you're right. I would schedule an appointment with another doctor just to be sure that everything is okay.

sarahbear · June 2012

Your doctor sounds fine. It can be normal to swell without having any underlying issues.

bsschroeder · June 2012

my feet have been swelling since 17 weeks, my BP is normal im not worried..

Buona Fortuna · June 2012

bsschroeder:
my feet have been swelling since 17 weeks, my BP is normal im not worried..

This is basically me. Since 17/18 weeks I've been able to push "dents" in my ankles and up my shins. I drink over 100 ounces of water and avoid salt. My blood pressure is good and urine is clear so no worries.

DemoDoll · June 2012

I wouldn't be too worried, like PPs have mentioned. Most of my friends IRL have had swelling with their pregnancies. One had it so bad she couldn't fit her feet into Uggs! And she was due in January AND she had a desk job so it wasn't like she was on her feet all day. Her doctor wasn't concerned.

From my personal experience, I have had swelling daily from about 25 weeks. It's been getting worse. I wake up in the morning and the swelling has barely gone down. I drink a lot of water and my blood pressure is actually pretty low, normally around 110/60.

Jessica Swanlake · June 2012

My feet and ankles started swelling at about 14 weeks with both my PP and this one- some people just retain water is what my OB told me and I am one of the chosen. As long as you are drinking tons, going to the bathroom frequently and your BP is stable, I would not be concerned. Just find some comfy shoes.

Mrs_Bennett · June 2012

IMO, I don't think your doctor is in the wrong. Some ladies just have a lot of pregnancy-related swelling--totally unrelated to blood pressure issues. Your BP sounds okay, and it seems like you're doing everything that you can be to help with the swelling. As long as she's still monitoring you (and your BP stays good), you should be fine.

I've heard that swimming can really help reduce swelling; have you tried that?

als33 · June 2012

i had major feet swelling last time and it never went down at night. my feet looked like a blown up glove, it was awful. i think as long as there are no other symptoms like high bp, it's normal and fine. but that's just from my experience!

MommyMelRN · June 2012

I agree, swelling is super common during pregnancy, sucks, but it's common. My midwife told me the best way to avoid/treat swelling is to increase my protein intake. The extra protein in your blood will help draw out extracellular fluid. 75-80 mg for prevention, 100 mg if I have swelling. It's worked for me so far! Good luck!

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