So swollen...

saisongbird · March 2014

I feel like the marshmallow man. Or woman. My feet and cankles are gross. I've gained 8 lbs in 3 weeks, most of it water. This morning, my right hand started swelling up. My blood pressure is low to normal and I'm not leaking protein (yes, I went to my doctor!). I'm not due until the 31st. I don't know how I'm going to make it until then. I had planned to work until the 21st. I'm now looking to stop sooner, since I'm on my feet all day.

Other than more water and trying to elevate, they had no suggestions. Any of you ladies find relief?

SassyFlats · March 2014

Honestly, the best relief for me is staying mostly off my feet and on the couch with feet up!

Sitting at a desk makes my feet look more like vaguely foot-shaped balloons.

I've heard watermelon is good for water retention, though!!!

PerkyErky · March 2014

As others have said, water and elevating your feet. Also limiting your salt intake might help. And yes watermelon is good too, it's a diuretic. Hope it settles down for you.

lazyreader · March 2014

I've also found that compression socks help. (In addition to elevation/rest and more water). It helps to get them on right when I wake up because that's when the swelling is lowest.

theluckiest9 · March 2014

Are you watching your salt intake?? Hope it gets better for you!

The week before last I gained 3lbs in a week, had swollen ankles and shins and stiffness. I'm like you - low BP, no protein, etc. the next week I lost 3lbs and the swelling went away. Maybe your body will surprise you and some of it will go away!

KayCee85 · March 2014

I also gained 5 lbs between my two appts and feel extremely puffy. I did have protein in my urine and my BP was higher than usual for me, but still considered normal. My OB didn't seem concerned and said the protein was "from the fluid." Okay cool.

ProudMommy030614 · March 2014

Stay away from camp fires for fear of roasting

) Hang in there due date buddy!

Eta words are hard

nisnyder · March 2014

My lips and cankles are out of this world!!! *headed out to find watermelon*

amholley1 · March 2014

I had the same problem! I ended up out of work 2 weeks earlier then I planned because nothing would help. It turned into pre-e and I was induced 9 days after I left work. I hope others better for you, really glad to hear your BP is low and no protein!

tsmith312 · March 2014

I have no advice , just to say I'm in the same boat ! I work at a desk job and sitting all day us no better !! I'm restricted to sneakers only ! Sweat pants and one pair if mat jeans that barely fit ! I drink water all day and elevate at night that doesn't help . I've been wearing compression socks they help a little . You can try a Epsom salt bath , that helps some people ! Hang in there it's march ( that's what I keep telling myself ) .

LaurenAsh23 · March 2014

My swelling is definitely worse, but I'm also being treated for a possible uti and being monitored closely for pre-e. I'm just trying to stay hydrated, keep my feet up and relax. I feel for ya!

sebullows · March 2014

Lots of water and less salt works MIRACLES for me! As soon as I stop being a camel, and stay on my feet all day, my entire body blows up like a balloon. That being said, as you get closer to the end, it becomes more and more difficult to control. But those things do help.

SurpriseAt39 · March 2014

Best way to get rid of the puffy swelling...deliver the baby.

Next best...if its your feet, keep them elevated above your heart (especially if they look like 'marshmallow man/woman' or 'vaguely foot shaped balloons' or like they are about to explode).

Also, increase water, decrease salt. Try an ice pack while elevating too.

If its your hands, it could be carpal tunnel. I've heard the splints help, but I haven't tried.
My hands just started a couple weeks ago. I'm due in less than 3 weeks, so I don't plan to spend the money to find out if they help or not, I'll just suck it up for now.

And less stress. Stress can cause all sorts of problems.

Good luck everyone.

Now that I'm done work, I plan to lay down as much as possible.

Edit:fix typo

SurpriseAt39 · March 2014

@ffwifey
I lay flat on my back frequently.
In fact, even at the hospital, they have me lay flat frequently.

The only time they had me change position was during my version on Friday. LO's heart beat dropped a little, so they had me lay on my right side while flipping baby so it would recover. It worked splendidly.

I only avoid my back if I'm uncomfortable.

knittinlins · March 2014

I am going through this too and wanted to say thanks for all of the advice people are putting up.

I will add another vote for compression socks, I put them on in the morning after elevating them for a few minutes - that seems to help.

saisongbird · March 2014

I treated myself to a mani-pedi and paid for a 10 minute foot and leg massage - SO GOOD - and the swelling is definitely down. Now elevating and drinking water like it's my job.

pepperedmoth · March 2014

I only juuuust started puffing a few days ago. Liters of water and avoiding salt are helping, as are ankle pumps!

It is no fun though.

jbelle · March 2014

What has worked for me:

Compression hose (link). FWIW, I'd try regular support stockings from any dept store first; my nurse totally told me to, but I really wanted to "real" thing because of varicose vein concerns and they are hard to get on! However, I sit all day, not stand, so a different sort of problem causer!
Exercise followed, if possible, by laying on my left side with my legs slightly elevated. I also do the ankle circles like @FFwifey suggested a few times throughout the day (and sometimes over night if I notice my swollen feet during a trip to the bathroom!).
Sodium: reduce, but not eliminate. I have low blood pressure and cutting my salt intake did not affect the swelling, and just made my blood pressure drop more leading to wooziness. Instead, I try to go somewhat low sodium with at least one regular or higher sodium meal a day.
Water and watered down gatorade. I'm drinking about 50% more than I was; gatorade has sodium in it so I avoided it at first, but I think that was a mistake for me.

I think the key can also be that your milage may vary. What works for me may not work for you and vice versa. I hope you can find some relief!

Kbhunter · March 2014

Yup swelling has started here too. I just feel puffier in general. It's really hard to sit at my desk at work, I'm so uncomfortable ( mostly my ribs and hips). Told my boss I was thinking my last week may be this week and she gave me attitude. Kind of pissed me off seeing as though I'm not even going back to work after the baby comes any way. How about I don't go at all next week then, jerk! Oh yea and I'm super bitchy the past week or so too. Haha

pepperedmoth · March 2014

Hmmm, what @jbelle says makes sense. I think the salt thing is variable for me too. I had to leave the house this AM at 5:15 so I got a fast-food breakfast sandwich which I VERY rarely do.....bad choice. Puffed up like the Michelin man. But ordinary levels of salt don't seem to bother so much, and I also have low BP and get woozy if I cut TOO far back.

Exercise helps me, too. It promotes venous return; that's why walking, exercise in general, and ankle circles/pumps all help.

Naniebeans · March 2014

Pretty much what everyone else has said, but I have noticed on the days I do yoga, they are waaaaay better!

july9*05bride · March 2014

Definitely elevate your feet above your heart any time you can. I was supposed to do that with my first pregnancy, but was inconvenient at work. Finally when I went on bed rest and had to lay down with my feet elevated did I start to reduce swelling. One week on bedrest on my left side and I was down 10 lbs of water. I was too far swollen that the drink more water, exercise, reduce salt advice didn't work. Try all of the suggestions above and see what works for you.

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So swollen...

Re: So swollen...

Married : 09/09/2011 BFP : 07-18-13 Baby #1 is a GIRL , Born 03/12/14

BFP 2 : 01- 05-15 EDD 09-11-15 **

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Want a personalized experience?

So swollen...

Re: So swollen...

Married : ** 09/09/2011 ** BFP : 07-18-13 ** Baby #1 is a GIRL , Born 03/12/14 **

** BFP 2 : 01- 05-15 ** EDD 09-11-15 **

Choose Another Board

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Married : 09/09/2011 BFP : 07-18-13 Baby #1 is a GIRL , Born 03/12/14

BFP 2 : 01- 05-15 EDD 09-11-15 **