Baby-Moon Dilemma/ 3+ Pitting Edema

RNMegan0711 · February 2016

Hey Ladies- I'm in need of some good advice/opinions. I have an apt. with the Doctor on Monday for our 24 week checkup and obviously her suggestion will be the final say. But, until then I'd love some thoughts from you all.

I'm a nurse and unfortunately my schedule is 3-4..13ish hour days of work every week. Long long hours and the big majority of it is on my feet. This week I worked Monday-Wednesday and lately every day that I come home from work I've had horrible edema (swelling) in my bilateral lower legs and ankles. This Wednesday I came home and noticed it was extremely bad. 3+ (at LEAST) pitting edema (this is where you use a thumb print and push into your ankle/shin or where ever you're experiencing edema and it leaves an indentation from the fluid build up for at least 3 seconds etc). In my case, I could have left the indentation for at least a minute in my shins and ankles. It was alarming to me...particularly because I AM a nurse and I know that this is a warning sign/marker for Pre-Eclampsia.

That being said, my husband and my 1 year anniversary is March 7th and we have planned for the past three months or so to return to Disney (we had our honeymoon there..and are big Disney people.

) for a four day long weekend in the parks. We've already bought our hotel room nights/food plan package for the four days in the parks etc. We knew that we were going to have to take it slow, although there is A LOT of walking involved with going to Disney, we planned to see a lot of shows and drink plenty of water etc. Well...ever since I've been swelling this much. EVERYONE is telling us that we shouldn't go. That it would put too much stress on me and the baby considering just 13 hours of work makes me swell up so much ..Disney would definitely be MORE walking.

Writing this...I know that I probably should cancel the trip. It does make the most amount of sense but I'm so sad and upset that we ultimately won't be doing a Baby Moon or celebrating our 1 year anniversary the way that we had wanted to. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance.

MsBeachNJ · February 2016

@RNMegan0711 I'm sorry to hear about this! It sounds like you already know cancelling is the way to go, unless you could get a wheelchair for your time in the park? It would be such a shame for you to go and get so swollen that you couldn't enjoy it being there... maybe you could plan a wonderful 2nd anniversary trip & be able to bring your LO! (My first time at Disney I was 9 months). Hugs to you, I know its disappointing but maybe you and DH could plan the weekend at a B&B or something else driving distance where you could still get plenty or rest but have a romantic time?

Rosehip15 · February 2016

Hmmm... Depends how "easy" you're willing to take it at Disney, and have it still be worth it.

Do compression stockings help at all? Does it resolve with elevating your legs? How's your BP? I'd defer to your doc, of course, but I think it's not necessarily an absolute no, IF you can get the swelling under control AND your BP is ok, you don't have proteinuria, etc.

Also, driving or flying?

princessandthegator · February 2016

@RNMegan0711 I would talk to your MD but I'm pretty sure you can do it. Go to guest services when you get into the park and ask for a DAS (Disability Access Pass). They don't ask why, but if they should explain that you are far along in pregnancy and are exhibiting signs of pre-eclampsia (you could even have your MD write a note for you). This will get you and hubby into rides faster and you won't have to wait in line for anything, think of it as a fastpass but for people who can't physically wait in line. If your hotel is on property even better because you can take breaks, nap etc. DH and I are big Disneyphiles and we booked our babymoon at WDW specifically for this reason.

Also, rent the wheelchair. At first you'll feel silly but better to feel that way than to be exhausted or have to be rushed to a local hospital because of pregnancy complications. WDW is one of the friendliest places for babymoons.

Edited because I forgot to add the wheelchair. That's important

RNMegan0711 · February 2016

@Rosehip15 - we are driving there but we only live 3 hours away. Compression stalkings help but only if I can find ones that stay up the entire day...which I haven't been able to lately so I haven't been wearing them. And I wouldn't wear them at Disney. First thing I did when I got home and noticed the swelling was take my BP And it was 108/45 so thankfully my BP has always been good. I'll know more I'm sure after my apt with the doc on Monday as far as proteinuria etc. And yes, it did resolve after laying down and sleeping that night. Next day and the swelling was gone so that's all good signs thankfully.

RNMegan0711 · February 2016

@mrsmartinez16 that's a good idea about the DAS- I hadn't really thought about that. I guess I always thought I'd feel bad using something like that for pregnancy etc but I am concerned that a wheelchair isn't going to be enough. I've read that sitting is almost as bad as walking in pregnancy with swelling because it cuts circulation at the hip. So I'm not even sure if the wheelchair idea would help or not. I definitely would be less tired from walking but I'd also feel like a lazy preggo and probably not let my hubby push me around too much in it. Do you think that our doc would actually write a pass for that??

princessandthegator · February 2016

Absolutely. It's probably what we're going to do because I'm already pretty breathless and we're not going until March. Talk to the MD and explain the situation, that you've already booked everything and would like to have the time alone with your H but are afraid of how standing/waiting in lines/heat will effect you. I am certain they'll write something. Although, like I said, you may not need it. It'll probably depend on how slammed they are that day. The good thing is if you don't want the wheelchair there are plenty of places to sit, get AC, or relax if you fell bad. And there's clinics in the parks as well. The DAS system was made for this precise purpose, it's not like you're "pulling the pregnancy card". We shouldn't be overexerting ourselves as we get close to the third trimester, and Disney still wants to make money off your business. Go for it and enjoy your babymoon!!

BTW we're date twins...Yay us!

PBear93 · February 2016

You don't need a pass/note for a wheelchair. The DAS is so you don't have to stand in line as long, which I'm sure your Dr would be all for.
and if you get a wheelchair you could put your legs up in it to help some with the swelling and you wouldn't have to use it the whole time. Maybe walk in the mornings and pick it up when you get tired and it starts to get warmer (I think being hot just makes the swelling worse).

kyt10 · February 2016

Lurker here - doctor (gyn, don't do OB anymore), and Disney fan who used to live in FL, ha!

If your BP is great, at only 24 weeks the edema is almost certainly just dependent from the standing, as you said, so not officially a reason to skip the trip entirely unless your OB says otherwise.

I highly recommend not just a wheelchair, but renting a scooter there! I did that when I went at 34 weeks with my last pregnancy, and it was AMAZING. I joked that I finally understood why people used them at Target, the mall, etc

I think it was like $50-75, made life SO much easier, and your husband doesn't have to push you.

Walking increases blood flow, esp if warm out, which would increase that pressure in your legs. You're really not sitting for long, you can always get up, stretch your legs, you're just not walking 5 miles a day (I think avg Disney trip involves that much walking).

Also the TED/compression stockings, minimizing salt, lots of breaks indoors, all the stuff you know already.

Have fun!

RNMegan0711 · February 2016

@mrsmartinez0714 aw date twins! Love all your suggestions. I think the DAS pass is a great idea. I'll bring it up to my OB on Monday at our apt.

@PBear93 That's true- we wouldn't have to use it ALL the time. You're right, the heat does make things worse. It's been cooler here the last few weeks...maybe the cool weather will hang around until we go in 3 weeks.

@kyt10 thanks so much for chiming in! Yeah, I was relieved to see that my BP was good and that the edema fully went away over night. It's definitely dependent. The scooter is a great idea. My husband had mentioned that as well, I'm sure he'll be jealous. lol.

I'll make sure to double check everything on Monday with my doc at our apt. but you all have given me some hope that all is not lost for our much awaited Disney baby moon/anniversary.

violetmarie61516 · February 2016

I work in the medical field too so I agree that is a lot of edema. That being said, I personally would still go. Vacations are so much more relaxed than work and you can sit in a wheelchair or just take breaks through the park as you want. My husband and I actually went to Disney following an embryo transfer. When I say went to Disney I mean we spent about 2-3 hours in the parks and the rest of the time in restaurants or the hotel relaxing and enjoying each other. We loved our trip and I would do it again!!

Linsbins · February 2016

Call ahead to Disney and double check the pass system. My dad used it when I was little since he's had multiple surgeries on both knees, and back then you could just get a pass. Then they changed the system and needed a doctor's note, and I know they've changed it again in the last year because of people abusing the system. You should be able to get a pass, or whatever you need, but have then give you a list of documentation etc that you may need so you don't show up without it. We did Disney World last year and there's plenty of places/entertainment/etc to entertain you while you relax. You should also hit it right before the spring break crowds so hopefully it won't be as packed. Sounds like a great time!

mar101483 · February 2016

You sound just like me! Same job, same hours, different swelling. Are you monitoring your bp at work? If not, you should start. My legs swell after a long shift too, but it's never pitting. I don't think you should cancel your trip just yet. I think walking around Disney will not be as strenuous as work. You can stop and put your feet up anytime you want. Plus, you're not stopping working right? So why not go on vacation? Talk to your OB, but I feel like you should be good to go.

Tawny87 · February 2016

I would personally abstain if it were me. In a multiple pregnancy the risk of pre-e etc is so much higher and if you are having this much trouble from swelling at this gestation it could likely get worse from being on your feet later on in your pregnancy.

ETA: sorry I got your screen name mixed up with the names of one of the ladies having twins. Ignore the part about multiples

HBamama2B · February 2016

For Christmas my parents got me Tommy Copper socks. They are spendy, but truly amazing and they have a 25% off sale right now. My sister, a nurse like you

, has to wear compression socks 24/7 (due to a graft and significant tissue/muscle loss in her left ankle/calf) and swears by them. I'm trying mine for the first time tonight on our road trip and they e been great. Hope you have a great trip and work becomes less difficult!

LizM61409 · February 2016

I've been wearing sockwell compression socks- pricey but I've had no issues with them not staying up

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