Why are my legs and feet swollen during pregnancy? – Leg swelling occurs in pregnancy due to the body holding more water than normal during pregnancy. This is due to the activities of the hormones of pregnancy. The enlarged uterus may also contribute to this swelling due to the pressure of the growing uterus on the blood vessels that return blood from the lower part of the body to the heart, thus reducing the speed at which those vessels are emptied.

This delayed emptying causes the extra water in the blood to spill into the surrounding tissues, thus causing the legs to swell. The swelling may affect other parts of the body like the hands, face, abdomen etc.

Is leg swelling in pregnancy normal?

To a large extent, it is normal to have some swelling of the legs in pregnancy as a result of the reasons earlier given. This normal leg swelling appears gradually over time. Though it may cause some discomfort, this kind of swelling does not affect either the mother or baby negatively.

Is every woman affected by leg swelling in pregnancy?

Not every pregnant woman is affected by leg swelling. This relates to the difference in body reaction to different situations. A woman who did not have leg swelling in a previous pregnancy may have in another pregnancy.

At what stage of pregnancy does leg swelling occur?

Leg swelling may start in the second trimester (from 4th to 6th month of pregnancy) but more commonly become prominent in 3rd trimester (from 7th to 9th month of pregnancy).

When does leg swelling in pregnancy become abnormal?

The normal leg swelling in pregnancy appears gradually. When there is rapidly developing leg swelling alongside puffy face or generalized body swelling, it calls for concern as this may be associated with high blood pressure in pregnancy (preeclampsia). Abnormal causes of leg swelling in pregnancy include:

1. Preeclampsia – A type of high blood pressure unique to pregnancy
2. Anaemia – Low blood level
3. Heart failure
4. Kidney failure

When should I become worried with leg swelling in pregnancy?

You should be worried with leg swelling in pregnancy if it is accompanied with any or a combination of the following:

1. Swelling affecting the whole body
2. High blood pressure
3. Serious headache that is not relieved with simple pain relief medication
4. Feeling very sick (associated with nausea and vomiting)
5. Blurring of vision or seeing flashes of light
6. Heartburn that is not relieved with antacid
7. Sever pain just below the ribs on the right side of the body

How can leg swelling be relieved during pregnancy?

The following may help relieve leg swelling in pregnancy:

1. Avoid prolonged standing or sitting
2. Raise the legs up by resting it on a pillow while sitting or lying down
3. Avoid tight-fitting cloths, shoes and socks
4. Regular exercise like walking
5. Wear compression stockings

When can I expect the pregnancy swelling to resolve?

Swollen legs, feet and hands usually start getting relieved after delivery, with reduction in the blood level of pregnancy hormones and the pressure of the uterus on the blood vessels. The body gradually gets rid of the excess water it held on to in pregnancy through urine.

You may discover that you pass large quantity of urine or pass urine more frequently after delivery of your baby. However, this process may take a while (a week or more) to complete.

Can leg swelling in pregnancy be prevented?

Leg swelling in pregnancy cannot be prevented as it is due to the effects of the hormones of pregnancy and pressure of the pregnant uterus.