Swelling During Pregnancy

Swelling during pregnancy is very common because a woman's body retains more salt and water required for the growing fetus. Pregnancy swelling in your ankles, legs, and feet is most common, but it almost always reduces, if not disappears, after the baby is born.

In addition to your body's fluid retention, pregnancy swelling often occurs because of the pressure that your growing uterus puts on your leg veins. This pressure inhibits healthy blood flow between your feet and heart and can be to blame for a lot of your swelling during pregnancy.

Prevent and Treat Pregnancy Swelling

• Elevate Your Legs: Lying down with your legs elevated can help improve blood flow between your legs and heart. One hour of elevating your legs each day can relieve the pressure on the veins in your legs and help reduce leg swelling during pregnancy.
• Avoid Standing: Standing or sitting for long periods of time can have a negative impact on your circulation. Try to avoid prolonged standing or sitting by walking around or lying down a few times a day.
• Exercise Regularly: A regular exercise routine can help to get your blood moving in your legs and feet which will help to reduce pregnancy swelling as well as improve your overall health.
• Wear Support Hosiery Maternity support stockings are made with graduated support to help improve blood flow and reduce swelling during pregnancy.
• Stay Cool: Heat can often make pregnancy swelling worse. Try to keep your body temperature cool so you can be as comfortable as possible with as little pregnancy swelling as possible.
• Limit Your Salt Intake: Salt and salty foods make your body retain more water, which causes swelling. You can help to reduce the amount of swelling you experience during your pregnancy by controlling the amount of salty foods you eat.

Swelling during pregnancy is normal, but if you experience severe or sudden swelling see your doctor or health care provider immediately as it could be a sign of a more serious health condition.


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This is only general information and is not meant for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical conditions. Always consult your physician or other health care provider about all health concerns, conditions, and recommended treatments.