What causes ankle swelling during pregnancy — and what can I do about it?

Answer From Alyssa Larish, M.D.

A number of factors can lead to swelling in the ankles during pregnancy. For example, your body keeps in more fluid during pregnancy. And your growing uterus puts pressure on your veins, which can slow the return of blood to your heart. Changes in hormones also play a role.

Foot and ankle swelling during pregnancy is common. It usually goes away within a few weeks after the baby is born. In the meantime, it might help to:

  • Stay off your feet. Don't stand for a long time. When you can, lie down with your legs raised. Or sit with your feet up. When you're seated, move your feet around in a circular motion at the ankles. Gently flex your feet to stretch your calf muscles.
  • Sleep on your left side. This takes pressure off the large vein that returns blood from the lower half of your body to your heart. That vein is called the inferior vena cava. Raising your legs slightly with pillows while you sleep also may help.
  • Wear compression stockings. Your healthcare professional might suggest that you wear supportive tights or stockings during the day.
  • Stand or walk in a pool. Standing or walking in a pool seems to help compress tissues in the legs. That may give you some relief from swelling during pregnancy.
  • Wear clothes without tight bands. Tight bands on clothes, such as at the ankles or top of the calves, may make it harder for your blood to flow easily.

Keep in mind that having ankle swelling doesn't mean you should cut back on how much you drink. A typical recommendation for fluids during pregnancy is about 10 cups (2.3 liters) each day.

Mild foot and ankle swelling during pregnancy isn't cause for worry. But sudden swelling that's painful — especially if it's in one leg only — could mean you have a blood clot. The medical term for that condition is deep vein thrombosis (DVT). If swelling quickly gets worse, your blood pressure may be higher than it should be. The same is true if you have sudden swelling in your face or hands Blood pressure outside the typical range during pregnancy may be caused by medical conditions such as gestational diabetes or pre-eclampsia.

If you see a sudden increase in swelling, contact a member of your healthcare team right away.

With

Alyssa Larish, M.D.

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July 09, 2024 See more Expert Answers

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