Can we talk about ankles (and cankles?)

[pinotgrig]

My ankle/foot swelling went down a little last night thanks to a long walk and keeping it elevated most of the evening. But this morning it's back to puffy. I miss my ankles! I'm 24w so I guess it's time for this to be happening, but still.

How are your ankles (or lack thereof) doing? Any tips or tricks for helping with the swelling? When did your puffiness start? Does it ever get better?

Signed,
(An apparently vain) pinotgrig

[anna7602]

I haven't had swelling yet, but did in my last pregnancy. Two things that helped- swimming/being in a pool and sitting with my legs up the wall at the end of the day.

I can't remember the exact scientific explanation, but being in water somehow pulls water out of your body or something like that.

As for sitting with legs up the wall, sit straight up with your legs stretched out in front of you and one shoulder/side against the wall. Slowly lay down on your other side with a bolster or pillow around, making sure that your butt is scootched all the way up to the wall. Then slowly bring your legs up, so that your back is elevated on the bolster/pillow.

Maybe there's a youtube video for this if my explanation makes no sense.

[picksthemusic]

I was given some information about swelling/puffiness in pregnancy that is actually really helpful. You need to make sure you're eating a LOT of protein, and making sure you're salting your food more. I know the salt sounds backwards, but here's a site that can explain it to you:

www.drbrewerpregnancydiet.com/id35.html

[narockshard]

23w3d here, and so far no major swelling, but my calves/legs in general must be puffier (or fatter) because my knee high boots are tight now I really hope that goes away....

[chickadee77]

I've had a few days with swollen ankles. I make sure to drink lots and lots of water, elevate when I can (I keep a crate under my desk at work) and try to walk around every hour or so if it's a sedentary day.

I mentioned the swelling to my sister, and she immediately asked if I had called the doctor. I was like, "Uh, no..." I mean, I knew my water intake was bad that day and figured that was all it was. I did take my blood pressure, and it was fine. At 23 weeks, am I too breezy?

[lulu21]

Feb 28, 2014 20:19:18 GMT -5 chickadee77 said:

I've had a few days with swollen ankles. I make sure to drink lots and lots of water, elevate when I can (I keep a crate under my desk at work) and try to walk around every hour or so if it's a sedentary day.

I mentioned the swelling to my sister, and she immediately asked if I had called the doctor. I was like, "Uh, no..." I mean, I knew my water intake was bad that day and figured that was all it was. I did take my blood pressure, and it was fine. At 23 weeks, am I too breezy?

My ankles are super swollen and everyone comments on it. My ob doesn't seem worried because the highest my blood pressure has been is 117/68. I guess some people just swell

[pinotgrig]

Feb 28, 2014 20:19:18 GMT -5 chickadee77 said:

I've had a few days with swollen ankles. I make sure to drink lots and lots of water, elevate when I can (I keep a crate under my desk at work) and try to walk around every hour or so if it's a sedentary day.

I mentioned the swelling to my sister, and she immediately asked if I had called the doctor. I was like, "Uh, no..." I mean, I knew my water intake was bad that day and figured that was all it was. I did take my blood pressure, and it was fine. At 23 weeks, am I too breezy?

I called my doc BC my swelling was uneven. Swelling can be a symptom of pre-e but is also a common pg symptom. A call to let them know can't hurt, but is pretty normal. I've not been able to find a common point in pg that swelling starts among my irl friends with kids, it really seems to vary a lot by person.

[VillainV]

I've always had borderline cankles. They aren't too much worse with pregnancy. I have noticed that the one time my foot/ankle/toe swelling was noticeably worse was over christmas when we visited my ILs in Florida and it was in the upper 80s. I was wearing flip flops, and walking around a lot, and the swelling got really bad. Now that I'm back home where it's in the 40s, the swelling really isn't too bad. Also, I wear combat boots with my uniform, and all of my boot socks are "anti-fatigue" socks -- not quite compression stockings, but still very supportive. I am allowed to wear tennis shoes instead of combat boots, but the boots are plenty comfortable and the socks help a lot.

[Deleted]

I haven't had any swelling, but I've heard (like PP said) that the swimming pool helps with swelling. I believe it is a rather common pregnancy symptom though I hope it gets better for you soon!

[bowies]

I second the recommendation on some kind of compression leggings (talk to your doc first though since you're on Lovenox too). I was wearing a knee high one from the drug store for a while but my OB asked me to stop because they constrict behind the knee, which is bad for those with clotting issues. My regular doctor had me wearing runner's compression tights before I got PG - they are great for blood circulation. I need to see if I can find a maternity pair. They are much cuter and much easier to deal with than the medical grade pantyhose.

[pinotgrig]

Mar 1, 2014 15:22:53 GMT -5 bowies said:

I second the recommendation on some kind of compression leggings (talk to your doc first though since you're on Lovenox too). I was wearing a knee high one from the drug store for a while but my OB asked me to stop because they constrict behind the knee, which is bad for those with clotting issues. My regular doctor had me wearing runner's compression tights before I got PG - they are great for blood circulation. I need to see if I can find a maternity pair. They are much cuter and much easier to deal with than the medical grade pantyhose.

This is good advice - thanks. I'm seeing my doc Friday so will be sure to ask about this. I wear knee highs daily for work, which my mom has been telling me stop wearing.