Should I be worried about swelling?

[gerberdaisy]

About the last week my legs have started swelling every day.  I sit at work most of they day and notice by the afternoon they are swollen and start to itch.  I drink tons of water and try to get up as often as I can to walk around a little.  I try to elevate them when I get home and they are usually almost totally better in the morning.

I know swelling is normal, but I'm only 17 weeks! I think its just my legs, my hands might a little, but my ring still feels the same, so can't really tell. 

[rugbywife]

Mar 19, 2014 15:13:39 GMT -5 gerberdaisy said:

About the last week my legs have started swelling every day.  I sit at work most of they day and notice by the afternoon they are swollen and start to itch.  I drink tons of water and try to get up as often as I can to walk around a little.  I try to elevate them when I get home and they are usually almost totally better in the morning.

I know swelling is normal, but I'm only 17 weeks! I think its just my legs, my hands might a little, but my ring still feels the same, so can't really tell. 

When is your next OB appointment? I would mention it then. My swelling didn't start until alter but they more or less told me that since I have no other markers for pre-e (my blood pressure is low, etc) and my hands and face haven't gotten swollen, I should just put my feet up as much as I can. 

I noticed the biggest change when I stopped wearing socks with any elastic - I have two pairs of wool socks of DHs that are super loose (and uncomfortable as a result) and now my swelling is just so so.  I also put my feet up when I watch tv and when I sleep, higher than my heart.

**not a doctor, not medical advice***

[speckledfrog]

It's common, but I would bring it up to your OB at your next appointment. If it gets worse (like a crazy amount of swelling, swelling of your face, headache that doesn't go away) then call right away.

[statlerwaldorf]

I would bring it up with your doctor, but I have had a lot of swelling and my doctor doesn't seem concerned. I just have to watch out for other pre-e signs. It gets worse when I'm sitting. Can you try putting a stool under your desk? I think I'm going to bite the bullet and try some compression socks.

[pinotgrig]

It's common, yes. As long as it's bilateral (even on both sides of your body) and you're feeling ok, I wouldn't be terribly concerned. I would mention to your ob, though, just so they're aware. If it's really bad or bothers you from a vanity pov, ask your ob about wearing compression socks. They've helped me a ton.

Definitely walk lots throughout the day and take a walk after work if you can. Drink lots of water and keep your feet elevated when you're at work. I've founded a trash can turned upside down is best and easiest.

[gerberdaisy]

Thanks! My next appointment isn't for 2.5 weeks, but I'll make sure to bring it up. Other that the swelling I've been feeling fine, so no other pree signs. Good tip about the upside down trash can!

I've been traveling for work for the last three weeks and get worried about anything different being away from home.

[formerlyak]

I've had swelling in my feet and legs like you describe for months now. My doc said when you are retaining fluids and sit all day they pool in your feet. She didn't become concerned until yesterday at my 36 weeks appointment when my blood pressure was high and I had swelling in my hands and face in addition to my feet. Then she sent me to the hospital to do tests for pree. Luckily that was all normal, but she did pull me from work and put me on bed rest.