While there are so many joys that the nine months waiting for your baby brings, swollen feet is probably not on the top of your list. Having swollen feet or ankles during pregnancy is a fairly common occurrence, and with a bit of information, you may be able to lessen the annoyance. So, let’s dive into why you get swollen feet during pregnancy, why you get swollen feet after delivery, and how to cope.
Did you know that to prepare your body for labor and to support your baby, your blood volume increases by 50 percent by the end of your third trimester? This, combined with rising hormone levels will cause some women to begin noticing swollen feet around the four or five-month mark, though many women won’t experience the joy until their third trimester.
The swelling of fingers, feet, and ankles is known as edema and is completely normal. While it may be uncomfortable, it is preparing your body to expand during labor and will decrease in the days following.
While swollen ankles and feet are common pregnancy symptoms, as with any new symptom you should feel free to speak with your birth professional if it is concerning to you. You should also notify your midwife or doctor if:
Experiencing swollen feet or ankles after delivery is just as common as during pregnancy and is due to the retained water that your body built up during pregnancy hanging around. The same remedies used for swelling during pregnancy can assist after delivery.
Whether this is your first pregnancy or not, it will be a lot of fun preparing for the next nine months. Let us help design a custom pregnancy and birth plan for you! Contact us today for individualized referrals and support.