Swollen hands and feet in pregnancy

This is because your body holds more water than usual when you are pregnant.

Normal swelling in pregnancy:

• is often worse at the end of the day
• happens in late pregnancy
• comes on gradually
• gets better when you lie down
• will appear in both feet.

You should call your midwife or hospital maternity unit immediately if you have:

• a sudden increase in swelling in your face, hands or feet
• a very bad headache  or a dull headache that won’t go away
• problems with your vision, such as blurring or flashing lights
• severe pain just below your ribs
• feeling sick or vomiting
• feeling unwell.

These could be symptoms of pre-eclampsia.

Things you can do to avoid and ease swelling

Try to:

• avoid standing for a long time
• wear comfortable shoes and socks – avoid tight straps or anything that might pinch if your feet swell
• when you rest put your feet up as much as you can
• drink at least 8 medium glasses of water a day – this helps your body get rid of excess water
• stay active.