4 min learnNew DelhiAug 24, 2026 11:00 PM IST
Many bodily modifications happen throughout being pregnant because the physique adjusts to assist the rising child. Among the many mostly reported issues is swelling within the ft and ankles, particularly within the later phases of being pregnant. Maryland-based anaesthesiologist and interventional ache medication doctor Dr Kunal Sood defined this phenomenon in an Instagram video. He identified that swelling in the feet throughout being pregnant normally happens due to fluid buildup within the decrease limbs because the physique holds extra blood and fluids to assist being pregnant.
Explaining the method, Dr Sood stated, “What you’re seeing right here is fluid buildup within the ft, one thing that generally occurs as being pregnant progresses. Throughout being pregnant, the physique holds extra blood and fluid. Hormones chill out blood vessels, and the rising uterus slows down blood return from the legs, which permits fluid to pool, particularly by the top of the day. Whereas one of these swelling is usually non permanent and tends to worsen because the day progresses, it may well nonetheless trigger discomfort for a lot of pregnant people.” To assist handle this, Dr Sood shared a number of sensible measures that will scale back swelling and enhance consolation throughout day by day actions.
DISCLAIMER: This text relies on info from the general public area and/or the specialists we spoke to. All the time seek the advice of your well being practitioner earlier than beginning any routine.
Suggestions that will assist ease swelling within the ft
Dr Sood outlined a couple of easy habits that will assist circulation and assist scale back discomfort:
- 🦵 Elevate your legs when resting
- 🧦 Put on compression socks, particularly earlier within the day
- 🚶♀️ Mild strolling and ankle motion to enhance circulation
- 💧 Keep properly hydrated
- 🧂 Restrict extra salt and extremely processed meals
- 👟 Put on supportive, non-restrictive footwear
“Small day by day habits can ease swelling even when it doesn’t absolutely resolve,” he famous.
So, why does swelling within the ft and ankles change into extra widespread as being pregnant progresses?
Dr Gaana Sreenivas, obstetrician and gynaecologist at Bone and Start Clinic and Rainbow Hospital, Bannerghatta Street, tells indianexpress.com, “Swelling within the ft and ankles, medically referred to as oedema, is quite common throughout being pregnant, particularly within the second and third trimesters. As being pregnant progresses, the physique produces extra blood and bodily fluids to assist the rising child. Actually, blood quantity will increase considerably, which might result in fluid accumulation within the tissues.”
One other necessary issue is the enlarging uterus. Because it grows, Dr Sreenivas explains, it locations stress on the veins within the pelvis and on the inferior vena cava, the massive vein that returns blood from the decrease physique to the center. This stress slows down blood circulation from the legs, inflicting fluid to pool within the decrease extremities. “Hormonal modifications additionally play a task, as pregnancy hormones trigger blood vessels to chill out, which might make fluid leakage into surrounding tissues extra seemingly.”
When to hunt medical analysis
Delicate to reasonable swelling within the ft and ankles, Dr Sreenivas reveals, notably later in being pregnant or after lengthy durations of standing, is mostly thought-about regular. It typically turns into extra noticeable towards the top of the day or in hotter climate.
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Nonetheless, she mentions that sudden or extreme swelling, “particularly if it happens within the face, fingers, or across the eyes, shouldn’t be ignored.” If swelling is accompanied by signs akin to severe headache, blurred imaginative and prescient, higher belly ache, or hypertension, it might point out preeclampsia, which requires immediate medical consideration.
“Moreover, swelling that happens in just one leg, notably whether it is related to ache, redness, or heat, could sign a blood clot and must be evaluated instantly. Pregnant ladies ought to at all times report any uncommon or quickly worsening swelling to their healthcare supplier for correct evaluation,” concludes Dr Sreenivas.
DISCLAIMER: This text relies on info from the general public area and/or the specialists we spoke to. All the time seek the advice of your well being practitioner earlier than beginning any routine.
