A common medical condition in the United States today is known as edema. Edema is defined as the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the cavities of the body, anywhere in the body. If left untreated, edema of any form can be life threatening and cause serious medical problems elsewhere in the body. Edema can occur in the feet, the eyes, the lungs, the ankles and the legs. It is not uncommon for edema to occur during a woman’s pregnancy because of the fluid buildup in her body. The fluid can build up anywhere in the body, especially in the legs, ankles, and feet. Another cause, aside from the buildup of fluids, is the growth of the uterus. The growing uterus puts pressure on the veins of the woman, impairing the return of blood to the woman’s heart. This side effect of pregnancy leads to swelling in the legs, feet, and ankles.
 For the most part, edema during pregnancy will disappear once delivery of the baby has taken place. The various methods of reducing edema during pregnancy include the following: - Staying off of your feet during pregnancy: do not stand for long periods of time, do not walk around for lengthy periods of time, do not cross your legs, sit with your feet elevated and rotate your feet at the ankles to reduce swelling.
- Wear loose fitting clothing: do not wear jewelry around the ankles or the wrists and do not wear tight cuffs around the ankles or the wrists.
- Sleep on your side: while sleeping on your side you should also elevate your legs and feet with pillows if at all possible.
- Stay cool: during pregnancy, too much heat can aggravate swelling in the body. One way to stay cool is to apply cold compresses to the swollen areas of the body.
- Soak in a tub: water actually weighs a lot more than people realize, which can reduce swelling as it pushes against your body.
- Physical activity: physical activity should be included in the daily routine of every pregnant woman to reduce swelling. Doctors recommend that you walk, ride a stationary bike, or swim laps in a pool.
It is extremely common for pregnant women to suffer from ankle and foot swelling during their pregnancy but extreme swelling, which is out of the norm, could be a red flag for another medical condition. If any pregnant woman suffers severe or sudden swelling or swelling in only one leg during pregnancy she should see her doctor immediately for examination. The severe or sudden swelling of a leg or foot can be a warning sign for the serious medical condition known as preeclampsia. Other warning signs of this condition include blurred vision, severe headaches, and rapid weight gain. If there is sudden and severe swelling in only one leg this could signal a blood clot, which must be treated immediately if the woman is pregnant. Swelling associated with a blood clot comes with tenderness in the calf or thigh.
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