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Swollen ankles in pregnancy

swollen ankles in pregnancy
Sophie Martin
Medically reviewed by
9th Apr 2024
 

If you notice swollen ankles in pregnancy, then don’t worry – you are not alone. Leg swelling in pregnancy, which includes your ankles, is a very common feature and normally is absolutely nothing to worry about.

But why exactly do you ankles swell? And are there any instances when you do have to worry about this?

Here’s your guide to swollen ankles in pregnancy...

What causes swollen ankles during pregnancy?

Leg swelling in pregnancy occurs as your body is holding more water than it would do if you weren’t pregnant. As you go through the day this extra water gathers in the lower parts of your body, causing leg swelling in pregnancy. And as the water travels down your legs your ankles take a hit and start to swell up. If you have been on your feet all day, or it is hot weather, then this makes it worse.

The fact that you have a baby growing inside you also makes things worse, as the pressure caused by the child baby growing in your womb can add to the problem.

When should I see my midwife or doctor about swollen ankles?

Usually swollen ankles in pregnancy are nothing to worry about, but in certain circumstances they can be a symptom of pre-eclampsia. This is a condition that affects 6% of pregnancies in the UK – usually after 20 weeks. If you experience a sudden increase in swelling of your feet, hands or face this can be a symptom of pre-eclampsia and you must seek immediate medical attention. Other symptoms are:

  •  A very bad headache – or a dull headache that doesn’t go away
  • Having a severe pain just below your ribs
  • Vision problems, such as seeing blurred or flashing lights in your eyes
  • Feeling or being sick

If you have any of these symptoms you must call your GP – or your midwife or maternity unit – immediately.

How can I avoid getting swollen ankles in pregnancy?

There are a few things you can do to try and avoid getting swollen ankles in pregnancy, and to ease the symptoms if you do get them. One of the best things you can do is exercise – so try and go for regular walks during the day. And when you are at home, you can do foot exercises, which help to reduce swelling. They also help to prevent cramp in your calves, which is very common during pregnancy.

To do foot exercises you should stretch and bend your foot up and down. Do this exercise 30 times. Then, rotate your foot in a circular motion – do this 8 times clockwise, and then 8 times anti-clockwise.

These are some other things you can do to help with ankle swelling:

  • Avoid standing for long periods and when you sit down try and put your feet up
  • Wear comfortable footwear and socks – avoid tight shoes which could cut into your ankles as they swell.
  • Drink plenty of water, as this helps your kidneys get rid of the excess fluid causing the swelling.

Is swollen feet during pregnancy normal?

Swollen feet in pregnancy is very common and is also linked to the retention of water in the body. It usually happens in both feet and, just like swollen ankles, comes on gradually.

You may also notice your hands and fingers swelling up, which happens for the same reason.

If this happens to you, then you can hold something cold and wet – for example a soaked flannel or cloth – around the swollen part of your body. Also, take your rings off if they are becoming tight and painful – and avoid doing up your watch tightly, or wearing tight bracelets and bangles.

But the fluid retention that causes the swelling can also lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. This occurs when fluid collects around your wrist joints and presses on nerves that run through the carpal tunnel, which is a narrow passage in your wrist. Carpal tunnel syndrome can be treated, so you should talk to your doctor or midwife if you notice pain or tingling in your fingers and wrists, especially at night – as this could be a sign of the condition.

 

Approved by healthcare team



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