- With Mayo Clinic certified nurse-midwife
Mary M. Murry, R.N., C.N.M.
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Mary M. Murry, R.N., C.N.M.
Mary M. Murry, R.N., C.N.M.
Mary Murry is a certified nurse-midwife in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.
Murry, a Cincinnati native, has been a nurse-midwife practitioner for more than 20 years and is an instructor at the College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic. She was a contributing reviewer and writer of the "Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy" book.
Her research interests include adult female survivors of sexual abuse, women's perception of pain in labor, and obesity in pregnancy.
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Pregnancy and you blog
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Dec. 4, 2009
Swelling in pregnancy: Where did my ankles go?
By Mary M. Murry, R.N., C.N.M.
During pregnancy, your body produces and retains more fluid than usual. If you're like most pregnant women, you'll experience swelling in your hands, feet and legs — especially during the last few months of pregnancy. Being normal doesn't make the swelling pretty or less uncomfortable, though.
If you're bemoaning your cankles as you struggle to fit into your favorite shoes, consider ways to decrease swelling in pregnancy:
- Prop up your feet. This works best when your feet are higher than your heart.
- Sleep on your side. It may also help to elevate your legs with pillows. If it's tough to keep your feet on pillows all night, follow my mother's advice — place a firm pillow between your mattress and box spring for a slight elevation.
- Take frequent breaks. Avoid standing or sitting with your feet on the floor for long periods. When you're seated, take frequent opportunities to get up and walk around — even if it's just doing a few laps around your desk or workspace.
- Choose clothing with care. Wear loosefitting clothing and supportive tights or stockings. Avoid tight cuffs around your wrists and ankles.
- Drink plenty of water. Contrary to popular belief, drinking fluids can help ease swelling.
- Limit salty foods. Salty foods can contribute to water retention.
If you experience severe or sudden swelling, mention it to your health care provider right away. Excessive swelling in pregnancy can be associated with a serious condition called preeclampsia.
After the baby is born, your body will begin to get rid of the excess fluid it needed during pregnancy. It may take a week or so and the swelling may seem to get worse before it gets better, but you're sure to see your ankles and calves again.
6 comments posted
March 12, 2013 6:39 a.m.
I am a man ( hence definitely not pregnant) 72 yrs age, i have lumbar stenosis which is regularly reducing my activity level. Recently, since last three weeks, I am having swelling in ankles making my activiy level further lower. Pl advise
- RISHISH
March 28, 2011 9:27 p.m.
Thanks for the great information. I found out that some of my swelling during my pregnancy was related to muscle tension. I followed some simple techniques from the book Pregnancy Pain Relief. I got it hoping it would help with my leg pain and back pain, but it also reduced the swelling.
- Melanie
June 3, 2010 2:54 p.m.
My friend is 3 1/2 month pregnant, and she is swelling very bad in her hands and feet. She said that she has never had this happen to here with her 2 other baby's. I wish I knew of something to help her. Anything you can tell me will be very helpful. http://www.earlypregnancysigns.net/twin.html
- Alex
May 23, 2010 9:58 a.m.
Thank you for the great information. I am wondering if you have any information on helping people who are trying to get pregnant. Your information is really good here for those that are already pregnant or are parents. Maybe you could create a section on how to get pregnant to help. I built a blog on this and posted it at www.getpregnantreview.com. It's not much but at least it's some information. I am going to put a link in my blog to your site so that people can learn more.
- Elizabeth
February 9, 2010 2:48 p.m.
Eating enough protein is important and excessive swelling is usually a sign that mom's nutrition needs improvement. When adequate amounts of protein are eaten, albumin is manufactured. Albumin in the blood stream holds fluids in the circulatory system rather than allowing them to leak into tissues. It is recommended that pregnant women get about 80 grams of protein daily. The body's demands for protein are higher because it takes alot to build a baby, and a placenta. Also the uterus needs to be nourished with protein to help it grow properly. It is a wonderfully strong muscle. Also, a mother's blood volume increases by about 50 percent. For all that to happen optimally, increased protein intake is vital. 4-oz of chicken or beef provide about 20 grams; an egg, 7 grams; a slice of whole wheat bread, 4 grams; milk, 1 gram per ounce. Animal sources of protein provide all the amino acids to form a complete protein. Vegetable sources need to be combined to form complete proteins. For instance, beans can be combined with rice and corn. To prevent edema or swelling, adequate intake of clean, plain water is vital. A woman's body requires alot more because she is also making amniotic fluid which is constantly replenishing around the baby.
- Raeann
December 12, 2009 1:58 p.m.
SHOULD CHECKED BLOOD PRESSURE FOR EVERY EDEMA?
- JOSHUA
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