- With Mayo Clinic certified nurse-midwife
Mary M. Murry, R.N., C.N.M.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
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.
Latest entries
- Foreskin: To keep or not to keep?
May 21, 2013
- Travel during pregnancy
May 7, 2013
- Gas in pregnancy
April 23, 2013
- Varicose veins and pregnancy: Legs and more
April 10, 2013
- You're pregnant! How will you share the news?
March 26, 2013
Free
E-newsletter
Subscribe to Housecall
Our weekly general interest
e-newsletter keeps you up to date
on a wide variety of health topics.
Mayo Clinic Housecall
Stay up to date on the latest health information.
What you get
- Free weekly e-newsletter
- Mayo Clinic expertise
- Recipes, tools and other helpful information
- We do not share your e-mail address
Pregnancy and you blog
-
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
Share on:
6 comments posted