When is swelling during pregnancy concerning?
Mild swelling of feet and ankles is normal. Sudden swelling of the face and hands, or with headache or blurred vision, is not.
Most women get some swelling in the legs and feet, especially at the end of the day or in hot weather. Raising your legs, moving regularly and drinking water help.
Swelling that comes on quickly, affects your face or hands, or comes with headache, visual changes or pain under the right ribs may mean pre-eclampsia. Your blood pressure and urine need checking the same day.
- Raise your legs when resting and avoid standing for long
- Check that your rings and shoes are not suddenly tight
- Attend every antenatal visit so your blood pressure is tracked
- Sudden swelling of face or hands
- Headache that will not go away, or blurred vision
- Pain under the right ribs
Sudden swelling with headache or visual changes is an emergency — go to the nearest hospital immediately.
This information is general health education and does not replace advice from your nurse, midwife or doctor. In an emergency go to your nearest facility.