What causes oedema in pregnancy?

Fluid can therefore collect in the feet, ankles, lower legs and fingers. Gradual swelling is often more noticeable later in pregnancy, after standing, or toward the end of the day. A sudden increase has a different safety meaning and needs prompt assessment.

Oedema means fluid has accumulated in body tissues. Symmetrical swelling that builds gradually in both feet or ankles can reflect normal pregnancy changes, especially when it improves after rest or raising the legs. Swelling on one side, swelling that is painful, red or hot, or puffiness that appears rapidly does not fit that reassuring pattern.

Pre-eclampsia can present with sudden swelling of the face, hands or feet, but swelling alone cannot diagnose it. Blood-pressure measurement, urine testing and clinical assessment are used to evaluate the condition.

Raise your legs when resting, change position regularly and take gentle walks if your maternity team has not advised you to restrict activity. Choose roomy, supportive shoes and avoid socks or clothing that leave tight bands around swollen areas. Keep drinking normally unless a clinician has given you a specific fluid plan.

Mention persistent or uncomfortable swelling at an antenatal appointment. Note when it began, whether it affects one side or both, whether it settles overnight, and whether headache, visual disturbance, rib pain, breathlessness or feeling unwell occurs with it.

Contact your maternity unit, midwife or obstetric clinician immediately for sudden or rapidly increasing swelling, particularly in the face, hands or feet. Urgent assessment is also needed when swelling accompanies a severe headache, blurred vision or flashing lights, pain below the ribs, vomiting, or feeling very unwell. These can be presentations of pre-eclampsia.

Get urgent medical help for a single swollen leg that is painful, red or warm. Call emergency services for chest pain, coughing blood, faintness or difficulty breathing, because these symptoms can signal a clot affecting the lungs or another serious problem.

Ask whether the pattern looks consistent with ordinary pregnancy oedema, whether your blood pressure and urine need checking now, and which symptom changes should send you directly to the maternity unit. You can also ask whether compression garments are appropriate for you and what level of walking or other movement suits your pregnancy.