Feet and hands swelling in pregnancy

Pregnancy changes circulation and encourages the body to hold more fluid. Swelling often builds gradually, is more noticeable later in the day, and improves with rest or overnight. Heat, standing for long periods, and tight footwear can make it more noticeable.

Swelling that appears suddenly, becomes marked in the face or hands, or affects one side may signal a problem. Pre-eclampsia can occur with high blood pressure and may also cause headache, visual changes, pain below the ribs, nausea, or feeling unwell. Swelling alone cannot identify its cause.

Mention new or increasing swelling at your antenatal appointment, where blood pressure and urine can be checked. Rest on your side, raise your legs when sitting, move your ankles regularly, and choose comfortable shoes. Avoid standing still for long periods and keep normally hydrated; do not restrict fluids or start medicines without advice.

If a ring becomes tight, remove it early. Compare both sides and note whether swelling changes quickly, especially after waking or during hot weather.

Contact your maternity service urgently for sudden swelling of the face or hands, a severe headache, visual disturbance, pain under the ribs, vomiting, or feeling very unwell. Seek immediate help for chest pain, difficulty breathing, or one-sided leg swelling with pain. These warning signs need assessment regardless of how ordinary mild ankle swelling can be.

Is my blood pressure and urine result reassuring? Has the swelling changed in a way that needs monitoring? How often should I check in? Which symptoms mean I should attend maternity triage?