Feet swelling and pre-eclampsia

Gradual swelling in both feet is common as pregnancy changes fluid balance and the growing uterus affects circulation. Swelling by itself does not confirm pre-eclampsia. Pre-eclampsia is a pregnancy condition involving raised blood pressure and possible effects on organs such as the kidneys or liver. A maternity clinician may look for protein in urine, ask about headache or vision changes, and assess your wellbeing and the baby. Sudden swelling of the face or hands is more concerning than a slow change in the feet, but any new pattern should be reported.

Contact your maternity team if you notice a new or quickly increasing swelling pattern. They may repeat your blood pressure, test urine, arrange blood tests, and monitor the baby according to your findings and stage of pregnancy. Keep antenatal appointments even when you feel well. Rest with your feet raised for comfort, but do not use this response to delay assessment. If pre-eclampsia is diagnosed, the plan may include closer monitoring, medication, and decisions about timing or mode of birth. Antenatal care supports this monitoring; see [Antenatal Care Package](/treatments/pregnancy-and-birth-care/antenatal-care-package/).

Seek urgent maternity advice for a severe or persistent headache, blurred vision or flashing lights, pain under the ribs, sudden swelling of the face or hands, vomiting with feeling very unwell, shortness of breath, chest pain, faintness, or reduced baby movements. A painful, warm, or red one-sided leg also needs urgent review. Do not wait for a routine appointment when these symptoms occur. Depending on the assessment, clinicians may discuss induction of labour or caesarean birth; these are different decisions, not outcomes that can be predicted from foot swelling alone.

What are my blood pressure and urine results? Do I need repeat monitoring or blood tests? Which symptoms mean I should attend immediately? How could this affect the timing or mode of birth?