What should you know about feet swollen and itchy pregnancy?

Pregnancy-related fluid retention can make both feet and ankles look puffy, particularly later in the day. Itching may instead come from stretched or dry skin, contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema or athlete's foot. Athlete's foot commonly presents with scaling or cracking between the toes. A rash, warmth or tenderness points toward a skin problem rather than swelling alone.

Rest with the feet raised when comfortable, avoid standing for long periods and choose roomy shoes. Keep the feet cool and dry, use a bland moisturiser on dry unbroken skin, and avoid new fragranced products. Do not start an antifungal or other medicine in pregnancy without checking with your maternity clinician or pharmacist; they can advise whether topical antifungal treatment is appropriate.

Contact your maternity team promptly if swelling is sudden, marked, one-sided or associated with headache, visual changes, upper abdominal pain, breathlessness or feeling unwell. Urgent help is needed for chest pain or severe breathing difficulty. Seek skin advice for spreading redness, fever, pus, severe pain or intense itching without a rash.

Ask whether the swelling pattern is expected, whether your blood pressure or urine needs checking, and which creams or medicines are suitable in pregnancy. Mention the timing, one-sided symptoms, rash, new footwear and any change in fetal movement.