Leg swelling at 36 weeks pregnant

As pregnancy advances, the growing uterus can make it harder for blood and fluid to return from the legs. Hormonal and fluid changes may leave ankles and feet fuller, especially after standing or later in the day. Swelling in both legs that develops gradually is a common late-pregnancy pattern. A sudden change, swelling of the face or hands, or swelling that is much greater on one side needs a clinician’s assessment because pregnancy can also be associated with high blood pressure disorders or a clot.

Rest on your side when comfortable, avoid standing still for long periods, and make gentle ankle movements. Choose supportive, roomy footwear and avoid tight bands around the legs. Keep scheduled antenatal appointments so blood pressure and urine can be checked. Do not take water tablets, herbal remedies, or new medicines for swelling unless your maternity team recommends them.

Contact your maternity unit urgently for sudden or rapidly increasing swelling, severe headache, blurred vision or flashing lights, pain under the ribs, vomiting, or feeling unusually unwell. Seek emergency help for sudden breathlessness, chest pain, fainting, or one-sided leg pain and swelling. Contact your maternity team as well if you notice reduced fetal movement according to the plan you were given.

Ask whether your swelling pattern and blood pressure are reassuring, how to monitor fetal movement, and which positions or exercises are suitable. Confirm who to call outside clinic hours if the swelling changes or warning symptoms appear.