Swelling during pregnancy: when to worry

The growing womb can slow blood return from the legs, while hormonal changes make the body retain more fluid. Puffiness in both ankles or feet that builds later in the day may improve with rest and leg support. Tight rings or shoes can also reflect normal fluid changes.

Sudden swelling of the face, hands, or around the eyes is more concerning, particularly with a severe headache, visual disturbance, pain beneath the ribs, nausea, or feeling very unwell. These symptoms can occur with pregnancy-related high blood pressure and should be assessed rather than watched at home.

Change position regularly, take gentle walks when comfortable, rest on your side, and support your legs. Wear comfortable footwear and avoid standing still for long periods. Do not restrict fluids or take medication for swelling unless your maternity clinician recommends it.

Mention swelling at antenatal appointments and report a noticeable change. If you have a home blood-pressure monitor, use it only as your care team has instructed; a reading alone does not replace assessment of symptoms.

Seek emergency help for breathlessness, chest pain, coughing blood, fainting, a seizure, severe headache with vision changes, or swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat with breathing difficulty.

Contact your maternity unit urgently for sudden swelling of the face or hands, rapidly increasing swelling, severe or persistent headache, blurred vision or flashing lights, pain under the ribs, repeated vomiting, or feeling unusually unwell. One-sided leg swelling with pain, warmth, or redness also needs prompt assessment.

Ask: Is my swelling within the expected range? Should my blood pressure and urine be checked? What symptoms should make me call the maternity unit? Is walking or leg elevation appropriate for me? Which medicines should I avoid?