Ankle swelling during pregnancy: Is it a concern?  

It is an alert given to the pregnant lady,that the Albumin in her blood is above normal and she has to consume more fluid to wash off the Albumin; Barley boiled water is good for this.It purifies the blood,excreting the excess albumin present in the blood.
Secondly,you may have an increased Blood Pressure,which also indicated by the ankle swelling. For this you have to stop taking extra salt in your food. You get what ever salt required through vegetables you consume.So,do not take pickles,pappad and other backery items. Instead of it, take plenty of fresh leafy vegetables and salads and fruits.
NEVER EAT LIVER.
Avoid tension.This can increase your BP. Nothing to worry about the swelling.Many pregnant women have this problem.Take plenty of wated(atleast 2.25 ltr daily,including barley water,daily).Reduce salt in the food. Take plenty of fresh leafy veg having fibre content more.
Not to concern more,if you follow my advice.

Answered by SUKUMARAN , an ibibo Master, at 9:38 PM on October 05, 2008

Foot and ankle swelling during pregnancy is common and almost always goes away after delivery. You may notice that it's worse at the end of the day or during hot weather.

So what causes foot and ankle swelling during pregnancy? Your body produces and retains more fluid during pregnancy. Also, your growing uterus puts pressure on the veins to your legs — especially in the later months of pregnancy. This impairs return of blood to the heart and causes more fluid to build up in your legs, ankles and feet. Standing for long periods can increase this pressure.

To manage or relieve leg swelling during pregnancy:

• Take breaks during the day when you can sit with your feet up. When possible, go a step further and lie down with your legs elevated for an hour in the middle of the afternoon.

• While sleeping, lie on your side or elevate your legs slightly with pillows.

• Don't cross your legs when you sit.

• Use a footrest when sitting.

• Avoid standing or sitting with your feet on the floor for long periods.

• Stay cool because heat can make the swelling worse.

• Swim, walk or even stand in a pool at least 4 feet deep. The buoyancy of the water helps lift the baby off your pelvis.

• Avoid tight clothing.

• Wear supportive, elastic hose; regular nylons won't help.

• Exercise regularly.

• Apply cold-water compresses on swollen areas.

Although mild foot and ankle swelling during pregnancy is normal, call or see your doctor promptly if you have:

• Severe or sudden swelling. This could be a sign of a serious condition called preeclampsia. Other signs and symptoms of preeclampsia include severe headaches, blurred vision and dizziness.

• Swelling in only one leg, especially if you have pain or tenderness in your calf or thigh. This could be a sign of a blood clot.

Answered by Yogeshwar , an ibibo Specialist, at 8:24 PM on September 26, 2008

Pressure is built up in the veins which is why varicose veins are also formed. As fluid is retained by the blood, ankles and feet, blood fails to return to the heart and results in swellings. After the burden in the tummy is removed (with delivery of the baby), this swelling vanishes. This happens to women who overstrain themselves during pregnancy. Cooking while standing for two to three hours makes the foot swell during pregnancy. It is a common condition. One has to take rest in between cooking. Or take turns/help from other people and limit the long hours of standing. Always use a footrest while sitting. Keep the legs elevated while lying down or sleeping

Answered by Vida Writer , an ibibo Master, at 3:19 PM on September 26, 2008

Ankle swelling develops in about 3 out of 4 pregnancies. Ankle swelling is often worse later in the pregnancy, at night, and in hot weather. Most cases of ankle swelling that develop during pregnancy will resolve after delivery. Ankle swelling is also known as edema.

Causes

During pregnancy the body manufactures extra blood and other fluids to support the baby’s growth. The average amount of fluids the body accrues is around 6.5 Liters. Some of this extra fluid settles in the feet and legs due to the effect of gravity on the body. The weight of the growing uterus is also a factor in ankle swelling. The uterus puts pressure on the veins of the legs, and decreases their ability to return blood to the heart resulting in fluid buildup in the legs.

[edit]
Symptoms

You may have ankle swelling if your feet and ankles are:
Swollen
Have skin that is tight in the area
The skin may appear shiny
The skin may appear purplish in color
[edit]
Treatment

To treat swollen ankles during pregnancy:
Stay off your feet as much as possible
Take periodic breaks if you must stand, and elevate your feet above the level of your heart
Sleep on your left side to improve circulation
Use a footrest when sitting and do not cross your legs
Stay cool in warm weather
Use a swimming pool that it at least 4 foot deep. The water will help support the weight of the baby and improve circulation
Wear loose fitting clothing
Talk with your health care provider about using support hose
Do not wear tight fitting socks or hose that have tight elastic bands around the foot or ankle area
Wear comfortable, loose fitting shoes
Exercise regularly to improve circulation
Apply cold compresses to reduce swelling
Increase the amount of fluids you take in. This will help to flush out impurities and improve blood flow.

Source site..
http://wikiparenting.parent sconnect.com/wiki/Ankle_Swelling_du ring_Pregnancy

Answered by Mohd Saqib , an ibibo Master, at 4:51 PM on September 25, 2008

During pregnancy, the body produces approximately 50% more blood and body fluids to meet the needs of the developing baby. Swelling is a normal part of pregnancy that is caused by this additional blood and fluid. Normal swelling, which is also called edema, is experienced in the hands, face, legs, ankles, and feet.

This extra retention of fluid is needed to soften the body, which enables it to expand as the baby develops. Extra fluid also helps prepare the pelvic joints and tissues to open to allow the baby to be born. The extra fluids account for approximately 25% of the weight women gain during pregnancy.
Swelling may be experienced at any point during pregnancy, but it tends to be noticed around the fifth month and can increase while you are in the third trimester. The following factors may also affect swelling:

Summertime heat ,
Standing for long periods of time ,
"Long" days of activity ,
Diet low in potassium ,
High level of caffeine consumption ,
High level of sodium intake ,
Slight swelling is expected during pregnancy; however, if you experience sudden swelling in your hands and your face, it could be a sign of preeclampsia. It is important to contact your health care provider about any sudden swelling.

source site :http://www.americanpregnancy. org/pregnancyhealth/pregnancys welling.html

Answered by Sanya Tahir , an ibibo Master, at 11:08 AM on September 25, 2008

well RINKU, The trace of protein in your urine could mean that you are not drinking enough water which could be making your urine too concentrated, im 37 weeks pregnant and my feet and ankles are really swollen especially if ive been walking for a while i think being pregnant at the height of a hot summer also makes swelling worse , if your blood pressure is normal then im sure you are fine otherwise your midwife would've expressed concern to you. pre eclampsia also causes vomiting and pains across the top of your bump. put your feet in some nice cold water with mint foot soak in it.

Causes

During pregnancy the body manufactures extra blood and other fluids to support the baby’s growth. The average amount of fluids the body accrues is around 6.5 Liters. Some of this extra fluid settles in the feet and legs due to the effect of gravity on the body. The weight of the growing uterus is also a factor in ankle swelling. The uterus puts pressure on the veins of the legs, and decreases their ability to return blood to the heart resulting in fluid buildup in the legs.

Symptoms

You may have ankle swelling if your feet and ankles are:

Swollen
Have skin that is tight in the area
The skin may appear shiny
The skin may appear purplish in color


For more: http://wikiparenting.parentsco nnect.com/wiki/Ankle_Swelling_ during_Pregnancy

Answered by Satya ~ , an ibibo Master, at 7:57 AM on September 25, 2008

it occurs because of water retention ......so it is normal so should reduce the intake of salt in diet to reduce sweeling

Answered by Moksha G , an ibibo Master, at 9:33 PM on September 24, 2008

Ankle sweeling during pregnancy may be physiological or pathological. Physiological swelling is common and need not be worried. If it is pathological, like due to secondary to pregnancy induced hypertension, it is a cause of concern. Other pathological conditions causing ankle swelling are congestive cardiac failure, congenital heart diseases like VSD, ASD etc, mitral regurgitation or hypoproteinemia which should be investigated and treated suitably.

Answered by Vinay Kiran , an ibibo Specialist, at 6:57 PM on September 24, 2008

well,A common discomfort of pregnancy, ankle swelling develops in about 3 out of 4 pregnancies. Ankle swelling is often worse later in the pregnancy, at night, and in hot weather. Most cases of ankle swelling that develop during pregnancy will resolve after delivery. Ankle swelling is also known as edema.
During pregnancy the body manufactures extra blood and other fluids to support the baby’s growth. The average amount of fluids the body accrues is around 6.5 Liters. Some of this extra fluid settles in the feet and legs due to the effect of gravity on the body. The weight of the growing uterus is also a factor in ankle swelling. The uterus puts pressure on the veins of the legs, and decreases their ability to return blood to the heart resulting in fluid buildup in the legs.
You may have ankle swelling if your feet and ankles are:

* Swollen
* Have skin that is tight in the area
* The skin may appear shiny
* The skin may appear purplish in color
To treat swollen ankles during pregnancy:

* Stay off your feet as much as possible
* Take periodic breaks if you must stand, and elevate your feet above the level of your heart
* Sleep on your left side to improve circulation
* Use a footrest when sitting and do not cross your legs
* Stay cool in warm weather
* Use a swimming pool that it at least 4 foot deep. The water will help support the weight of the baby and improve circulation
* Wear loose fitting clothing
* Talk with your health care provider about using support hose
* Do not wear tight fitting socks or hose that have tight elastic bands around the foot or ankle area
* Wear comfortable, loose fitting shoes
* Exercise regularly to improve circulation
* Apply cold compresses to reduce swelling
* Increase the amount of fluids you take in. This will help to flush out impurities and improve blood flow.
source:wikiparenting.parents connect.com/wiki/Ankle_Swellin g_during_Pregnancy

Answered by Debashis , an ibibo Master, at 4:46 PM on September 24, 2008

Foot and ankle swelling during pregnancy is common and almost always goes away after delivery. You may notice that it's worse at the end of the day or during hot weather.

So what causes foot and ankle swelling during pregnancy? Your body produces and retains more fluid during pregnancy. Also, your growing uterus puts pressure on the veins to your legs — especially in the later months of pregnancy. This impairs return of blood to the heart and causes more fluid to build up in your legs, ankles and feet. Standing for long periods can increase this pressure.

To manage or relieve leg swelling during pregnancy:

Take breaks during the day when you can sit with your feet up. When possible, go a step further and lie down with your legs elevated for an hour in the middle of the afternoon.
While sleeping, lie on your side or elevate your legs slightly with pillows.
Don't cross your legs when you sit.
Use a footrest when sitting.
Avoid standing or sitting with your feet on the floor for long periods.
Stay cool because heat can make the swelling worse.
Swim, walk or even stand in a pool at least 4 feet deep. The buoyancy of the water helps lift the baby off your pelvis.
Avoid tight clothing.
Wear supportive, elastic hose; regular nylons won't help.
Exercise regularly.
Apply cold-water compresses on swollen areas.
Although mild foot and ankle swelling during pregnancy is normal, call or see your doctor promptly if you have:

Severe or sudden swelling. This could be a sign of a serious condition called preeclampsia. Other signs and symptoms of preeclampsia include severe headaches, blurred vision and dizziness.
Swelling in only one leg, especially if you have pain or tenderness in your calf or thigh. This could be a sign of a blood clot.

Answered by pankaj , an ibibo Specialist, at 3:42 PM on September 24, 2008