{"id":10255,"date":"2021-02-22T11:10:58","date_gmt":"2021-02-22T16:10:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wp.oviahealth.com\/guide\/10255\/edema-during-pregnancy\/"},"modified":"2025-08-22T14:16:25","modified_gmt":"2025-08-22T18:16:25","slug":"edema-during-pregnancy","status":"publish","type":"article","link":"https:\/\/www.oviahealth.com\/guide\/10255\/edema-during-pregnancy\/","title":{"rendered":"Edema (swollen feet and ankles) when pregnant"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Edema, commonly known as swelling, is when excess fluid collects in your tissues. It is incredibly common during pregnancy, and often affects the feet and ankles, making getting around a bit difficult or painful. Edema of the feet and ankles is most common during the third trimester, and fades rather quickly after giving birth. Mild swelling in the feet and ankles is perfectly normal, but excessive or sudden swelling could be a sign of preeclampsia, so you should seek medical advice if you notice any sudden or extreme swelling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What causes it?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

There are a number of factors that could contribute to edema in expectant moms. Pregnant women have hormones that help retain more water than usual, and your expanding uterus applies pressure to your pelvic veins and the vena cava, which results in slower blood flow back from the legs, and pooling of the fluid near your feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tips?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

While not every trick will work for each person, here are some great ones to try:<\/p>\n\n\n\n