Ankle Edema During Pregnancy: Common Causes And Management

3 Minutes Posted on:


A common finding in many obstetrics patients is ankle edema, or swelling. Swollen ankles during pregnancy may be caused by hormonal fluctuations and the extra fluids that are in your body. While edema can also develop in other parts of your body, such as your face and hands, it may be more common in the ankles. In some women, ankle edema during pregnancy can become so severe that mobility is affected. Here are some things that can raise your risk for swollen ankles during your pregnancy and how to manage them:

High-Sodium Diet

Consuming a high-sodium diet can contribute to ankle edema, especially during your last trimester of pregnancy. Not only can consuming too much salt contribute to swollen ankles, it may also raise your risk for gestational hypertension, or high blood pressure during pregnancy.

Limiting your salt intake will help reduce your risk for edema, as will increasing your fluid intake. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps your kidneys flush out excess fluids from your soft tissue, which will help prevent ankle swelling.

If, however, your obstetrician has recommended that you follow a fluid-restrictive diet because of pregnancy-related cardiovascular or renal problems, only drink the recommended daily allowance for water, and do not exceed this amount without getting medical clearance from your physician. In addition to a high-sodium diet, ankle swelling can also be caused by the excess pressure on your vasculature from the enlarging uterus. 

Medications

Certain medications can also raise your risk for developing ankle edema during your pregnancy. These medications include over-the-counter pain relievers such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium, as well as antihistamines used to manage allergies, blood pressure medications, and medications used in the treatment of anxiety and depression. If you take any of these medications and develop an increase in ankle swelling, or if your hands or face appear swollen, see your doctor right away.

When medications cause edema during pregnancy, it can rarely indicate that your circulation is compromised or that your kidney function is diminished. To help manage ankle swelling related to your medications, prop up or elevate your feet while you are sitting down and avoid crossing your legs, as this can impair optimal circulation. Also, never take over-the-counter medications during pregnancy unless your doctor says it is safe to do so.

If you develop ankle edema, or if your face, hands, and legs become swollen during your pregnancy, see your obstetrics doctor as soon as possible. He or she will examine you to help rule out hypertension, renal problems, cardiovascular abnormalities, and fluid overload. 

Contact a professional like Xiao-Mei Zeng MD for more information.

• Tags: • 437 Words

About Me

Turning To Your OBGYN For a really long time, I had no need for an OBGYN. However, one day, when I didn't feel so well, I realized that I might be in need of one of these special doctors. I took a pregnancy test, and it was indeed positive, and so I started talking with different specialists to ask what I needed to do. I found a really great OBGYN, and he talked with me about everything I needed to do for prenatal care. I was able to make some changes immediately that really helped me to live my best life while I was pregnant, and it helped me to make my life better. Learn more about OBGYNs on this blog.

Search

Categories