The online resource for issues concerning pregnant women, parenting, family, moms, and baby. If a pregnancy has had to endure the summer months this revelation may appear sooner than the halfway mark. Adding insult to injury, it is usually with this discovery that you come to the realization that you need to move up a shoe size to relieve the discomfort of the swelling known as edema. Edema results as a by product of the extra blood your body has acquired during your pregnancy. Circulation slows down and causes the blood to pool.
Pressure is caused from trapped blood forcing water down into the tissues of the feet and ankles.
The water is fluid that would normally be in the body, it has simply become displaced. In addition to this fluid displacement, at times pregnant women also retain excess water, which will add to the swelling. The description of how edema occurs sounds scary but it is quite common and normal during pregnancy so don't be alarmed. Swelling in these areas are not usually associated with edema and could be a sign of preeclampsia, a serious condition for both mother and baby. At work, elevate your feet under your desk on a stool or stack of books, and at home, try to lie on your left side whenever possible.