When to worry about swelling?

Since about 15 (maybe 17) weeks, my ankles have been swollen. I mentioned it to my doctor at the last visit, but he didn't seem overly concerned about it - said we'd keep an eye on it.

I know it's been hot the past few days, but my legs and ankles are VERY swollen - my ankles are protruding and deformed looking. I also can't get sneakers on because the tops of my feet are so swollen as well. It hurts to go up and down the stairs in my house right now. I limit my sodium intake and drink about a gallon of water a day. I stayed off me feet today at work (no easy feat since I'm a teacher) and they are still swollen. My last period class asks to see my ankles each day and they all laugh at how they look

I'm 20 weeks tomorrow. I have an appointment with my doctor next Tuesday - should I wait until then to talk to him about it, or should I give the office a call tomorrow? My mom developed toxemia with my older brother and ended up losing the baby right after he was born (he had a host of other issues as well - spina bifida and encephalitis, so it's not likely that he would have survived anyway but she is freaking out about the swelling)

Thoughts?

Message edited 4/28/2009 6:11:20 PM.

Re: When to worry about swelling?

I wouldn't worry unless my doc was worried. If you have toxemia you will have other symptoms (protein in your urine, high BP, rapid weight gain)

I think you would be fine to wait till your appt but it can't hurt to call.

Re: When to worry about swelling?

I would call your doctor just to ease your mind but I think as long as you don't have blurred vision, headaches or anything else, you are fine.

Re: When to worry about swelling?

You sound JUST like me. I've been doing all the things you have been doing and STILL can't seem to make the swellling go down and I'm a teacher as well its hard to sit at work!! I'm going to put in a call AGAIN to my ob because I called lst week and I still don't really see a change. You should def call to. It won't hurt to let them know. Feel better

Re: When to worry about swelling?

i'd call them if you want - it can't hurt.

i'm in the same position and honestly in this heat i don't think it's going to get any better. i was in so much pain coming home today because the skin on my feet and hands literally felt like it was stretched as far as it could go. plus my shoes stopped fitting half way through the day which didn't help...

being a teacher is really sucking right now though. as much as you try to stay off your feet, you really can't...

Re: When to worry about swelling?

I am having the same dilemma. The swelling goes down once I am off my feet by the next morning, then it starts all over again. One foot/ankle is worse than the other. I have an appt. next week, but my mom and DH are making me a nervous wreck. I honestly don't think it is that bad- they don;t look like they are about to burst or anything, just a little puffy.

Re: When to worry about swelling?

I just spoke to my Dr about this today... I've been having the same problem since 16 weeks. And right now, I have creases in my ankles that shouldn't be there b/c they are sooooo swollen... They get so puffy at night, and I can't walk up or down the stairs either, b/c they hurt...

If you could raise them above your heart it will help.. Unfortunately, every time I try it, I get very uncomfortable and can't breathe..

My Dr did a sonogram of my legs to rule out clots, and did preclampsia testing also to make sure.. They also watch my BP like a hawk, and mine has actually gone down

As long as you don't have protein in your urine or an elevated BP, you should be ok. Try to always keep your feet in sneakers, it actually helps keeps the swelling down.. And keep your feet up as much as you can...

Good Luck!!! I totally understand what you are going through...

Re: When to worry about swelling?

CALL!!! I thought it was silly to worry my midwife and I wound up in the hospital one night!! Pre-eclampsia is no joke. And you have a familiy history of toxemia. Call Call call. Do you know anyone who can take your blood pressure or can you get to a CVS and use thier machine? This would help also.

Otherwise, Lie on your left side and don't get up, unless to pee, until morning. Consistant bedrest really helped me.

Re: When to worry about swelling?

Re: When to worry about swelling?

I don't have any advice... just lots of Hope the swelling goes down soon!

Re: When to worry about swelling?

I'm in the same position and I'm trying not to worry since my doctor is not concerned about it. I know she's anal, so if she's not worried, then I try not to.

My mom developed toxemia when she was pregnant with me as well. I've been severely swollen for quite some time now during my pregnancy and I actually did have some rapid weight gain at my last appointment (10 lbs in 7 days!) but my BP is fine and nothing is showing up in my urine. My weight has been fine at this last appointment now. No matter how much I try to elevate my feet or avoid salt, I'm constantly swollen.

My suggestion would be to bring it up to your doctor, but if the other factors are not adding up, try not to worry. The added stress can't be good. Lots of and we'll get through it!

Re: When to worry about swelling?

Thanks girls!

I;m going to give a call tomorrow just to ease my mind. I can't even imagine how much worse it's going to get over the summer!

Re: When to worry about swelling?

you sound like me... and i was just at the doctor's office last ngiht. he laughed when i showed him my granny shoes i now must wear because nothing else fits!!!! seriously though he said even water and elevating your feet doesn't help that much. he said the only time to be concerned is when it's accompanied by high blood pressure and that can be a sign of toxemia/preeclampsia, but 20 weeks is usually way too early for that. he said some people just swell and that's it. he said his wife used to wear his sneakers when she was pregnant... it just happens.

Message edited 4/28/2009 10:28:33 PM.