Elara guides

Swollen feet and hands: normal, or not

Most swelling is ordinary — here's the part that isn't.

By the later weeks, a bit of puffiness in the feet and ankles is almost a rite of passage. Your body is carrying around 50% more fluid, and gravity pools it in your lower half. Most swelling (oedema) is completely normal — but a particular pattern of swelling is one of the warning signs of pre-eclampsia, so it's worth knowing the difference.

The normal kind

Gradual swelling of the feet, ankles and lower legs that's worse at the end of the day and in hot weather, and better after resting with your feet up or overnight. Mild puffiness in the fingers (rings feeling tight) is common too. It's uncomfortable but not dangerous, and it settles in the days after birth.

What helps

• Put your feet up whenever you can — above hip level if possible.
• Move regularly; don't stand or sit still for long stretches.
• Stay well hydrated (it actually reduces fluid retention) and go easy on very salty food.
• Comfortable shoes and avoiding tight socks or straps.
• Gentle exercise like walking or swimming, which the water pressure helps.

Get checked the same day if

• Swelling comes on suddenly, or in your face and hands.
• It's paired with a bad headache, vision changes or pain under the ribs (possible pre-eclampsia).
• One leg is swollen, red, hot or painful — this needs urgent assessment for a clot.

Sudden or facial swelling with any pre-eclampsia symptom is urgent — contact your maternity team straight away rather than waiting to see if it eases.