Every time I went to the doctor during my pregnancy, they'd ask whether I have any swelling of feet or hands. I didn't - up to this point. Now that I am on the 8th month, I have noticed that my ankles and feet swell. It does not hurt, but I feel it and definitely see it. The pregnancy book I am reading lists it as one of common symptoms, so there is nothing to worry about, but I wonder whether I can do something to relieve this?

Yes I think it's really a common thing for pregnant girls. I heard my mom and dad talks about this a lot before. I guess that'll be gone after you give birth. Just don't eat a lot.

I don't mean to scare you, but it doesn't always go down. My mom, who experienced swelled during her first pregnancy, told me that she went up a shoe size. She has to wear wider shoes now.

Well, we'll see how it goes, and I'll certainly mention it to my doctor during the next visit. Right now, the swelling persists; it is minimal in the morning, then it gets worse during the day. I don't feel much discomfort because of it though.

Try keeping your feet in a raised position when you go to bed, say by resting your ankle on a pillow . I was advised to wear a crepe bandage too though I used to find it very uncomfortasble while at work during day time !!

What exactly causes the feet to swell anyway? The body goes through so many changes in preparation of the baby, but I don't understand why the feet are also affected.

I don't know what causes it... But it seems to be a very common symptom, likely to start as early as on the 4th month. I am lucky it did not start until the 8th month in my case.

When I was taking care of my grandmother before she passed away, the doctors always told me to have her feet elevated in order to help the swelling go down. It may help you as well. Also, walking and moving/massaging your feet should help too. Talk to your doctor, b/c I'm sure they'll have more tips and tricks for you

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-Brittany Brydahl