Ankles, feet and fingers often swell a little in pregnancy because your body is holding more water than usual. Towards the end of the day, especially if the weather is hot or if you have been standing a lot, the extra water tends to gather in the lowest parts of the body.
Avoiding and easing swollen ankles
- try to avoid standing for long periods
- wear comfortable shoes
- put your feet up as much as you can: try to rest for an hour a day with your feet higher than your heart, for example propped up with cushions as you lie on the sofa
- try to do the foot exercises below – these will help
Foot exercises
You can do foot exercises sitting or standing. They improve blood circulation, reduce swelling in the ankles and prevent cramp in the calf muscles.
- bend and stretch your foot vigorously up and down 30 times
- rotate your foot eight times one way and eight times the other way
- repeat with the other foot
Get more tips on exercising in pregnancy.
Sometimes sudden swelling of the face, hands or feet can be a sign of pre-eclampsia, a condition that can be serious for both mother and baby. If sudden swelling happens to you, conact your midwife, doctor or the hospital immediately.
Find out more about health problems in pregnancy.
