Severe swelling in feet and ankles early on?

My ankles and feet have been huge every day for the last two weeks or so and I'm only 20 weeks now. I mentioned it to my doctor at my last appointment and all she said was "it happens." I'm noticing more and more that my doc is EXTREMELY laid back about everything and it has me a little concerned.

My family reacts with worry and horror every time they see my ankles. They are pretty huge. When I first wake up in the morning, they are almost normal looking, but within an hour of being on my feet, they are back to crazy.

Has this happened to anyone else so early on?

Re: Severe swelling in feet and ankles early on?

I had this last week and was sent to the hospital for a scan to be sure I didnt have blood clots b/c my feet and ankles swelled up. If I were you and your not so comfy w/how laid back your Dr is being, I would either just go to the hospital to have them checked out. Better to be safe than sorry.

Re: Severe swelling in feet and ankles early on?

If it would make you feel better just tell your doctor you would like to get checked to make sure there are no clots.

How are your iron levels? Even before being pregnant I would get horribly swollen ankles/feet and after sonograms to confirm there were no clots my doctor told me it was because of my iron levels, I've always been anemic but the swollen foot and ankle was just an added bonus in the last year or so whenever my levels dropped. After getting my levels back up the swelling has gone away.

Although, I did notice my SIL had swollen ankles at like 14 weeks so I'm sure they really can start swelling at any time!

Re: Severe swelling in feet and ankles early on?

Same boat here.

I'll be 23 wks tomorro and saw my OB last night. She said it's normal.

I feel like my skin is stretched out to the max on my calfs and feet.

She said my BP is fine. Urine is good. She did say I need to stay hydrated, min 10-12 glasses of water/ day and try to cut back on salty foods. Do not add salt to foods. And to remember that packaged, frozen, canned, etc foods have higher salt content.

And she said to put my feet up as soon as I get home and as much as I can during the day. Just putting my feet up on a box under my desk is nto enough.

I know all that. It's just challenging.


Good Luck!!!!

Re: Severe swelling in feet and ankles early on?

It happened to me around the same time.
The Dr's and nurses all said it was normal.
And I had slightly elevated BP which I was on meds for- and they still weren't concerened.
They did keep a watch on my urine for protein each visit- but since I had no protein in my urine and it was only my feet and not my hands, face, etc, they weren't too worried.

I used to come home, elevate my feet way over my head by laying on the couch flat and putting my feet up on the arm rests. When it got really bad I'd ice them too.
I drank tons of water
I cut out salt.

But in the end, it just was what it was.
I couldn't wear anything other than flip flops for the last few months.

I remember rejoicing when I saw my ankle bones for the first time shortly after giving birth!

Re: Severe swelling in feet and ankles early on?

Thanks everyone. I have another appt. with my doc on Thursday night and will ask her about it again, but I feel much better after reading your responses.