Giving birth with legs like overstuffed sausages?

[superbean]

I'm 38 weeks with twins and my leg swelling is horrendous. I can barely bend my legs or ankles and everything south of my boobs is just completely stiff. I know it is just fluid but I can't stand for any length of time and even kneeling on a cushion with weight on my arms is really painful on my knees.

Have been to the NCT classes where they talk about the benefits of moving about when in labour - but can't see how I am really going to be able to do this for more than a few minutes at a time.

Has anyone else had the same problem? If so did you manage to move about despite the swelling? Does the swelling start to go once you are in labour or is the labour pain just so awful that the pain in your legs pales into insignificance?

I am gutted as would really like to try and stay active - any thoughts welcome!

Is your midwife aware of this swelling? How long have you had it?

The first time round I was like this and my MW did not give much of a thought to it. In retrospect, she should have so don't let her fob you off about it. Expect to see a physio therapist to at least help you get comfy. The second time round it set in quite late and I was already getting hydrotherapy for SPD because I went to see my GP.

The best thing you can do IMO is plan for a water birth, preferably at home. Despite a lot of swelling (not as bad as the first time) I found having a waterbirth fantastic for having limited mobility - SPD and swollen legs.

It isn't too late to plan for a WB.

i had this in my last pregnancy, the swelling was so bad i couldn't even wear flipflops!!!!
i was really worried about not being able to be 'active' during labour... when it came to it i spent most of the time stood against the bed swaying (instead of walking) and then on all fours which i found the best position for me... however i was only in labour for 6 hours from start to finish so i didn't have a long latent (begining) faze to muddle through, which i guess is the time that you would normally be walking around trying to get things moving quicker!
one thing to keep in mind is that when your in labour your body seems to be able to do anything so although your finding it hard to walk now that doesn't mean you wont when it comes down to it!
Good luck!

Swelling needs to be checked out as it is a sign of pre-eclampsia - are you having regular bp checks?

hi, yes BP is still fine and no protein in urine, but they are monitoring this. Think it is just the result of two big babies at full term..

Any chance you can use a birthing pool? Like you I had very bad swelling, but normal BP, no protein in urine etc. I found the birthing pool was the best thing for labour, everything else was too uncomfortable. Good luck!

I feel your pain. I also have swollen fingers that I can't bend, it is quite amazing how swollen I have become. I look like that girl on Charlie & the Chocolate Factory who swells up like a blueberry, it is not a pretty sight! My midwife seems fairly relaxed about it too. My blood pressure has been fine throughout the pregnancy so they aren't worried.