Oedema- any tips?

[510fudge]

My hands, feet and ankles have suddenly swollen up massively (thank god it's not cold weather as I'm not sure anything other than my flip flops would fit!). Besides not being exactly glamorous they are stopping me from sleeping as at night they THROB and keep me awake.

Has anyone got any ideas as to how i can deal with this and ease the swelling?

I went to the doctors today just to check that it wasn't pre-eclampisa- apparenty my blood pressure is slightly up and there was a little bit of protein in my wee, but not enough to worry the doctor- going to be checked again next week.

Am 35 weeks by the way.

Thanks!

How much has your blood pressure gone up?

Don't have any specific tips re oedema other than stay cool/drink lots of water and rest with your feet up.

Hi 510fudge, I've had exactly the same thing as you since I was about 27 weeks. Im now 40+2 and its worst than ever. All you can do is rest if you can put your feet up so they are over your heart it eases the swelling also try clenching and unclenching your hands.
I too had high blood pressure in my 35th and 36th week which has now gone back to normal and protein in my urine but nothing that my mw was too worried about.
The pain is worst at night because the blood is just rushing to your hands and feet. Unfortunately theres not much that can be done all they kept telling me was when baby arrives I'll literally forget about my hands and feet and well that still hasnt happened!
Just try and rest and keep your feet up

Have you tried reflexology? I treat many pregnant women with oedema and always seems to have beneficial effect - try association of reflexologists website for someone local to you.

not quite the same but gives some Info
another link
and some more Info

Im 37 weeks pg and have only been able to wear flip flops for weeks.

My doctor said the only thing to do was to put your feet up, apparantly just sitting down isn't the same.

Since then I've tried putting them up on the sofa when I can and they really do go down a bit the longer I can stay like that.

Thanks to everyone for their replies. Sitting with my feet up seems to help, but then i feel bad as I've been told to make sure I sit up properly with a good posture! can't win!

My blood pressure is up to 132/82 which, having checked, seems to be higher than normal (previously it has been 120/70 or lower). I'm due to see the consultant at the hospital next week so they will check it again then I guess.