Any tips on reducing puffy ankles?

[lucy5]

I'm 36 weeks and for the last couple of days, my ankles have been really puffy. Normally putting my feet up has done the trick but not today.

Bumpity bump!

Are you taking any exercise? I found that, if I had a completely restful day to try to avoid swollen feet and ankles, they actually swole far worse. Getting good trainers on (ie supportive shoes) and making sure I had a getnle walk every day was the best thing, I found. Putting my feet up during the day didn't make much difference, but putting them up in tehevening did help.

Also avoid crossing your legs, whether at the knee or th ankle.

Thanks, I'm getting plenty of exercise, am wondering if i've been overdoing it. I have had two shopping trips, nothing strenuous but a fair bit of walking.

erm..tis beacuse you are pregnant!!

how is the whole pre eclampsia scenario going?

do not cross your legs...and when you lay down raise up the mattress of your bed on pillows or folded up towels to get your legs elevates .

try and keep your feet up...! and higher than your hips when lying down...!

do not decrease your fluid intake in an attempt to make the swelling go down.

if swelling massively increases...see the midwife!

it might not go away until you deliver now...xxxx

Hi lucy5 - I had a similar problem with my first pregnancy and from about 36 weeks I got puffier and puffier with my legs ending up the same width from the knee down. I completely lost my ankles and couldn't bend at the ankle.
My toes just sort of merged into 1 large fat toe (with atheletes foot inbetween!!).
In the end I gave up - there was absolutely nothing that I tried that made any difference.
I bought a pair of velcro expandable sandles and gave up on looking glamerous!!
It did go down after a couple of days of giving birth though.
Good luck and don't stress!

i found reflexology helped and occaisionaly wore support sockings and flight socks, but generally wore flip flops in the midst of winter.

Thanks, still being monitored, although protein in urine has gone down to 0.3 over the last couple of days.

that;s good..remember you are carrying a lot of extra blood and fluid..it needs to go somewhere...xx

Thanks Lulumama, you are a star!

xxxxxxx are you in spain? which bit?

I live in the south, a litle place called Estepona, between Marbella and Gibraltar.

well my darling, when i am in estepona next may / june, i will come and visit you and LO!!!!!

DH goes there quite a bit and we are having our hols there in the summer.....!!

Sorry, I keep losing my internet connection. Oooh how exciting, I can be included in mumsnet meet up for once

tell me about it!! can't go to the london one as i am in merseyside and too complicated....with child care etc....!

Back online again! Why does your dh come to Estepona, if you don't mind me asking?

My family are originally from Liverpool and the Wirral.

be funny if DH knew them!! don't want to put too much personal stuff on here IFYNWIM!! you are welcome to MSN me at

lulumama 21 @ hotmail . com

without the gaps ! or CAT me...!

off to bed now though, so should you be! sleep well...with your legs raised!!!

Hi i have had this with both pregnancies (currently 39wks). My entire legs stay permanently swollen, and my hands a face also swell. I can't wear any shoes or socks as its just too painful. Just go out in birkenstocks even in this weather!

Madrose - were your feet painful? Did reflexology soothe it? I was considering reflexology for the enjoyment and to try and bringon labour, but i'm not sure i will find it too uncomfortable as even pressing on the top of my foot hurts.

Oh Hattie, that's horrible, not much longer now! my hands are swelling too and for the first time today my face has swollen. I am wearing mules, which is ok as it's not cold in Spain but it has been a bit wet.