swollen legs and flight socks

[newby29]

Hello all. I am nealry 24 weeks and in the past couple of weeks have been getting quite swollen legs and ankles. I mentioned it to my mw when I saw her last week and she said nothing to worry about but that I coule wear support tights. So, a couple of questions:

1. I dont really want to wear 'tights' under trousers - can I get support socks and are they the same as flight socks??
2. In general, if my legs/ankles are swollen, is it better to wear nothing on my legs, or is it better to wear suuport/flight socks??

Any advice gratefully received!!!

Yes I think flight socks are the same as support tights/socks.
Unless you are particularly swollen they are not necessary but may reduce swelling.

Did she advise any anckle excercises which will also help to mobilise the fluid? Basically you lift your foot of the floor and flex it backwards and forwards (10 times), then rotate one way 10 times, and then the other 10 times.

You can do this as many times as you feel like each day.

I had horrendous swelling which continued until I gave up BF. I wish I had done more to deal with it earlier as I have now trashed my lymphatic system and I get hprrendous pre-menstrual swelling which I never had before.

Thanks SpringBunny. She didnt mention ankle exercises, so thats v helpful - I'll give them a go. Not so good that yours had some permanent effects

When I was BF I was doing ankle excercises at teh start and end of every feed (which you may find out soon is a lot). It does help though.

My ankles were actually worse postnatally and at one point I couldn't even fit my feet into a big pair of adjustable 'flip-flops' or trainers with no laces...so I really empathise with you. Defo worth trying to do something now.

Hi Newby

I had terrible swollen ankles and feet towards the end of my pregnancy - struggling to even wear flip flops. I was told to keep feet up as much as possible,(I know, easier said than done) but it actually did help,