Tell Me What Works For Swelling Please?

[FraggleRock77]

Just that really. Swollen legs, ankles and hands! 32 weeks. Blood pressure all fine x

Elevate them, pop some cushions on the sofa so your legs are higher than your hip.

Nothing, absolutely sodding nothing.

I've got it really badly in my legs - from thigh to toes and in my hands and have tried it all. I've even got scars which have popped out as a result of the fluid buildup!!

The only thing that partly works is getting DH to massage them nightly. It really hurts and means I will probably pee about 4x during the night but feet and ankles will be slightly deflated by morning.

Only for gravity to take effect and for them to be just as swollen by the end of the day!!

Thanks AreWe. I utterly feel your pain CatRash. I feel totally defeated by it, well by most things at present. I've started today with drinking lots of water to see if that helps! I'm going to end up with stretch marks on my calfs and feet at this rate!!! How far along are you CatRash?x

My DH brought menthol aqueous cream home and used to massage my legs and feet.

Didn't take the swelling down much but the cooling effect on my throbbing ankles and calves was brilliant.

Yup same here!! I'm actually shocked I don't have stretch marks from it as the skin is ridiculously tight - I think if it gets much worse, if that's possible, then I will get them! Unless my DHs massaging is helping keep them at bay?

I'm 36+5 so not too much longer thankfully!! I've probably had this extreme swelling since around 32 weeks (sorry!) But have had some degree of swelling since 24 weeks.

If you find anything that works do let me know! In the meantime you have my sympathy!!

What do you do for a job?

Not long CatRash! You're nearly there! I'm currently signed off work due to having a crappy cervix as well! When do you finish? Already on my third pint of water!!!x

plenty of fluids (sounds weird but 'flushes' out fluids)
lying down with elevated legs, wearing flight socks.
having blood pressure checked regularly to rule out issues.

I found Epsom salts baths helped a bit.

Yellow, what do you mean by plenty?x

a glass of water every hour or thereabouts.
not too much so you don't upset your mineral balance but enough for good circulation and urine output.

Thank Yellow. How are Epsom Salts meant to help?x

Well, I'm on my sixth pint of water, my DH has massaged both legs and they're now elevated in bed! Will update tomorrow!x

Magnesium helps to reduce oedema. Epsom salts are magnesium.

Thanks Intransige. I ordered some on Amazon last night. I'm happy to report that i do have ankles this morning and a shape to my calfs! I've kept up the water consumption over night and will continue today as well x

I found swimming helped me! Cold water, body weight being supported and good for circulation. Good luck ☺️

Oh god I know your pain! We moved house yesterday and there's so much to unpack but it's so painful to stand up! Going to have to get all of the suggested and try everything!

I feel for you Jessie. Nothing really works except compression tights/stockings. Like a god send although very unsightly but i could not care less!x

Well i am happily laying in bed (with legs elevated of course) and i have ankles!!! Purchased some medical grade full toe thigh high stockings on Amazing in tan. £20 but worth every bloody penny! Bugger to get on though!x