Reducing ankle swelling

[RMarieClaire]

Any tips on how I can reduce swelling in my ankles and feet without putting them up? I find lying on my back makes me feel sick and short of breath.

Make sure you are still being active as too much sitting makes swelling worse!
Some people suggested alternating cool with warm water foot baths but I generally stuck to cool water with a few drops of grapefruit and lemon essential oils. You can also use these to massage feet / ankles. If you have a nice partner they might massage to encourage the flow of fluid.

Unfortunately I have no tips but I am watching with interest as I have the same problem! Confusingly one foot is also more swollen than the other

OP I got a cooling foot balm/rub thing. Kept my feet as raised as possible during the day so they weren’t hanging down at the desk in front of me but propped up on boxes stuck out in front. Not exactly comfortable but eased the swelling.

@russiandwarf I do remember from distant past that one side being more swollen than the other was perhaps a warning sign of something more serious. Is one side significantly more swollen than the other? Have you mentioned to a midwife?

@russiandwarf I'm the same, my right leg / ankle is definitely the more swollen of the two. I went to the doc about it at around 17 weeks and she didnt seem overly concerned 🤞 I was glad I went though as I'd googled and read a few scare stories so it put my mind at ease, for now at least.
I know that if it continues or worsens as the weeks go by I'll get concerned again, currently 21 weeks.

Oh really @Popskipiekin @angelix ?! I had no idea! The right foot is fat and the left is looking better as I've been sat with them up just now. I'm 20 weeks and swelling has only been over last couple of weeks. Thanks for the heads up - I will keep an eye on it and maybe call the midwife this week if it doesn't resolve itself! I haven't seen her since before swelling started.

My midwife said to do circular movements with my ankles, not sure if its actually to help the swelling or prevent other issues like dvt. Mine are huge at the end of a work day but fine the next day... as are pretty much all my symptoms actually!