Rapid Weight again in Late Pregnancy

[LusciousV]

I'm 38 weeks pregnant today and throughout my pregnancy, my weight has crept up pretty steadily (approx. 1.5/2lbs a week on average) from around 20 weeks. However, over the past 2 weeks I've put on 12lbs 😳 7lbs last week and 5lbs this week.

I haven't been eating any more than usual but I have noticed increased swelling in my feet and ankles which I know will be contributing towards it.

I had my last midwife appointment at 36 weeks and my urine sample was clear but my BP was slightly elevated. It's been around 120/75 throughout but was 122/88 at the last reading. I haven't had any headaches or vision issues so not overly concerned about PE but I will definitely mention the weight gain and swelling to my midwife at my next appointment which is tomorrow.

Has anyone else experienced rapid weight gain towards the end of their pregnancy? It might be normal but I'm a FTM so not sure if I should be more concerned.

Bump

Pretty sure that’s a symptom of pre-eclampsia - call your midwife or go in ASAP.

Thanks for your reply. My midwife will be calling me today to do a covid risk assessment before my appointment tomorrow so I'll mention it to her then.

I'd say fluid retention possibly pre eclampsia. I had the same thing.

What's concerning me most is the swelling is only in one foot and it's not going down when elevated. It's also a bit sore/tight feeling when I bend my toes back. Usually there's no swelling when I get up in the morning but there was yesterday and today, it's just not going down at all.

I called my midwife but just go the voicemail and it can take 24hrs for her to return calls. Not sure whether to call my GP or 111 as don't really want to leave it until tomorrow, just in case. Still not had the usual risk assessment call yet.

As pp's said sounds like poss PE to me. As you aren't going to midwife till tomorrow you might want to check dr brewers pe protocol in the meantime. Essentially be careful with carbs and up your protein for a quick rebalancing.
Best of luck, do get to midwife soon as.

P.s awful how every last thing is affected by this bloody virus!! I had my baby a few weeks before lockdown and I'd been having reduced movements. Don't know what the fuck I would've done if it had been corona mania then. Wishing you all the best and a good rest of pregnancy and safe delivery

@roxfox thanks so much for the tips re carbs/protein, I'll do that!

Just had a call from my midwife, she thinks it's to do with the stage of pregnancy I'm at along with the heat we've been experiencing over the past week. She advised me to write the alphabet with my foot to ensure good circulation. She didn't seem concerned at all as I don't have any redness or pain in my calf (which could indicate a clot).

She's going to check blood pressure and urine again tomorrow so fingers crossed she's right and it's just the result of being huge and hot 🙈

Congratulations on the arrival of your little one! I'm glad you managed to avoid this shit show. I'm having a section in just under 2 weeks and hoping all goes well and I'm discharged the following day 🤞🏼

Thank you and best of luck @LusciousV !

Swelling on one side.is almost certainly pre eclampsia. Call your midwife immediately! I dont want to worry you but it can develop fast! They will want to check you over today. Xx

I had this for 6 weeks before I was diagnosed as PE in my first pregnancy, had extreme swelling and high blood pressure of around 160/100 is for those 6 weeks ( No protein and blood tests ok for PE at that time). My swelling was to the point I put on 2 stone yup 2 stone in the space of 3 weeks so you have my upmost sympathy ! If you press your finger into your foot how long is it before skin is back level and smooth again? If it’s doesn’t come back within a few seconds mention this one the phone to triage when you call! I wasn’t admitted despite the high pressure and swelling just monitored every day and I had my own bp machine and dip sticks , was an utterly miserable time so hopefully it’s not ongoing for you x

Sounds very like pre eclampsia. I couldn't fit into my shoes or close my maternity jeans. It all happened very suddenly

And yes I agree with @Wudgy. Check how long the mark stays in your skin.

Thanks for your replies and well wishes ladies!

My swelling is only in one foot and ankle. Nothing in my hands or face. I also don't have any of the other related symptoms of PE like, nausea, headaches, vision problems, pain in ribs, etc.

I spoke to my midwife and she said that some people have a one sided lymphatic system so swelling can potentially only effect one side 🥴 I've sat with my feet up all day (no socks or shoes on) and rotated my ankle regularly and the swelling does seem to have subsided a bit. I poked my ankle and it went white but did bounce back relatively quickly.

I stupidly forgot to mention the rapid weight gain on the phone, was too focussed on the swelling. I will definitely mention it to her at my appointment tomorrow. I've never once been weighed at any antenatal appointment throughout my pregnancy, I just got into the habit of weighing myself weekly at home which is just as well or I would never have known I'd started packing on the pounds at a scary rate 🙈

Did any of you that had PE feel unwell or was it a shock when you were diagnosed? I feel generally well x

Just back from the midwife, urine sample clear and BP higher than usual but within normal range. Bump measuring a week ahead which MW said could be extra fluid accounting for weight gain, along with water retention in feet and ankles.

No concerns about PE which is good! 12 days to go....

How are you now?

I had so much fluid retention that when I weighed myself a few days after birth I lost 9 kilo ! It was insane to see how quickly the swelling went down . I looked like a completely different person after child birth . Like you , I had no issues . I just retain water like crazy !

@wudgy I'm a mum 🤩 Went into spontaneous labour on Thursday morning (5 days before my section date).

@MichelleOR84 I weighed myself this morning, 2 days post section, and have lost 15lbs already. Hoping the other 2.5 stone drops off me as easily but not holding my breath.

Congratulations luscious v xx

I put on 4.5 stones in pregnancy and I ate less than normal as suffered with chronic nausea and vomiting. 3.5 stones went on in the last 2 months. All the time I was told off about over eating! I was like a beached whale with no energy lying on the sofa 24/7.

I lost 2 stones the week he was born and another 1.5 stones within the month eating normally with no thoughts of dieting.

The last stone I had to work super hard to remove ... 18 months. It turned out I’d either developed an under active thyroid during pregnancy or I’d had it some years before and pregnancy worsened it.