Swollen legs and feet - any advice?

[superbean]

Hi, I'm nearly full term with my twins which is great but have developed swelling in my feet, ankles and legs. I'm pretty sure it is just water retention (have no other scary symptoms) but it is sore, stiff and the skin feels quite numb. I know the advice is elevate feet/gentle exercise but does anyone know;

1. Can you get socks that don't dig in? I have tried buying mens socks and cutting the elastic but they are still cutting into my feet. I can't wear support tights due to size of bump.

1. Are there any side effects (apart from swelling not going) if I can't put my feet up? I am finding it virtually impossible to put my feet up for long what with my other commitments. Assume this won't lead to any other drastic complication?

1. If you suffered from this how long did it take to go back to normal after you delivered?

Any advice welcome!

i suffered terribly with my first, my feet/ankles would actually go purple! Though it was summer time which i dont think helped, and meant i didnt have to wear shoes/socks. I've just bought some tesco value socks that have hardly any elastic round the ankle so they dont dig in as much. Have you mentioned the swelling to your midwife? Just to doubly check blood pressure, etc for signs of pre-eclampsia? They sent me to the hospital last week as i had swelling, raised blood pressure, and saw little floaty things but all was fine. It probably is just water retention, i was amazed after the birth how quickly it all went, i didnt even realise how round my face had become from all the extra water until after the birth and i could see my cheek bones again!
If you dont elevate your legs you'll just find them really uncomfortable and probably like they're going to explode by the end of the day. really try and rest as much as you can, you will most definitely need it after your two little ones arrive. all the best!

I had my twins at 39 wks,very easy pregnancy and like you only started to get swollen legs and feet towards the end.i did worry when they swelled up but went to hospital and they checked urine and bp-because it was twins higher risk of pre eclampsia but all was good.
Twins were born 5 weeks ago and swelling went completely by 3rd week,drink loads of water to flush it out! The standard answer i got from midwives, docs etc is because its twins things may take longer to settle down.I did have reflexology at 38 wks and this did give some temp relief.Good luck with your twins-hard work but amazing!