Swollen Hands

[melonsrock]

I'm 23 weeks and have woken up with swollen hands and fingers...I know swollen hands and feet can be a problem in pregnancy. Does anyone know of anything you can do to relieve it?

No I don't - sorry.

I didn't notice that I had swollen hands in my first prenancy. It is only looking back at the photos of me holding dd in hospital that I can see that my hands are HUGE!

Have you got your 24 week check-up soon? I've recently had mine and the first question the MW asked was if I'd had any swelling in hands or feet. Maybe give them a quick call if not.

I'm afraid I don't know what it means exactly. When I got swollen ankles at 37 weeks I was told to sit with my feet up. I'm not sure how that relates to hands!

It's one of the signs of pre-eclampsia afaik, but don't panic - lots of pregnant women get swelling. As it's sudden it's probably no harm to give midwife/hospital a ring though.

Thanks guys...I have an appt with the Dr in a couple of weeks so will mention it then if it continues...

I have had terrible swollen hands, feet and face since 26 weeks (I am now almost 38 weeks), I look horrendous. Fortunately it isn't down to pre-eclampsia, my blood pressure readings have been consistently good all pregnancy and my urine samples are fine.

Just to be on the safe side I would advise that you pop into the surgery in advance of your appointment and ask for the nurse to take your blood pressure, you can't be too careful.

I couldn't wear my rings from about 30 weeks till 2 months pp. When I went to yoga I would go on all 4s and watch my fingers swell! Legs didn't swell.

melonsrock, I'm the same - just coming up to 23 weeks, and the last couple of days have had puffy fingers and toes.

Not massive! No one else would notice except me, I shouldn't think. I'm a wee bit apprehensive though just because I suspected I might puff up - I tend to in hot weather anyway, but had hoped that might all come later on (I'm due July, this is my 1st).

I know my BP is fine, it's actually on the low side.

So far, I've has the following advice: - daily gentle exercise, like swimming or walking (which I do anyway) - tomato juice and celery, apple juice and celery if you have a juicer (though presumably actually eating said apple and celery wouldn't hurt either) - limit salty snacks. Also drink herbal teas, but I've never found one I like.

That's all totally anecdotal, and could be based as much in medieval witchcraft as science, for all I know (well - I understand there's good reason for doing exercise and avoiding too much salt). If anyone can offer any thoughts, I'd be grateful.

I sort of think that if I'm going to be a puffy person, that's just that and the luck of the draw etc, BUT I'd do anything sensible I can to limit it...