[bridey]

Hey I was wondering - I had fluid retention in my feet and ankles a few weeks ago and it went away. Well it is back in full force. What can I do? Do I need special socks or shoes? Should I start wearing a good pair of sneakers instead of these wide sized flats I am wearing? My blood pressure is good. My pulse is elevated though- it has been elevated siince i got pregnant around 103 typically. My doctor said to just drink more water that was the only advice i got. My feet hurt though. I sit most of the day at work. i have been trying to get up more and walk around.

[essemkay]

If you're not already drinking entire oceans of water, I'd try that. And cut out salt, if you're not doing that already. I've been wearing compression socks and hose (good ones, not the crap from motherhood maternity) and they help a LOT. I also try to get up every hour - hour and a half and walk around my office.

Edema can be serious -- so make sure you keep an eye on it, and keep your doctor's eye on it, too.

[bridey]

Thanks for the quick reply- what are problems associated with Edema? I saw two doctors at my OBGYN and they both seemed to shrug it off - they said as long as my blood pressure is good they were not worried. It worries me though. Where can i get these compression socks and should I wear a good pair of sneaks?

[essemkay]

Originally Posted by bridey

Thanks for the quick reply- what are problems associated with Edema? I saw two doctors at my OBGYN and they both seemed to shrug it off - they said as long as my blood pressure is good they were not worried. It worries me though. Where can i get these compression socks and should I wear a good pair of sneaks?

If it gets really bad, like REALLY bad, it can affect your organs and stuff. It wouldn't be a surprise, you'd know if it was getting bad, like if you gained 30 pounds super quick. Still, I'd keep an eye on it.

I don't know about sneakers. I'm snooty and work at a snooty law firm, so I wear pumps and boots and such. My shoes don't seem to have any effect on the swelling. I get the compression socks at a nursing/scrubs store (ask them what's best, they'll know -- but I get the graduated compression, can't remember the name, they have no compression in the toes which is key as I can't stand to have my toes all smooshed up) and the hose are Jobst that I got from the pharmacy (but I'm sure you can find them online). Fit is important with the Jobst, so I would recommend at least going to a pharmacy that carries them and getting measured. I'm 5'8" and at this stage of my pregnancy I'm up to 160 pounds and I wear a maternity small, which I never would have guessed.

EDIT: The socks are like $13 or $17 a pair. The hose are ASPENSIVE! Like $70 a pair (I only have one pair, I just wash them out each evening).

[Krista]

Essemkay gave you great information.

I'd like to add to make sure you put your feet up when you get home in the evening. Better yet have DH give you a nice foot/leg massage, to move the fluid in your lymphatic system.

I think edema is pretty common in pregnancy and is most dangerous when combined with other symptoms like Pre-E or GD.

Good luck!