Swelling in pregnancy is very common, but it can also be an early warning sign of serious conditions like preeclampsia or a blood clot, so it’s important to know when to get urgent help.

What’s normal swelling in pregnancy?

Mild, gradual swelling (edema) in late pregnancy is usually normal. It often:

  • Starts in the second or third trimester and slowly increases over time.
  • Affects ankles, feet, and sometimes fingers more by the end of the day.
  • Gets worse with heat, standing for long periods, or long busy days.

If your swelling is mild, symmetrical (both legs/feet), comes on slowly, and you otherwise feel well, it’s usually considered a normal pregnancy change.

When swelling can be dangerous

Swelling can sometimes signal conditions that need immediate medical attention, especially preeclampsia or a blood clot.

Call your doctor or maternity triage urgently (same day) if you notice:

  • Sudden swelling of your face, around your eyes, or hands.
  • Swelling that gets much worse very quickly (over hours or a day or two), anywhere in the body.
  • “Pitting” swelling — when you press a finger into the skin and the indentation stays for several seconds.
  • Swelling plus a new or severe headache, vision changes (blurred spots, flashing lights), or upper right belly pain.
  • Swelling with feeling suddenly unwell, short of breath, chest pain, or rapid weight gain over a few days.

These can be signs of preeclampsia, a serious pregnancy complication linked to high blood pressure that can be dangerous for both mother and baby if not treated quickly.

Go to emergency / call emergency services immediately if:

  • Swelling is mainly in one leg or calf and that leg is painful, warm, red, or very tender.
  • You have swelling plus chest pain, difficulty breathing, coughing blood, or sudden collapse.

These can be signs of a blood clot in the leg (DVT) or lungs (pulmonary embolism), which need emergency treatment.

When to mention swelling at your next routine visit

Even if it doesn’t feel like an emergency, you should inform your midwife/OB at your next appointment if:

  • Swelling is moderate and makes shoes or rings very tight most days.
  • You notice new swelling in your hands or face that isn’t dramatic but is persistent.
  • You’ve had preeclampsia or high blood pressure in a previous pregnancy.

They may check your blood pressure, urine (for protein), and sometimes blood tests to rule out preeclampsia.

Simple ways to ease normal swelling

These steps won’t treat serious causes but can help with normal pregnancy swelling and discomfort:

  • Put your feet up whenever you can; avoid standing for long stretches.
  • Sleep/rest on your left side to help blood flow back to your heart.
  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing and shoes; avoid tight bands around ankles or calves.
  • Do gentle movement (walking, ankle circles) to keep circulation going.
  • Stay hydrated; limiting very salty, ultra‑processed foods may help some people.
  • Ask your provider if compression stockings are appropriate for you.

An example: a person 30 weeks pregnant who notices her feet puff up after a long day on her feet, then mostly go down overnight, with no other symptoms, is likely experiencing normal pregnancy edema — but should still mention it at her next visit so blood pressure and urine can be checked.

Bottom line

  • Mild, gradual swelling in feet and ankles, worse at the end of the day, is usually normal in pregnancy.
  • Sudden, severe, or one‑sided swelling — especially with headache, vision changes, pain, shortness of breath, or feeling very unwell — is an emergency sign and needs urgent assessment.

If you are pregnant and unsure whether your swelling is normal, it is always safer to call your maternity unit, midwife, or doctor and describe your symptoms in detail. This information is general and cannot replace in‑person medical advice or an examination.