What some women will use for their fluid retention
Fluid retention, swelling or 'oedema' affects about 65% of healthy pregnant women with a normal blood pressure. While it can occur at any time in the pregnancy, it more commonly happens in the last 3 months of the pregnancy. This is because by about 32 weeks, the blood circulating in the woman's body has increased by up to 50%, contributing to swelling or fluid retention.
Swelling is usually found in the legs, feet and hands. You may notice any rings you wear becoming tighter, sometimes making it necessary to take them off until after your baby is born. Some women notice their feet increasing by 1/2 to 1 shoe size (or more).
This 'pregnancy swelling' is generally more noticeable at the end of the day, although it may be worse on hot days, after a plane trip or if you are on your feet for long periods of time. Swelling can be also associated with
varicose veins of the legs, so support strategies for these may help.
NOTE: If you notice that you seem to be swelling and you are more than 20 weeks pregnant, you should have your blood pressure checked by your caregiver or local doctor, to make sure it is
NOT related to high blood pressure in pregnancy.