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Kat
Lv 4
Kat asked in Pregnancy & ParentingPregnancy · 1 decade ago

36 weeks- how much swelling is ok in your hands?

So I am 36 weeks and have been having some elevated bp. I was resting in bed and my feet and hands got swollen. Not crazy bad, but enough to be uncomfortable and tight. My blood pressure was only 145/87 which is high, but not terrible. Since then the swelling in my hands went down and my feet have come and gone. I can't tell if I am swelling in my face, so I don't think I am. I have a headache and have for two days, but I think it is because I am sick. Do you all think I should be concerned? Or does it sound normal and fine?

Update:

Well, I was put on modified bed rest by my doctor, so doing alot of walking or swimming isn't an option. And I was lying at an incline- I am sick and can't breathe any other way. :)

And since I had Preeclampsia with my first pregnancy, I don't think I am trying to talk myself into it, but more concerned about getting it again, and not wanting to let it go so long I have to have an emergency delivery.

I do thank you though for the advice though, I think that generally speaking it is good.

Update 2:

Oh, and my normal bp is 113/65, so 145/87 is high for me. Like I said- not terrible (with my daughter it went to 180/110), but it is higher than it should be.

3 Answers

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  • 1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    If you haven't swelled until now you are doing awesome, swelling to some extent is normal your body is holding more salt which during the season of giving there are a lot of salty sweets to Ham? Turkey, all that stuffing? Green Beans with Fat Back and then there are chips, pickles, all this can bring up BP just as well and that is not High but Boarder line BP.

    And if it is night time swelling goes up even more you may need to slow down more now as you are reaching the end if you are swelling to the size of a soft ball and all over you definitely need to head to the hospital to be screened for Toxemia as this can be dangerous otherwise slight to moderate swelling is normal.

    Source(s): Mom of three and studying to be Midwife
  • 1 decade ago

    You're trying to talk yourself into pre-eclampsia...stop it! :)

    If you're resting, best to be in a reclined position where your back is at 45 degrees or higher. Laying down can raise your BP, so you might consider walking and getting your blood flowing. The pumping action of walking will help to reduce your swelling and increase oxygen to your tissues and your baby. Stretching is good, swimming, pilates/yoga, anything to get you moving without overly raising your heart rate.

    Make sure you're drinking at least 64 oz of water...better to drink more in my opinion...it flushes out your system (no it does NOT make you retain more water if you drink more water). Consider increasing your potassium, calcium and magnesium intake either through leafy greens and bananas or via a supplement. Those minerals help keep your water in balance.

    Source(s): EMT B 32w2d and my normal BP is 140/86 all the time. I swell only when I sit too long or eat high carb/high sodium foods.
  • ?
    Lv 4
    1 decade ago

    I would go see my doctor to make sure everything is fine because it could be something to worry about and you would want to make sure everything is ok :)

    Source(s): Pregnant mother of baby #1 due Jan30th2010 <3
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