PEAK WEEK
Week 36 β’ Third Trimester
Swelling (Edema) at Week 36
Peak swelling, especially in heat
β
Severity This Week: Severe
Peak swelling, especially in heat
π‘ Tips for Week 36
- βElevate often
- βStay cool
- βMonitor for preeclampsia signs
π Third Trimester Overview
Very common - 75% experience swelling, especially feet/ankles
π What Causes Swelling (Edema) at Week 36?
- β’Extra fluid production (50% more)
- β’Uterusεpressing on veins
- β’Gravity pulling fluid to legs
- β’Hormones retaining sodium
- β’Hot weather
- β’Standing/sitting too long
- β’High sodium diet
β Normal Signs
- βGradual swelling of feet/ankles
- βWorse at end of day
- βBoth sides equal
- βImproves with elevation
β Concerning Signs
- β Sudden severe swelling
- β Face and hands swelling rapidly
- β One leg only swollen
- β Swelling with severe headache
- β Swelling with vision changes
π Relief Strategies
- βElevate feet above heart level
- βAvoid standing/sitting too long
- βSleep on left side
- βWear compression stockings
- βStay hydrated (counterintuitive but helps)
- βReduce sodium intake
- βSwim or stand in pool
- βWear comfortable shoes
- βExercise daily
π₯ When to Call Your Doctor
Contact your healthcare provider if you experience:
- β Sudden, severe swelling
- β Swelling with severe headache
- β Swelling with vision changes
- β One leg swollen more than other
- β Rapid weight gain (>4 lbs in week)
- β Swelling with abdominal pain