Recent Blog Articles
Pouring from an empty cup? Three ways to refill emotionally
Give praise to the elbow: A bending, twisting marvel
Sneezy and dopey? Seasonal allergies and your brain
The FDA relaxes restrictions on blood donation
Apps to accelerometers: Can technology improve mental health in older adults?
Swimming and skin: What to know if a child has eczema
A muscle-building obsession in boys: What to know and do
Natural disasters strike everywhere: Ways to help protect your health
Dementia: Coping with common, sometimes distressing behaviors
Screening tests may save lives — so when is it time to stop?
Leg Swelling (Edema) during Pregnancy
Leg Swelling (Edema) during Pregnancy
Welcome to this symptom guide about ankle and leg swelling during pregnancy.
Almost every pregnant woman has some extra fluid in the tissues. Usually this will be most obvious during the later part of pregnancy, especially if a woman is on her feet for a long period of time.
However, sometimes leg swelling can indicate a complication of pregnancy or be caused by an unrelated problem.
This guide is not intended to replace a face-to-face meeting with a health care professional about your symptoms. Many causes of leg and foot swelling require an in-person examination and testing to diagnose. However, this guide may be particularly helpful while awaiting an office visit or after your initial evaluation.
The reasons for swelling in just one leg are not the same as the causes of swelling in both legs.
Do you have swelling of just one foot, ankle, and/or leg? (Also answer yes if one side is much more swollen than the other side.)
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
Free Healthbeat Signup
Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox!
