Swollen Feet During Pregnancy: Causes, Relief, and When to Worry

If your shoes feel tighter or your ankles seem to disappear by the end of the day, you're not alone. Puffy hands and feet during pregnancy, along with swollen calves, are common symptoms, especially as your body holds on to more fluid in the second and third trimesters.

This type of swelling, known as edema in the feet during pregnancy, may be uncomfortable but is usually harmless. And the good news? There are a few simple things you can do to feel better today.

Quick relief tips for swelling:

• Put your feet up when resting—elevating them helps reduce pressure

• Use a cold compress or soak your feet in cool water

• Stay active with light movement like short walks

• Drink plenty of water and cut back on salt and caffeine

• Wear soft, supportive shoes and avoid tight socks.

In this guide, you’ll find what causes swelling, how to manage it at home, and when to check in with your provider—especially if swelling seems sudden, severe, or paired with other symptoms.

Why do Feet Swell During Pregnancy?

You might notice that your feet start to look puffier during your pregnancy, and this can continue well into the later stages. But why do feet swell during pregnancy? As your uterus grows, it can put extra pressure on the blood vessels that carry blood from the lower part of your body back to your heart. 

What causes swelling in the feet during pregnancy isn’t just circulation changes. Your body also produces more blood and fluids to support your growing baby, which adds to the puffiness, causing your swollen legs, ankles, and feet during your pregnancy. The medical term for swelling caused by fluid retention is edema.

Hormones can also play a role in the feet growing in size. The hormone relaxin, which is responsible for loosening the pelvic joints to make delivery possible, also loosens the ligaments of your feet. This results in the bones of your feet spreading, which is just another symptom you might experience along with pregnancy aches and pains.

Weight gain during pregnancy is another contributing factor. More body weight means more pressure on your legs and feet, which can also make swelling more noticeable.

Are Swollen Feet a Sign of Preeclampsia?

Swelling is common in pregnancy, but sudden or severe swelling—especially in your hands, face, or around your eyes—could be a sign of preeclampsia. 

Preeclampsia’s swollen feet in pregnancy is a symptom that usually appears after 20 weeks and may also include high blood pressure, protein in the urine, headaches, or vision changes. Preeclampsia’s swollen feet may even be an early sign before other symptoms appear. If you're concerned about early-stage preeclampsia, swollen feet during pregnancy, consult your healthcare provider promptly.

When do Feet Start Swelling in Pregnancy?

So, when do feet start swelling in pregnancy? For many parents-to-be, it begins in the second trimester, around the 5th month and tends to become more noticeable as the pregnancy progresses.

It usually lines up with the point when your body increases fluid retention and your growing uterus puts more pressure on your veins—both common causes of swelling.

How to Prevent Swollen Feet During Pregnancy

Swelling can be uncomfortable, but there are a few simple steps you can take to help manage it. If you're wondering how to prevent swelling feet during pregnancy, start by making small changes to your daily routine.

• Put your feet up when you can to help improve circulation.

• Avoid standing or sitting for long periods—taking breaks to move around can help reduce fluid buildup

• Wear comfortable shoes and avoid tight clothing around your ankles and calves

• Sleep on your left side to take pressure off the large vein that returns blood from your lower body

• Stay hydrated—ironically, drinking more water can help your body hold on to less fluid.

These habits can make a big difference if you're wondering how to prevent swollen feet during pregnancy.

Home Remedies to Reduce Swollen Feet During Pregnancy

If you want to know how to reduce swollen feet during pregnancy, there are a few gentle, at-home strategies that might help you feel more comfortable. Always check in with your healthcare provider before making any major changes, but these tips are commonly suggested for managing moderate swelling:

• Reduce the load. Avoid standing for long periods of time, if possible.

• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of liquids. 

• Limit sodium. Reduce your intake of high-sodium foods or avoid them altogether.

• Limit caffeine. Although it’s OK to consume a little caffeine while pregnant, caffeine tends to cause fluid retention. Experts recommend limiting your caffeine intake to less than 200 milligrams a day (about a 12-ounce cup of coffee). Read more about the foods and beverages it might be best to limit or avoid while pregnant. 

• Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Tight and restrictive clothing can decrease circulation and increase fluid retention.

• Cool off. Soak your feet in cool water or put an ice pack on swollen areas.

• Elevate your legs. When you’re sitting or lying down, elevate your legs on a pillow or footrest.

• Avoid crossing your legs.

• Wear support stockings. Consider wearing support hose, compression socks or stockings. Stay away from socks or stockings that have tight elastic at the top.

• Buy new shoes. Consider wearing wider, more supportive shoes to help accommodate your swollen feet during your pregnancy.

• Get active. Low-impact activity can help reduce fluid retention. Check with your provider first before starting a new exercise routine when pregnant.

• Lie on your side. While resting or sleeping, lie on your side. This will take pressure off the vein that moves blood from your lower body back to your heart.

• Protect your legs and feet. Keep your skin clean and moisturized. Dry and cracked skin can easily get scrapes or cuts, opening you to the possibility of infection.

When Should Swelling During Pregnancy Be a Concern?

Swelling is usually a normal part of pregnancy, but there are times when it’s worth checking in with your healthcare provider. So, when should swelling during pregnancy be a concern?

• If you develop severely swollen feet, pregnancy symptoms that appear suddenly, or feel painful, it’s time to reach out to your provider

• Swelling accompanied by shortness of breath, chest pain, or difficulty breathing could signal pulmonary edema and needs urgent attention

• If your hands or face swell suddenly during your pregnancy, notify your healthcare provider immediately. Swelling in the hands or face could be one of the signs of preeclampsia, a blood pressure disorder.

The Bottom Line

Swollen feet, ankles, and legs are common in pregnancy and usually nothing to worry about. Still, it’s always a good idea to check in with your healthcare provider—especially if the swelling is sudden, severe, or comes with other symptoms. While not always preventable, many parents find that simple changes like resting with your feet up, staying hydrated, and wearing comfortable shoes can make a big difference. These small steps may help reduce swelling and bring some relief.

Yes, puffy feet may be one of pregnancy’s less glamorous symptoms—but it’s temporary. Once your baby is here, your body will gradually adjust, and those swollen feet will likely return to their usual size.

In the meantime, when you have a quiet moment, put your feet up and download the Pampers Rewards app to earn Pampers Cash and access exclusive digital offers on the products you’re already using.