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 Roy Pitkin, M.D., is a professor of obstetrics and
gynecology and is the former chair of the ob/gyn
department at the University of California, Los
Angeles School of Medicine. He is a frequent advisor
to national health agencies on women's health issues and has
received numerous international honors for this work.
Q: I'm 27 weeks pregnant and my feet are achy and swollen most of the time. Is there anything I can do to alleviate the swelling pain?
A: Swelling of the feet and ankles is a common problem during late pregnancy, especially during hot weather. It reflects fluid retention and most of the time it is perfectly normal, although in some cases it can be associated with a blood pressure problem called pre-eclampsia. Therefore, you need to call this to your doctor's attention. Assuming there is no serious underlying problem, foot swelling can be helped by elevating your feet whenever you can and by lying on your left side. Sitting in a hot tub is also helpful. Reducing your salt intake might reduce the swelling, but this should only be done when advised by your health care provider. If the swelling is associated with varicose veins in the legs and ankles, you may want to wear elastic supportive hose.
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