So Swollen I Could Float

Real Solutions for Pregnancy Swelling (That Don't Just Involve "Drinking More Water")

Let's talk about swelling. Not the "aww look at your cute baby bump" kind — the kind where the top of your feet look like a overstuffed ball of bread dough and your rings are kidnapping your fingers. You know, that glamorous stage of late pregnancy where your eyelids even feel puffy and you're googling, "can feet explode?? " at 2am. If that's you? Welcome. Take a seat — ideally one with your feet elevated.

Swelling (aka edema) comes on strong in the third trimester, due to all that extra fluid your body's producing to support baby, your uterus pressing on blood vessels, and hormones doing… whatever crazy thing hormones do. And if some swelling is perfectly natural, that doesn't mean it's not hella annoying, uncomfortable and kind of terrifying when it gets serious. So here's a no-nonsense, mama-tested guide to what actually helped me feel semi-human again — and when to stop blaming salty snacks and call your doctor.

🧊 Things I Tried Before Crying (Again): Remedies for Swelling That Worked

Compression socks: not cute, but magical

I held out on these longer than I'd like to admit. I assumed they were for grandmas and marathoners — until I became desperate. And no surprise, compression socks actually work. They are called compression stockings, and they gently squeeze your legs, which helps prevent fluid from gorging or pooling at the bottom like it's having a pool party in your ankles.

🧦 Lexi Tip: Slip them on before you get out of bed in the morning, before gravity has had its dirty way with you. And go for the maternity-friendly type—it should say 15-20 mmHg compression (light-to-moderate) unless your OB advises different.

Bonus: they now come in fun prints, so you can weep in cheetah print instead of beige.

The "Legs Up the Wall" Pose—Yoga or Survival Move? Both.

This one is easy, and I swear it feels like taking the plug out of a bathtub. Simply lie on your back near a wall, shuffle your butt as close as you can get it to the wall, then throw your legs up so they're supported vertically.

🧘‍♀️ Hang there for 10–20 minutes while your blood and fluid take the message to quit pooling in your feet. It's a soft reset, aided by gravity. Do it after work, before bed, or whenever your feet feel like potatoes.

Hydrate, But Strategically

Yes, yes, "drink more water" is basic advice. But here's the truth: if you're dehydrated, your body clings onto fluid like your toddler clings onto snacks — tight. Proper hydration is what actually tells your system to release fluid.

💧 Make it easier:

• Add slices of lemon or cucumber (both natural diuretics)
• Use large, marked water bottles so that you can monitor your progress
• Hydrate Throughout the Day, Not All At Once (Chugging = Peeing 24/7)
• If regular water feels boring today, try coconut water for additional electrolytes or "spa water" with mint and fruit.

Epsom Salt Soaks: Mini Spa Sessions for Your Puffiest Feet

I kept a plastic storage tub under my bed for foot soaks — when you are as big as me, everything hurts. Epsom salt + Warm water can help reduce swelling and relax sore muscles.

🧂 Bonus points for adding a few drops of essential oils like peppermint (cooling) or lavender (calming). And do it while watching television or scrolling through memes — because relief can still be gained through multitasking.

🪑 Hack: Have a small towel on hand, so you're not waddling to the bathroom dripping after.

Nothing Says "I'm Not Pregnant" Like Frozen Peas

Cool temps can close off blood vessels and decrease any swelling. I stored a couple of soft gel cold packs in the refrigerator and used to switch them between my ankles and wrists. Sometimes I'd even put a chilled washcloth over my eyes, just to not feel so puffy all over.

🥶 Frozen peas? A+ choice. Household item that molds to your feet, is reusable and allows you to feel like a thrifty queen.

Get That Fine Body Moving (Even If You Don't Want To)

Ironically, one of the best ways to beat swelling is movement—just not the "go jog a 5K" kind. I'm talking:

• Registry approved vacations (in the form of gentle walks, around the block or grocery store count)
• Ankle rolls as well foot pumps while seated
• Online sessions of prenatal yoga or stretching

Don't forget that even five-minute movement bursts can help the circulation and keep that fluid pumping and moving rather than pooling. And no, even pacing to the bathroom again does count.

🚨 When Swelling Is More Than Pregnancy Drama

Most swelling = annoying but harmless. There are a few red flags, however, that you don't want to shrug off as "probably just pregnancy."

• Swelling in your hands, face, or feet—particularly if it's sudden and substantial
• One leg much more swollen (this can indicate clot)
• Swelling + headaches or blurred vision or upper abdominal pain
• Puffiness in addition to feeling super off or dizzy

These can indicate serious things like preeclampsia or DVT (deep vein thrombosis), and your doctor wants to know — like, now.

TL;DR: Yes, You're Swollen. No, You're Not Alone.

You are not being dramatic. You are not "just pregnant." You are managing a body working overtime, growing a human, hoarding extra fluid, and likely doing your best to hold it together while your feet look like crescent rolls.

The tips above? They won't spout the puffiness, but they will help you feel more comfortable — and remind you that your body is doing some crazy, powerful stuff these days.

So put your feet up (literally), fill up a brazenly large water bottle and have a snack, and know:

Yes, I sobbed attempting to remove my shoes in a Target parking lot. Then I giggled, soaked my feet and lived another day. We got this. 🩷