Should I be worried about the swelling in my legs, face, and hands?

[Carmen2]

For the past weeks, I've been gaining excessive amount of weight every visit at the doctor. Well, I'm usually a petite person who weighted 105-110lbs prepregnancy. And now, I've reached 165lbs. Oh my gosh... I can't understand what's happened to me. For one thing I noticed is that I've been having trouble walking because my hips hurt (not a lot, but I can feel the pain). My maternity clothes seem to be getting tight... I'm not eating that excessive (an average of 3 meals a day). Then when I started going to my doctor for my checkup, there's a huge jump in my weight gain. For instance, 5kg in 2 weeks. WOW!!!

And now, as I get closer to my due date, I also realized there's pain when I try to get up from a bending position. It almost feels like that there's a bulge in between my legs that's about to pop. (sorry for TMI) --- I mentioned to my doctor but she doesn't seem to be alarmed. I worry about it because I have really bad swelling now on my lower legs... I could hardly even fit my feet into a pair of slippers due to the water retention. Also, I've been having trouble getting in/out of my bed because of the swelling.

Does it sound normal? Oh, one other thing I should mention is that last week, my urine showed protein so I had to do an urinalysis because my doctor wanted to make sure everything was okay... well, the test turned out to be okay. Thank God for that otherwise I had to go back to the hospital and get some blood tests done... Did anyone get this type of swelling too?

[Jas]

Carmen,

I would go to your hospital/dr asap to get checked for pre eclampsia. Sudden swelling can definitely be a sign of this especially when combined with protein in your urine.

As far as the weight gain and discomfort probably just a normal pregnancy thing but always ask questions etc until u feel comfortable and get a 2nd opinion on things if u don't feel right about it

[berrme]

Definitely get checked again! How long has it been since you saw your doctor? Has there been a rise in your blood pressure? Have you got a constant headache or upper abdominal pain?
The swelling of your face and hands is much more concerning than your lower legs; that is very common. And joint pain is common with water retention as it puts lots of pressure on the joints.
Even without protein in my urine I was put on twice weekly blood tests and ctg's with my first pregnancy based on high bp and sudden weight gain due to water retention. It did turn into preeclampsia eventually, which they caught early because I was being monitored so closely. Even when it did there were no other external symptoms that I would have been concerned about. Don't just leave it because your doctor didn't seem concerned. If YOU are concerned get a second opinion, even if it is just down to the pharmacy to get a bp check.

[Carmen2]

I just got my bp checked by a friend of mine who's a nurse. It was 110/50 and this is my normal blood pressure. The swelling is more noticeable on my lower legs because I was unable to fit into my house slippers. As for my face and hands, it's not so bad. Well, others could notice the swelling too, but it's not as bad as my legs.

My last visit at the doctor was Thursday, so 4 days ago and am due for another visit this coming Thursday. So far, no abdominal pain and no blurred vision. Had a bit of headache earlier this morning due to lack of sleep from last night (at this stage of pregnancy, I've been having trouble to get some good night sleep since I'm so consciencious of not sleeping on my back). The one thing I feel at the moment is a little nauseous...

My friend will monitor my blood pressure over the few days till my doctor's visit comes. If my blood pressure is okay, is it safe to wait till Thursday to see the doctor?

[berrme]

I believe so. My bp has been fine this pregnancy so my ob hasn't wanted urine checks or anything. Even when I was getting headaches for a couple of weeks he wasn't worried as my bp was still normal.
I am pleased that it appears to just be swelling! There is enough to worry about when you are pregnant without complications. I wouldn't wish it on anyone. Keep an eye on your bp though.

[Carmen2]

I called my nurse this morning and explained to her what happened last night. My headache did go away last night but it was when I fell asleep which I can't recall what time. This morning, I noticed my face and hands are more swollen than usual and my hands have been having tingling sensation the whole night. I woke up feeling okay but now started to get a headache again. So, I will be going into the caseroom to check if everything is okay. Crossing my fingers that I don't have to hospitalized since DD#1 will miss me... I am a little scared at the moment... will keep you all updated!