What are the causes of leg and foot swelling during pregnancy?

Swelling of the legs and feet during pregnancy may be caused by uterine compression, hormonal changes, gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes, or glomerulonephritis, and can be managed according to the specific situation. It is recommended to visit a hospital promptly and follow medical advice for treatment.

1. Uterine Compression: As the fetus grows during pregnancy, the uterus enlarges and compresses the inferior vena cava, impeding blood return from the lower limbs, resulting in leg and foot swelling. This commonly occurs in the middle and late stages of pregnancy and usually improves with rest. Pregnant women should avoid prolonged standing or sitting, elevate their legs appropriately above heart level while resting, and perform leg massages to help relieve swelling.

2. Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy, including increased estrogen and progesterone levels, may cause fluid and sodium retention in the body, leading to swelling in the legs and feet. This type of swelling is generally mild without significant discomfort. Pregnant women should limit salt intake to less than 6 grams per day and consume more diuretic foods such as wax gourd and cucumber to promote fluid excretion and reduce edema.

3. Gestational Hypertension: Elevated blood pressure during pregnancy can cause blood vessel spasms, impairing kidney filtration function and resulting in fluid and sodium retention, which leads to leg and foot swelling. This condition is often accompanied by symptoms such as headache, dizziness, and proteinuria. Patients may use antihypertensive medications such as labetalol tablets, nifedipine sustained-release tablets, or methyldopa tablets under medical guidance to control blood pressure and alleviate edema.

4. Gestational Diabetes: Poorly controlled blood glucose levels during pregnancy can impair kidney function and disrupt metabolic processes, causing edema. Symptoms may include increased thirst, appetite, urination, and weight gain, with swelling primarily affecting the legs and feet. Patients are advised to use insulin injection, metformin tablets, or acarbose tablets under medical supervision to control blood sugar levels and improve edema.

5. Glomerulonephritis: Women with pre-existing glomerulonephritis may experience increased kidney strain during pregnancy, leading to impaired kidney function, protein loss, decreased plasma colloid osmotic pressure, and fluid leakage into tissue spaces, causing leg and foot swelling. Patients may also experience symptoms such as hematuria, proteinuria, and back pain. Under medical guidance, patients may use medications such as Bailing capsules, Abelmoschus manihot capsules, or Jinshuibao capsules to aid recovery.

In daily life, pregnant women are advised to maintain moderate physical activity, such as walking, avoid prolonged standing or sitting, and wear comfortable shoes and socks with good support.

References:

[1] Liu Xiaowei. Abnormal Edema in Late Pregnancy: A Warning Sign for Gestational Hypertensive Disorders[J]. Chinese Reproductive Health, 2017, (06): 64.

[2] Hu Yingying, Ying Jingxia. Analysis of Risk Factors and Risk Assessment Management Strategies for High-Risk Pregnancy in Pregnant Women and Postpartum Women[J]. Chinese Journal of Public Health Management, 2025, 41(01): 110-113.