[Natttmumm]

So today and yesterday my hands are all swollen and the veins are really obvious. Does anyone else have this?
I just had my blood pressure checked and its was on the low side not high.

[Winterdanceparty]

I think that sometimes fluid increases where it never was before and I can remember getting my wedding ring made bigger during pregnancy and now it is too loose, so after you have your bubs, everything should go back to normal. Keep cool during the Summer.

[BTDT]

Hi Natttmumm,

I'm 27 weeks and have had swollen hands for weeks, my blood pressure is also on the low side and have been reassured by my midwife that it's normal. Just one of those unfortunate side effects of pregnancy!

[Natttmumm]

Thanks for the reassurance, they look like little sausages!

[whale-woman]

Mine are so swollen I've given up wearing my normal watch as it's too tight. Fingers crossed the swelling doesn't cause carpel tunnel for you. I had that for the last month and a month after delivery last pg. Not much fun.

[cordyline]

Yep my hands have been getting swollen since about 30 weeks (especially on the hot days). I am 37 wks now. I stopped wearing my rings at about 32 weeks when one afternoon I struggled to get them off.

It actually feels like what I imagine arthritis might feel like e.g. when I bend my fingers, the knuckles feel tight and sore. My OB told me it can be quite common - my blood pressure is perfect.

[Red nut]

Completely normal. Your blood volume is up, your blood vessels are dilated, and your protein levels in your blood are down. And it will get worse. Isn't pregnancy fun!

[ubermum]

If you wear rings, take them off now, just in case. Lots of people end up needing them cut off.

[pheazoid]

Hi, I'm almost 34 weeks along and I've noticed that hot days make your fingers and feet swell so much more. I was so proud that I hadn't swelled at all throughout my entire pregnancy, but one hot day and all of that changed! Also, I've found for me personally that walking a lot makes the feet swell more. Also, consuming salt and carbonated drinks makes me swell more in general. My blood pressure has also been on the lower side. I agree with all the PP that you should take off your rings now, otherwise you might stress later when trying to get them off! My fingers also hurt when I open doors. Lots of fluid retention! Sucks!