The hormones of pregnancy make a woman to retain water. The water can accumulate in the hands, face or more often in the legs. It is normal to have some leg swelling in pregnancy especially in the later stages. Such swelling can be more after prolonged sitting, in women with more than one baby, and in women with hypertension in pregnancy.

The leg swelling is abnormal if;

1. your blood pressure is more than 140/90mmhg
2. the swelling is only in one leg
3. if the swollen leg is painful and warm
4. if you have breathing difficulty or blurred vision
5. you have noticed a reduction in your urine volume

What you can do

1. avoid prolonged sitting
2. raise your legs on a stool or pillow
3. lie on your left side
4. visit your doctor for necessary tests and examination