Swelling during late pregnancy

[GarryDrold]

As pregnancy progresses, fluid may accumulate in tissues, usually in the feet, ankles, and legs, causing them to swell and appear puffy. This condition is called edema. Occasionally, the face and hands also swell. Some fluid accumulation during pregnancy is normal, particularly during the 3rd trimester. It is called physiologic edema.
Fluid accumulates during pregnancy because the adrenal glands produce more of the hormones that make the body retain fluids ( aldosterone and cortisol ). Fluid also accumulates because the enlarging uterus interferes with blood flow from the legs to the heart. As a result, fluid backs up in the veins of the legs and seeps out into the surrounding tissues.