edema during pregnancy

Here's more on edema.

PS: Knowledge really eases the worry.

Swelling, or edema, is a very common discomfort of pregnancy. It's estimated that about 75% of women will experience this excessive accumulation of fluid around the legs and ankles at some point during pregnancy.

The edema is common in the second or third trimester of pregnancy. Clinically, it can be divided into three degrees.
(a) Mild case: obvious edema appears in the legs and feet but can disappear after rest.
(b) Moderate case: edema extends to the thighs and vulva or even involving the abdomen.
(c) General edema sometimes accompanied with ascites(accumulation of fluid in the abdomen). 

When Swelling is Not Normal

When swelling is sudden or extreme, or found in not only the legs and feet, but face and hands, it can be something serious. You should report this type of swelling to your midwife or doctor immediately. You should also report swelling that does not go away after many hours of rest. If you're at a higher risk for complications that include swelling likepreecclampsia your practitioner should have explained what you are looking for and when it needs to be reported.

Whenever you're concerned about your swelling or other medical questions, never hesitate to talk to your doctor or midwife.