In the world of pregnancy, the changes that occur in a woman’s body can be quite astonishing. From swollen feet (ugh) to the discomfort of hemorrhoids (yikes), and even unpredictable cravings and bizarre dreams (what was that about?), the journey is unique for everyone. Fitness enthusiast Lila Harper recently shared a side-by-side image of her feet to illustrate just how distinct each pregnancy can be.
“Creating foot phobias with this post, but this is the reality of how much fluid I retained during my first pregnancy,” she humorously noted on her Instagram. “For my second pregnancy, I’ve done nothing different, yet there’s zero fluid retention.”
The image on the left displays her extremely swollen foot from her first pregnancy, and many of us can relate to that discomfort. It’s like she’s captured the feeling of wearing shoes that are just too tight. The foot on the right, however, belongs to her second pregnancy—showing off smooth skin and perfectly polished nails, which could make anyone a bit envious.
If your feet resemble the one on the left more than the right, don’t worry. Swelling, or edema, is a common occurrence during pregnancy, primarily because the body increases blood and fluid production by about 50% to support the growing baby. This additional fluid can account for roughly 25% of the weight gained during pregnancy.
Edema can appear not just in the feet but also in the hands, face, legs, and ankles. According to the American Pregnancy Association, this extra fluid helps soften the body, allowing it to expand as the baby grows, while also preparing the pelvic area for delivery. While some swelling is completely normal, especially in warmer weather or after long periods of standing, excessive swelling could indicate preeclampsia, so it’s always wise to consult your healthcare provider if you’re concerned.
Lila recently welcomed her second child, so she is currently enjoying those precious newborn moments. For more on fertility resources, check out this great link. And if you’re interested in home insemination options, you might find helpful information at this blog post, or check out this authority on the topic.
In summary, every pregnancy journey is different, and while swelling can be uncomfortable, it’s a normal part of the process. Celebrate the beauty of bringing new life into the world, and remember that these symptoms won’t last forever.