I would say the cause is 60% week of 16-hour night float shifts on trauma surgery (where all the shit hits the fan), 30% 17-week fetus wreaking havoc on previously healthy 20-something body, and 10% boring old venous insufficiency.
I recently told John that I didn’t think I was not going to be one of those gorgeous pregnant women who spent their 40 weeks “glowing”–and I know they exist. Heidi Klum, for example. She looked pretty fantastic hosting Project Runway at nine months. Well, comparing myself to Heidi Klum is a recipe for depression on all accounts but, still, I doubt she ever rocked the ankles-the-size-of-her-neck look.
To conclude positively, if this is part of the price of a healthy fetus, of course I’m happy with my 1+ pitting edema. Now I just need to find socks that don’t cut off circulation.
anna in med school 
Anna, you and your cankles are gorgeous. Most med students get them on surgery without the added excuse of pregnancy!
Thanks Anne! You’re nice to me 🙂 One of my residents told me that she knew I was pregnant by my ankles
My ankles started to swell toward the end of both of my pregnancies and if you’re not one of those crazy people who dislike people touching your feet, there is actually a way to beat them. Get John to rub you feet (top, arch, ankle) then work on your shins and calves and then your knees – all the while rubbing upward toward your heart to help clear out the old blood and gunk. As a med student, you probably know this, but we learned from a massage instructor in our childbirth class that your blood has no problem traveling to your extremities but has issues getting back so you have to help it along. Each time my feet are unrecognizable, I make my hubby do this before bed and between the massage (which has the added benefit of putting me to sleep) and laying down overnight my feet are significantly better by morning. Hope you get some relief! I couldn’t imagine going through med school pregnant – hugs and prayers to you!
Such a sweet note! Thank you so much, Tina! How’s the second pregnancy treating you?? You’re amazing! I nearly quoted your comment to my hubby and the response was positive and immediate! Love it! Again, I cannot thank you enough for your encouragement. If you’re ever in the NOVA area, let me know! Would love to catch up. Miss you!