A mum has shocked social media users after sharing an incredible clip of one of the little-known side effects of pregnancy.
We knew that pregnancy involved swollen hands and feet, but this is crazy!
TikTok user @carlaincarolina recorded the moment as she and her husband investigated the fascinating effect together.
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Watch the amazing clip here:
Carla, who revealed to followers that she was 39 weeks pregnant, sarcastically captioned the video: "Being pregnant is fun."
TikTok viewers who were unfamiliar with the side-effect were understandably shocked by the clip, rushing to the comments section to discuss what they had just seen.
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One noted that the mum-to-be's skin was "just like dough", while another said: "She became a memory foam 🥴".
A third joked: "Play-Doh sales after this : 📈📈📈📈"
Others couldn't help but notice how petrified Carla's partner looked in the clip.
One amused viewer said: "Man's looked traumatized in your stead."
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Accompanying the video, TikToker Carla revealed in the caption that the effect was known as Pitting Edema.
According to the NHS, Pitting Edema is a swelling in the legs, feet, and ankles, caused by a build-up of fluid.
While swelling during pregnancy is usually completely harmless, it can be uncomfortable.
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There are a number of methods recommended to ease swelling if you are experiencing Pitting Edema, including:
- Washing, drying, and moisturising your feet
- Wearing wide, comfortable shoes with a soft sole.
- Getting some gentle exercise to improve blood flow.
- Raising your legs on a chair or pillows when possible.
- Drinking plenty of water.
Speaking to Tyla, midwife and founder of Mummy's Organics Odette Abououf said: "It can be normal to get a little swelling of the feet or ankles especially in the final weeks before birth. However pitting is a sign that indicated excess fluid build up.
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"It is especially worrying when it is obvious further up the leg between the knee and the ankle. This fluid build up is a symptom that could be a result of a more serious condition.
"One of these is a serious condition called pre-eclampsia and this would need to be assessed by a midwife or doctor.
"Other symptoms of pre eclampsia can include visual disturbances, high blood pressure, protein in your urine, a persistent frontal headache and pain in your chest similar to indigestion. Pre-eclampsia can be life threatening but if discovered can be treated."
Ali Condon