In the Third Trimester, My Ring “Grew” Into My Skin

When I was 32 weeks pregnant, I started experiencing noticeable swelling. My finger size swelled from a size 12 to a size 14. I had been wearing a smart ring (titanium alloy, size 12) that I bought before I got pregnant.

One morning when I woke up, I found that the ring had dug deeply into the flesh of my finger, causing it to take on a “gourd-like” shape—swollen above and below the ring, but indented exactly where the ring was clamped. I tried to remove it, but it wouldn’t budge at all; neither soapy water nor hand cream worked.

I panicked. According to data from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), about 70% of pregnant women experience finger swelling in the third trimester, with an average increase in finger circumference of 2–4 mm (about 1–2 ring sizes). If the ring isn’t removed in time, it can lead to ischemia in the fingertip and nerve damage; in severe cases, surgical removal of the ring may be necessary.

I used three methods to remove the ring and found an alternative solution for late pregnancy

Methods for removing a ring (emergency situations):

Method 1: Elevation + Ice. I held my hand above my head for 15 minutes, then applied an ice pack to my finger for 10 minutes (to constrict blood vessels and reduce swelling), lubricated the area with hand cream, and slowly rotated the ring. It took 20 minutes, but I finally got it off.

Method 2: The floss method (if Method 1 doesn’t work). Thread dental floss under the ring, then tightly wrap it around your finger from the fingertip toward the palm. Once you’ve wrapped past the ring, pull the floss from the fingertip—the ring will slide off along the floss. I tried this and it worked, but it was very painful.

Data: According to a report in the Journal of Emergency Medicine, the floss method has a 92% success rate and takes an average of 3 minutes.

Alternatives for Late Pregnancy:

After removing the ring, I could no longer wear my original one. Customer service at Venus Smart Shop recommended two solutions:

Option 1: Adjustable-Size Smart Ring

Some smart rings support minor size adjustments (±1 size) via an internal spring mechanism. I purchased one that adjusts from size 12 to 14; I set it to size 14 during late pregnancy and can adjust it back to size 12 after giving birth.

Option 2: Smart Wristband (for the late stages of pregnancy)

If finger swelling persists, the safest option is to switch to a smart wristband worn on the wrist. Swelling in the wrists is generally milder than in the fingers, and the wristband’s strap is adjustable. I bought a lightweight wristband specifically for the last two months of my pregnancy.

Why do fingers swell during late pregnancy? This is because blood volume increases by about 40–50% during pregnancy, plasma osmotic pressure decreases, and fluid tends to accumulate in the interstitial spaces. Fingers and ankles are the most common areas affected. The swelling usually subsides within 1–2 weeks after childbirth.

The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) recommends: During the third trimester, remove all non-essential rings, especially those made of hard metal. If you need to wear a ring, choose one that is adjustable or made of elastic material.

Two months after giving birth, my finger size returned to a size 12. I adjusted the adjustable ring I’d used during the third trimester back to size 12 and continued wearing it. I gave the transitional ring I’d used during the third trimester to my best friend, who is also pregnant.

When wearing rings during pregnancy, safety comes first.

Venus Smart Shop ensured I wasn’t “trapped” by my ring during the third trimester.