Causes of lower limb edema in pregnant women

After pregnancy, mothers' bodies will become more and more loose. This change is due to the stimulation of some hormones in the pregnant woman's body. In other words, the fatness of pregnant women during pregnancy is not really fat, but due to the looseness of the body, which is the result of edema in some parts of the body. Let’s discuss with the editor some relevant information about the causes of lower limb edema in pregnant women.

Causes of lower limb edema in pregnant women

1. Blood flow back to the lower limbs is blocked, causing swelling of the legs and feet.

2. Reasons for endocrine changes: During pregnancy, endocrine functions change, the metabolism of estrogen and aldosterone increases, and the body retains more water and sodium, which can cause edema.

3. Blood diluent: Increases blood flow during lactation. However, the increase in blood cells is not as strong as that in blood, and there is little increase in plasma protein. The blood becomes relatively thinner, the plasma osmotic pressure decreases, and water is transferred to the interstitial spaces of the tissues, causing edema.

4. Edema in pregnant women can be divided into dominant genetic edema and latent edema. The main manifestations of dominant gene edema are tight and shiny skin, reduced elasticity, and indentations when pressed lightly with fingers, starting from the ankles and spreading to the calves, thighs and even abdomen. The main manifestation of latent water retention is that there is no obvious edema of the epidermis, water is stored in the gaps between organs and superficial connective tissue, and weight gain is rapid, exceeding 0.5 kg per week.

5. If the pregnant woman only has calf swelling, she generally does not need treatment. As long as you take more rest, avoid standing for too long, do some appropriate exercises such as stretching your lower limbs, and eat less salt, the edema will be relieved or even disappear. However, diuretics should not be used indiscriminately, as they will excrete potassium and may cause hypokalemia.

6. If the edema is severe and spreads to the part above the thigh root, the weight gain is rapid, the blood pressure rises, and protein is found in the urine, you should be alert to whether you have gestational hypertension and seek prompt diagnosis and treatment.

The above is the editor’s summary of relevant information on the causes of lower limb edema in pregnant women. I believe it can help everyone. Pregnant women will have difficulty walking due to the looseness of their bodies, so mothers must be careful when traveling to avoid congestion, which will not be good for the fetus. It may also cause miscarriage. The editor hopes that mothers can overcome these difficulties and grow healthy babies.