Causes of edema during pregnancy
Oct 13, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Lu
Introduction
The causes of edema during pregnancy include endocrine disorders, uterine compression, and conditions such as nephritis. In patients with endocrine disorders, retention of water or salt substances in the tissues can lead to edema. When the uterus compresses the pelvic cavity or lower limb veins, blood circulation is obstructed and venous pressure increases, resulting in edema. In patients with nephritis, increased osmotic pressure in the blood can cause edema.
Generally, the causes of edema during pregnancy may include endocrine disorders, uterine compression, nephritis, and others.
1. Endocrine disorders: After pregnancy, hormonal changes in women can easily lead to endocrine imbalances. This may result in retention of water or salt in tissues, thereby causing edema. Endocrine disorders are common during pregnancy. Patients should pay attention to adjusting their lifestyle habits, and symptoms usually gradually subside over time.
2. Uterine compression: As the fetus grows, the uterus may compress pelvic structures and lower limb veins, obstructing blood flow and increasing venous pressure, which can lead to edema. In such cases, patients should adjust their posture and maintain proper body positioning to avoid uterine compression.
3. Nephritis: Infections caused by microorganisms may lead to nephritis, presenting symptoms such as abnormal urination and loss of appetite. Impaired kidney function may reduce the kidney's ability to filter proteins, lowering protein concentration in the blood and increasing osmotic pressure, thus resulting in edema. Under medical guidance, patients may use medications such as furosemide injection or erythromycin tablets for treatment.
