What causes edema in pregnant women?

Generally, edema in pregnant women may be caused by increased blood volume and hormonal changes, uterine compression, pregnancy-induced hypertension syndrome, nephrotic syndrome, heart failure, and other factors. Symptomatic management through general treatment and medication may be necessary. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical attention and undergo appropriate treatment under a physician's guidance. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Increased Blood Volume and Hormonal Changes

During pregnancy, due to hormonal and metabolic changes, blood volume significantly increases compared to non-pregnant states, resulting in greater fluid retention. Additionally, elevated levels of progesterone and estrogen can affect fluid balance and metabolism, leading to edema. This typically does not require specific treatment and can be relieved by dietary adjustments, moderate exercise, elevating the lower limbs, and other measures.

2. Uterine Compression

As pregnancy progresses, the enlarging uterus compresses the pelvic cavity, particularly the venous vessels in the lower limbs, causing relatively reduced venous return. Impaired venous return leads to blood stasis in the lower limbs, subsequently causing edema. Pregnant women can alleviate symptoms by resting in a left lateral position, wearing compression stockings, and promoting venous return in the lower limbs.

3. Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension

If a pregnant woman has a family history of hypertension, abnormal placental implantation, or other issues, pregnancy-induced hypertension may develop. This condition can cause systemic small arterial spasms, affect renal blood flow, reduce urine excretion, and consequently lead to edema. Associated symptoms may include headache, blurred vision, and upper abdominal pain. It is recommended to strictly monitor blood pressure and follow medical advice for treatment with medications such as nifedipine tablets, methyldopa tablets, and labetalol hydrochloride tablets.

4. Nephrotic Syndrome

Nephrotic syndrome is primarily caused by infections, genetic factors, immune disorders, and other factors. In nephrotic syndrome, impaired kidney filtration function leads to significant protein loss in the urine, decreased plasma colloid osmotic pressure, and fluid leakage into the interstitial tissues, causing edema. It is recommended to control blood pressure under a physician's guidance and use medications such as benazepril hydrochloride tablets, irbesartan tablets, and ifosfamide for injection for treatment.

5. Heart Failure

Cardiac disease or excessive cardiac load may impair the heart's pumping function, leading to heart failure. During heart failure, decreased cardiac pumping function results in impaired venous return, causing edema in areas such as the lower limbs and abdomen. Symptoms may include dyspnea and fatigue. It is recommended to follow medical advice for treatment with medications such as digoxin tablets, torasemide tablets, and metoprolol succinate extended-release tablets.

Pregnant women are advised to engage in mild exercises such as walking and yoga, which can strengthen muscles, improve circulation, and reduce edema. However, exercise should be moderate to avoid excessive fatigue.