Edema during pregnancy
The development of edema during pregnancy affects about eighty percent of all pregnant women and is a very normal problem. It is also harmless in most cases. During pregnancy the body undergoes some changes, especially a strong hormonal change.
Progesterone is said to be responsible for the increased storage of water in the tissue. There is also a salt and protein deficiency. Both substances normally bind water and can thus remove excess water from the body.
Edema often develops during the day as a result of prolonged standing or walking, often without sufficient breaks. They are then clearly visible in the evening and are all the more pronounced on warmer days. The water accumulation occurs most frequently in the arms and legs, but can also affect the face and other regions of the body.
Edema is usually not a complication during pregnancy and can be treated very well by resting and raising the legs.However, if the edema is accompanied by suddenly occurring gestational hypertension (hypertension), this may indicate pregnancy poisoning (pre-eclampsia). Pre-eclampsia is a typical disease that occurs during pregnancy and is associated with high blood pressure and a considerable loss of protein through urine. It often occurs from the 24th week of pregnancy and patients suffer from edema.
Pre-eclampsia in a pregnant woman should always be clarified by a doctor and monitored regularly. Blood pressure is measured regularly and the electrolyte balance is checked. After birth, high blood pressure usually subsides quickly and returns to normal after six weeks at the latest.
The other complaints such as oedema also subside afterwards. However, pre-eclampsia can also suddenly develop into eclampsia. This complication is life-threatening and must be monitored in hospital and treated immediately.
Neurological disorders occur, which can eventually lead to a seizure in the pregnant woman. Acute kidney failure, thromboses, bleeding, placental insufficiency and brain edema can also occur. Eclampsia poses a danger to both the mother and the unborn child.