Patient's question:
During pregnancy, it is always particularly uncomfortable, and morning sickness is also very severe. How should I treat lower limb edema and numbness at 35 weeks of pregnancy?Doctor's answer:
Normal pregnant women often experience mild lower limb edema in the later stages of pregnancy, which is caused by the enlarged uterus compressing the inferior vena cava and obstructing blood. Generally, edema occurs during the day and subsides after a night of rest. If the edema does not disappear after resting, it is considered an abnormal condition. The skin on the lower limbs of a pregnant woman becomes tight and shiny, with reduced elasticity, and an indentation appears when pressed with fingers. The severity of edema is classified as mild or severe, starting from the ankles and gradually spreading upward to the calves, thighs, abdomen, and external genitalia. In severe cases, it can affect the entire body, even accompanied by ascites. For pregnant women with mild edema symptoms, it is important to rest more and elevate the lower limbs during sleep. Dietary intake of salt and water should be strictly controlled to avoid worsening the edema. In the late stages of pregnancy, the nutritional needs of the fetus reach their peak. At this time, you need to consume high-protein foods to supplement plasma protein levels and maintain normal osmotic pressure of plasma colloid. Mild edema may not require medication, but if severe edema occurs, hospital treatment is necessary.