Dear Debra
Unless well understood, the physiological adaptations of normal pregnancy may be misinterpreted as disease.
During pregnancy, there are progressive anatomical, physiological, and biochemical changes as a phenomenon of maternal adaptation to the increasing demands of the growing foetus.
Swelling of the legs (oedema) is a common finding and results from an increase in total body sodium and water, as well as compression of the big veins (inferior vena cava and pelvic veins) by the pregnant uterus.
When it ends
Compression of the veins by the pregnant uterus typically ends immediately after childbirth when the pressure on the inferior vena cava and pelvic veins is physically relieved.
Total body sodium and water levels rapidly decrease through increased urination and sweating in the first two weeks after delivery.
Therefore, associated effects like swelling and varicose veins usually resolve within a few weeks to a few months after delivery, with most changes occurring in the first five to seven days and complete return to non-pregnant baseline values for fluid balance achieved by six weeks after delivery.
Questions answered by Dr Molino Binywasiki, Clinical head, Equity Afia
Kimbua(Kenya)
