Dropsy of pregnant women is considered one of the most common forms of late toxicosis. This condition is accompanied by an increased accumulation of fluid in the body of a pregnant woman. Dropsy in itself is not a danger to either the woman or the fetus. Nevertheless, a regular examination by a gynecologist and adherence to certain treatment rules is simply necessary, since in some cases this condition can develop into nephropathy, and sometimes into eclampsia.
Dropsy of pregnant women: reasons. In fact, doctors believe that the main cause of this disorder is problems with the nervous system. This in turn leads to problems with the circulatory system - the walls of the vessels become more permeable, the balance of salts and fluids in the body is disturbed. A huge amount of salts, mainly chlorides, is retained in the tissues of the body, and, therefore, water begins to accumulate there. As a rule, fluid accumulates in the subcutaneous tissue.
Dropsy of pregnant women: symptoms. Edema is considered the most noticeable sign of dropsy in pregnant women. In most cases, this condition accompanies the first pregnancy and appears in the last 3-4 months. Edema occurs much less frequently in the last month of pregnancy or immediately before birth. As a rule, this condition is preceded by latent puffiness, which is very easy to notice if regularly weighed. The fact is that with the accumulation of fluid in the body, a woman begins to gain weight significantly.
First feet and legs are swollen. In the later stages, the disease rises higher and encompasses the pelvic organs. The last stage of dropsy development is called "general edema." The fact is that in this condition, absolutely the whole body swells, including arms, shoulders and face.
Dropsy of pregnant women: how dangerous is it? As already mentioned, dropsy of pregnant women alone cannot bring harm to either the mother's body or the body of the unborn baby. Firstly, fluid never accumulates in serous cavities. Secondly, the kidneys, heart and other organs are functioning absolutely normal. When analyzing urine, no abnormalities are found. The only thing that bothers the expectant mother is the constant severity and limited movement, due to a significant increase in body weight. Sometimes the symptoms go away on their own a few weeks before giving birth. In any case, dropsy passes immediately after the birth of the baby.
On the other hand, there are also known cases when dropsy passed into more serious conditions - for example, nephropathy or eclampsia. That is why women in this condition should be regularly examined by a doctor leading them throughout pregnancy. And although dropsy treatment is carried out, as a rule, at home, with steady swelling, it is sometimes required to place a woman in a hospital.
Dropsy of pregnant women: treatment. The success of the treatment of dropsy mainly depends on the woman following the correct regimen, as well as a balanced diet. Expectant mother with edema needs bed rest. It is advisable that there is always a pillow underfoot.
In addition, you need to pay attention to nutrition. Such women are advised to abandon salt, as well as fried and too fatty foods. It is better to eat dairy products, cottage cheese, cheese, kefir, sour cream. In addition, the use of fresh vegetables and fruits is recommended. It is also necessary to limit the amount of fluid drunk - no more than one liter per day.
As for drug treatment, it comes down to the appointment of vitamin preparations, as well as weak drugs with a diuretic effect, which help to remove excess water from the body. As a rule, subject to all the rules, edema subsides, but can appear again if the expectant mother returns to her former way of life.