Lower-limb ooedema during pregnancy

Lower-limb oedemas can be the result of abnormalities in the structure and functioning of the lymphatic system, injuries or inflammation, or can be related to cancer and its treatment; however, they are more often one of the basic symptoms accompanying women in the third trimester of pregnancy due to vein insufficiency. The purpose of this overview is to discuss the current knowledge related to risk factors, prevention and treatment of lower-limb oedemas during pregnancy. The risk factors linked to gravidity-related oedema comprise of increased volume of circulating blood, the augmented uterus, increased body mass and changes to hormonal turnover. Vein insufficiency occurs as a result of venous hypertension caused by insufficiency of the muscle pump and valvar regurgitation. Pregnancy, the application of Caesarean section and the postpartum period predispose to deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The basic and unquestionable method applied in the prophylaxis and treatment of abnormalities to the venous-lymphatic system and corresponding complications consists in compression therapy involving compressive bandaging and the use of compression garments. Compression can be applied either individually or in combination with other methods, such as manual lymph drainage, intermittent pump compression and physical or breathing exercises. Based on the scientific evidence and experts’ recommendations, compression is also considered to be an effective solution in the prevention and treatment of deep vein thrombosis and swelling in pregnant women, but further investigation is needed.Ochałek K., Frydrych-Szymonik A., Szyguła Z. Lower-limb oedema during pregnancy. Med Rehabil 2016; 20(4): 17-21. DOI: 10.5604/01.3001.0009.5481