Ask A Nurse
Birth Plans
Birth Stories
Bookstore
Boy or Girl
Cesareans
Chat Room
Complications
Doulas
Educators
Episiotomy
FAQs
Feeding Baby
Fertility
Finding a Class
Health
Interactive
Labor
Message Board
Monitoring
Newborns
Postcards
Postpartum
Pregnancy
Reviews/Awards
Search
VBAC
Week by Week

Ask A Nurse
Questions and Answers

Q. What is edema? My step-mother (a nurse) is insisting that I have it. My doctor's have a different opinion. I am on 65 milligrams of iron and on the 4/17 and 4/30 appts the doctor's said I had a trace of protein in my urine. None was present before that and none after that. Am I in danger?

Alycia

A. A condition of pregnancy known as pre-eclampsia or PIH (pregnancy induced hypertension) can be characterized by swelling of face, hands, and feet. This is accompanied by a rise in blood pressure, sudden weight gain (fluid retention), and protein in the urine.

This is a serious condition and must be monitored carefully so that it does not develop into eclampsia which would be an emergency situation for mother and baby. Most pregnant women experience some degree of swelling in the hands and feet, especially during warm and humid weather. This is not considered a problem if it is not also accompianied by the above symptoms.

If you should notice swelling of your face and eyes, have blurred or spotty vision, severe headaches and/or pain in your chest (similar to bad heartburn); you should seek medical attention immediately. If you are having mild swelling after a day at work it can be relieved by rest and elevating your feet and legs. Avoiding restrictive clothing and shoes can help,too. Your step-mother is probably just concerned for your well-being and that of her grandchild-to-be. You could assure her that if you have any other symptoms you will call your caregiver right away. Cyndi >

Cyndi Klausing, RN, ACCE, has been a childbirth educator and breastfeeding counselor for over 18 years. She currently works as a newborn nursery nurse and is the mother of four sons.

Cyndi will answer your questions on fertility, pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and babies. Her advice does not take the place of your practitioner. Personal answers will not always be possible.