Janet Ogundepo
Maternal health experts have cautioned pregnant women against using diuretics, commonly referred to as water pills or any other form of medication, to reduce leg swelling.
The physicians pointed out that leg swelling, known as oedema in pregnancy was normal and common in about 50 to 80 per cent of expectant women.
Although the gynaecologists acknowledged that leg swelling in pregnancy could be uncomfortable, they, however, maintained that most of the time, medications were not usually recommended except when indicated.
The obstetrician gynaecologists noted that sometimes, because of the discomfort, some pregnant women insist on getting medications. Still, when not given, they visit patent stores to purchase medicines without a doctor’s prescription.
In exclusive interviews with PUNCH Healthwise, the experts warned that the use of such medications could cause reduced blood flow in the mother and the baby, leading to several complications.
Instead of taking unprescribed drugs, the maternal health experts advised pregnant women with oedema to avoid sitting and standing for too long, stating that they should ensure their legs were elevated when sitting.
Diuretics are medications that help the body eliminate excess salt and fluid by increasing urine production.
According to the United Kingdom Teratology Information Service, diuretics were not routinely recommended in pregnancy due to the risk of reduced blood flow to the placenta.
It, however, noted that they could only be given to pregnant women in severe cases and under specialist supervision.
Commenting on the matter, a professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Aniekan Abasiattai, said that diuretics were not given to pregnant women to manage oedema because they caused reduced blood volume and could cause serious problems.
He explained, “Some women usually almost insist, because of the discomfort, that we give some medications and when we don’t give, there’s a suspicion, that they go to patent medicine dealers and drug outlets.
“One has to be knowledgeable about pregnancy and pregnancy-related issues for you to be able to advise properly. Yet the (patent medicine dealers) give diuretics, these drugs tend to reduce oedema when indicated.
“We do not advise it in pregnancy because it reduces the blood volume, and will reduce the volume of blood going to the baby and can cause severe problems. So, we usually do not give medications to reduce oedema in pregnancy, unless indicated.”
The don emphasised that although there were special indications when pregnant women were given diuretics, they were few and done under the advice of an obstetrician.
He further noted that leg swelling when blood pressure was normal and urine protein was absent was a sign that the baby was healthy.
Also, a professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Ernest Orji, assured pregnant mothers that leg swelling was normal and not a cause of concern except in extreme cases.
He, however, noted that if the blood pressure was consistently high while the leg was swollen, it could indicate an anomaly.
The don also advised women with oedema to sit with elevated feet and avoid standing for a long time.
Copyright PUNCH
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
Contact: health_wise@punchng.com
The post Leg swelling in pregnancy normal, avoid medication, gynaecologists counsel women appeared first on Healthwise.