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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Drowsiness , Swollen Calf And Feet During Pregnancy?

i am a 39 year old female in my 16th week of pregnancy.this my first pregnancy.My problem is two-fold;I have such extreme drowsiness i m literally falling asleep or nodding off uncontrllably and at the most inopportune & embarrassing places.Also,my feet and calves have swollen up to the point where theyre 3x the normal size,they re extremely painful and red and litterally feel as if theyre going to tear.I can barely walk!Does this have to do with the pregnancy and is there anything i can do to stop or at least ease these symtoms?they are now interfereing with my daily life and affecting my relationships with my family and friends.PLEASE HELP!!
Thu, 27 Aug 2015
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OBGYN 's  Response
Hallow Madam,

I have gone through your history thoroughly.

Firstly, I would like to attribute your extreme drowsiness to the possible hypothyroidism. As it is, at the two ends of the menstrual life string of women, hypothyroidism is common. So considering your age, you have to rule it out. Moreover, in pregnancy, borderline thyroid balance may get disturbed leading to hypothyroidism. Please get your blood examined for T3, T4, TSH. These tests will help to diagnose the thyroid problem. Hypothyroidism affects the growth of the baby also and also may affect the baby. If hypothyroidism is confirmed, you may start on Levothyroxine tablets with the advice of your Obstetrician.

Hypothyroidism does cause oedema too. However, the extent, type and grade of your oedema calls for ruling out certain other conditions also.

Please, get your blood, blood pressure and urine examined. High blood pressure, pregnancy induced hypertension, pre-eclampsia, urinary infection, anaemia are some problems which can cause oedema.

However, your picture fits more in deep vein thrombosis. Please report to your Obstetrician and have your legs scanned for it. This condition will have to be handled very delicately and promptly. You may have to take anti-coagulant medicines. You will have to take rest in elevated legs position. Please do not massage the legs lest the risk of clots getting dislodged to cause embolism.

Do you have varicose veins? Clots in them also cause painful swellings of the legs.

Please report to your Obstetrician ASAP.

I hope you have got all the relevant information and advice.
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What Causes Drowsiness , Swollen Calf And Feet During Pregnancy?

Hallow Madam, I have gone through your history thoroughly. Firstly, I would like to attribute your extreme drowsiness to the possible hypothyroidism. As it is, at the two ends of the menstrual life string of women, hypothyroidism is common. So considering your age, you have to rule it out. Moreover, in pregnancy, borderline thyroid balance may get disturbed leading to hypothyroidism. Please get your blood examined for T3, T4, TSH. These tests will help to diagnose the thyroid problem. Hypothyroidism affects the growth of the baby also and also may affect the baby. If hypothyroidism is confirmed, you may start on Levothyroxine tablets with the advice of your Obstetrician. Hypothyroidism does cause oedema too. However, the extent, type and grade of your oedema calls for ruling out certain other conditions also. Please, get your blood, blood pressure and urine examined. High blood pressure, pregnancy induced hypertension, pre-eclampsia, urinary infection, anaemia are some problems which can cause oedema. However, your picture fits more in deep vein thrombosis. Please report to your Obstetrician and have your legs scanned for it. This condition will have to be handled very delicately and promptly. You may have to take anti-coagulant medicines. You will have to take rest in elevated legs position. Please do not massage the legs lest the risk of clots getting dislodged to cause embolism. Do you have varicose veins? Clots in them also cause painful swellings of the legs. Please report to your Obstetrician ASAP. I hope you have got all the relevant information and advice.