Obstetric and Gynecological Nursing - The Carter Center

Oedema It may appear rather suddenly and be associated
with a rapid rate of weight gain. Generalized oedema is
significant and be classified as occult or clinical. Occult
oedema may be suspected if there is a marked increase in
weight. Clinical oedema may be mild or sever in nature and
the severity is related to the worsening of the pre-eclampsia.
The oedema pits on pressure and may be found in:
- Feet, ankles and pre-tibial region
- The hands –it may be noticed by that the mother’s rings
are tight.
- The lower abdomen
- The vulva
- Sacral oedema
Facial oedema – may be mild resulting in puffiness of the eye
lids In the presence of two of the cardinal signs a provisional
diagnosis of pre eclampsia may be made. Proteinaria is
considered to be the most serious manifestation.
Classification
Mild – is diagnosed when, after resting, the mother’s diastolic
blood pressure rises 15-20 mmhg above the basal blood
pressure recorded in early pregnancy or when the diastolic
blood pressure rises above 90 mmHg. Oedema of the feet,
ankles and pretibial region may be present.
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