[Obstetric and gynecologic diseases]

Edema is one of symptoms frequently found during pregnancy. The incidence of edema during pregnancy is reported to be 30-35%. Edema does not deteriorate pregnancy outcome in normal pregnancy and preeclampsia. Therefore, it is suggested that edema should be excluded from diagnostic criteria of preeclampsia. However, edema developing before 28 weeks' gestation and/or anasarca occurring suddenly is a noteworthy symptom, because pregnant women who have these symptoms frequently develop gestational hypertension or preeclampsia. In conclusion, edema during pregnancy is not an important symptom, although edema developing before 28 weeks' gestation or anasarca occurring suddenly is a noteworthy symptom.