During a routine prenatal visit, Ms. T. was noted as having dependent edema, varicosities of the legs, and hemorrhoids. She expressed concern about these symptoms. You explain to Ms. T. that her enlarged uterus is compressing her pelvic veins and her inferior vena cava. You would further explain that these findings

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Explain to the patient that these are usual conditions during pregnancy. Blood in the lower extremities tends to pool in later pregnancy because of the occlusion of the pelvic veins and inferior vena cava from pressure created by the enlarged uterus. The occlusion results in an increase in dependent edema, varicosities of the legs and vulva, and hemorrhoids. Lying in the lateral recumbent position may help relieve some her symptoms.

During a Routine Prenatal Visit, Ms