During pregnancy, a female\'s plasma volume expands very rapidly. Because the fe

Question

During pregnancy, a female's plasma volume expands very rapidly. Because the fetus is using so much of her energy for growth, the pregnant female is often not able to keep up the synthesis of plasma proteins to match the growing volume of plasma. Based on this information, write a paragraph explaining why many pregnant women experience edema in their extremities. Include information about the osmolarities of body fluids and the pressures involved in bulk flow in your answer as well as whether this statement is correct or incorrect.

Explanation / Answer

pregnantwomen experience edema.. This is because the volume of plasma increases according to the growth requirements of fetus. This increase in plasma volume simultaneously decreases the plasma protein. Due to this the plasma entered the interstitial cells is not absorbed back, The fluid remains in the interstitial cells and leads to fluid accumulation causing edema. The accumulation of fluid is more at extremitites generally. Under such conditions the electrolytes like Na+ and K+ ions also increased in the fluid rather than in cells. So, the osmolarity is low in cells when compared to the fluid. Thus, this activity exerts more pressure on kidneys during reabsorption of ions. Hence, pregnant women are suggested to consume less salt diet inorder to balance the salt ions and to maintain the osmolarity. Due to heavy osmolarity of the fluid, the pressure of bulk flow will be more during reabsorption process. The countercurrent multiplication during movement of ions in nephrons will be more.

Therefore, the less plasmaprotein content in pregnant women leads fluid accumulation resulting in edema is true.

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