Redness in the left leg is when part or all of the left leg looks different and redder in color.
What causes it?
Swelling, especially of the legs, is normal in pregnancy. However, leg redness in pregnancy may be associated with deep vein thrombosis, a type of blood clot that pregnant women are particularly susceptible to. This condition happens more commonly in the left leg as compared to the right leg.
Tips?
If you notice swelling and redness in your left leg, you should call your healthcare provider right away. He or she can perform a physical examination and potentially perform other diagnostic tests, as well as ask you questions to determine the cause of these symptoms. If it is determined that a woman has DVT, her provider may prescribe her medication to treat the blood clot and to prevent any future blood complications.
Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team
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Sources
- Wee-Shian Chan, et al. “Anatomic distribution of deep vein thrombosis in pregnancy.” CMAJ. 182(7):657-660. Web. Apr 2010.
- “What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Deep Vein Thrombosis?” NHLBI. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, NIH, HHS, Oct 28 2011. Web.
- Geeta K Swamy, MD, et al. “Swelling During Late Pregnancy.” MerckManuals. Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp, 2017. Web.
- Roger W Harms, MD. “What causes ankle swelling during pregnancy – and what can I do about it?” MayoClinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, Aug 5 2014. Web.
- Laura J Martin, et al. “Foot, leg, and ankle swelling.” UNM. University of Maryland Medical Center, Apr 2015. Web.
