Unexplained bruising on the legs is a common symptom during pregnancy, and can be a concerning sign for expecting mothers. If a pregnant woman notices unexplained bruising on their legs, they should not panic, but they should be aware of the possible causes and take action. A basic understanding of the causes and potential risks of unexplained bruising during pregnancy can help ensure the mother and baby stay healthy.
It is important to note that bruising on the legs during pregnancy is often the result of the body’s normal response to the increased blood flow and pressure it is experiencing. As the body goes through the many changes of pregnancy, the blood vessels become more fragile and prone to injury, resulting in bruising. In addition to this, there are a number of other medical conditions which can lead to unexplained bruising on the legs during pregnancy.
This blog post will explore these possible causes of unexplained bruising on legs during pregnancy, as well as the associated risks, and steps mothers-to-be
Rare clotting issues and bleeding disorders
People with certain bleeding disorders may experience more frequent bruising. Some of these disorders include:
Other symptoms that people with blood disorders may experience include:
There are many different treatment options for bleeding disorders, but they may include platelet transfusions, clotting factors, or drugs that promote clotting.
Several cancers that affect the blood cells can also cause random bruising. One of these cancers is multiple myeloma. The symptoms of this condition include thrombocytopenia, which lowers blood platelet counts and leads to bleeding and bruising.
Also, some of the initial symptoms of leukemia include bruising and bleeding, with bruises typically appearing on the back, legs, and hands.
Especially when a person receives an early diagnosis, cancer is frequently treatable. Depending on the type of cancer, different treatment options are available, such as medication, chemotherapy, and surgery.
Sepsis is a life threatening complication of an infection. When the body overreacts to an infection, a large amount of inflammatory chemicals are released into the blood.
These substances can cause blood to clot, decreasing blood flow to the limbs and internal organs.
Sepsis is more common in infants and people with weakened immune systems.
The symptoms of sepsis include:
Other potential causes of sporadic bruising on the legs include the following:
Although it is rare, some supplements may cause bleeding and bruising.
Supplements that may cause bruising include:
Some medications may affect the body’s clotting ability and cause unexplained bruising on the legs and other parts of the body.
These medications include:
Sometimes, random bruising is the result of physical abuse.
Bruising as a result of physical abuse may:
A doctor will conduct a physical examination and inquire about the patient’s family history of bruising to determine the cause of the patient’s leg bruising.
Additionally, they will inquire about the person’s other symptoms and any medications or supplements they may be taking.
To rule out any serious underlying causes of bruising, the doctor may also perform additional diagnostic procedures, such as blood tests.
A person should schedule a visit with their doctor if they frequently experience unexplained leg bruising.
This is especially important if the bruising is:
If possible, avoid bumps and falls for people who frequently have unexplained bruising on their legs due to their age, sex, or family history.
However, if the bruising was brought on by taking particular supplements or medications, stopping them might prevent additional bruising. Prior to discontinuing any medication, it is imperative to speak with a doctor.
Some people bruise easier than others, so if you have unexplained bruising on your legs, it probably means you had a minor injury that you forgot about.
However, bruising that occurs frequently, is severe, and takes a long time to heal might be a sign of a medical condition that needs to be treated.
Last medically reviewed on September 28, 2020
It all depends on the cause. Your doctor will continue to check your platelets throughout the pregnancy if it turns out that you do have a low platelet count. If they fall too low, you might be advised against getting an epidural, and your doctor might try everything in his or her power to prevent a c-section because problems clotting could make it more dangerous. Inform your doctor of any additional strange symptoms you experience, such as headaches, swelling, nausea, and bleeding, as these could be indicators of HELLP syndrome.
Please be aware that The Bump and the materials and information contained therein are not intended to be, and do not constitute, medical advice or diagnosis of any kind. Always talk to a licensed doctor or other health care provider about your individual situation.
Some pregnant women find that they have more bruises than usual or that even the smallest bump leaves a significant black and blue mark.
It’s important to bring up with your physician or midwife at your subsequent appointment. Low platelets are one of the symptoms of HELLP syndrome, a serious pregnancy complication, so it’s worth bringing it up to her just to be extra cautious. Your platelets will be checked throughout your pregnancy regardless, so it’s worth doing so.
Sure, it could be nothing. However, there is a possibility that you experienced gestational thrombocytopenia, which is a low platelet count brought on by pregnancy. Blood clotting, which is facilitated by platelets, is crucial during both surgery, such as a c-section, and anesthesia (for labor).
Bruising is a platelet/clotting issue and is unrelated to anaemia. I work with people with blood disorders. To ease your mind, you should have a quick full blood count check performed.
Next week I have my 16-week midwife appointment, so I will ask her then. Prior to that, I was merely curious as to whether anyone else at my stage of pregnancy (15 weeks) had any sporadic bruises on their legs, as they are genuinely appearing out of nowhere and are concerning me. Any insights would be great ❤️.
A blood test will be performed to rule out any clotting problems. One of the strange things that pregnancy can do to your body due to the hormones and other changes to the blood volume is that it may bruise more easily. Given its location on your body, it’s quite possible that you knocked it without immediately realizing how painful it was, which explains why it’s bruised.
A big congratulations on your pregnancy! I would call the midwife and GP, they’ll get to the bottom of it right away.
Yup Im thinking platlets. They frequently trip and fall while pregnant, but this should be investigated and possibly taken into account when making the birth plan.