A patient complains of severe leg pain during pregnancy. Which condition could be a concern?

Severe leg pain during pregnancy can be a key indicator of deeper vascular issues, with deep venous thrombosis (DVT) being a significant concern. This condition arises when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, often in the legs. Pregnancy increases the risk for DVT due to changes in hormonal levels, increased blood volume, and pressure on the pelvic veins from the growing uterus. The pain associated with DVT can be quite severe and is often accompanied by swelling, warmth, and redness in the affected leg, making it crucial for timely diagnosis and intervention to prevent complications, such as a pulmonary embolism.

Other conditions listed may involve pain or discomfort during pregnancy but are less directly associated with severe leg pain. Spontaneous abortion typically presents with cramping and abdominal pain rather than leg pain. Preeclampsia is characterized by high blood pressure and possible swelling, which can lead to generalized discomfort but is not typically isolated to severe leg pain. Pelvic organ prolapse can cause a sensation of heaviness or pressure in the pelvic area but does not usually present with acute leg pain. Thus, in this scenario, DVT should be a primary concern when a patient reports severe leg pain during pregnancy.