Gynaecology & Obstetrics

A healthy 31-year-old G3P2002 patient presents to the obstetrician's office at 34 weeks gestational age for a routine return visit. She has had an uneventful pregnancy to date. Her baseline blood pressures were 100-110/ 60-70, and she has gained a total of 20 lb so far. During the visit, the patient complains of bilateral pedal edema that sometimes causes her feet to ache at the end of the day. Her urine dip indicates trace protein, and her blood pressure in the office is currently 115/75. She denies any other symptoms or complaints. On physical exam, there is pitting edema of both legs without any calf tenderness. How should the obstetrician respond to the patient's concern?