Final answer:
Leg cramps during the second trimester of pregnancy often occur alongside symptoms such as back pain, swollen ankles, and edema due to the physical changes and increased demand on the body.
Step-by-step explanation:
Leg cramps and other symptoms that may occur together during the second trimester of pregnancy include back pain, swollen ankles, and edema. These symptoms are quite common due to the increased strain on the body as the fetus grows. Back pain arises as the center of gravity shifts and the lower back curves more to accommodate the growing uterus. Swollen ankles and edema occur due to the increased blood volume and changes in circulation which can also lead to pooling of fluids in the extremities.
An obese patient who experiences swollen feet and ankles, along with other symptoms like fatigue and shortness of breath, may be experiencing the effects of a compromised skeletal muscle pump. The skeletal muscle pump assists in blood flow, and when a person is inactive or stands for long periods without moving much, this can impair circulation and exacerbate swelling in the legs and ankles, which is also common during pregnancy due to increased pressure on the veins from the expanding uterus.