Varicose veins during pregnancy

During pregnancy, a woman's body undergoes dramatic changes. The hormonal background changes completely and adapts to pregnancy and childbirth. As a result, the tone of the venous walls decreases, their permeability increases and microcirculation worsens. Varicose veins often spread to the lower extremities during pregnancy. Treatment of varicose veins during pregnancy should be timely and correct so as not to harm the child.

causes

Varicose veins are quite common during pregnancy. The more time a woman spends in one position, the more likely such a pathology is to appear. The body is also significantly influenced by genetic predisposition. The period of childbirth, especially the second and third trimesters, is a major trigger for the development of varicose veins in women.

This pathology is due to the fact that the blood vessels in the lower extremities and pelvis are exposed to excessive and prolonged stress. Blood vessels fulfill their function to the maximum over a long period of time. The ever-growing uterus puts a lot of pressure on the vein walls. This hinders the complete microcirculation of blood in the lower extremities.

Another reason for varicose veins during pregnancy is a constant increase in body weight. On average, a woman gains around ten kilograms in the entire nine months. And that is an additional burden on the ships. As a result, the veins in the lower extremities swell and expand greatly, resulting in severe stretching along their entire length. If there is a genetic predisposition to varicose veins, it is important to take preventative measures in a timely manner. Traditional medicine, which suggests the use of unconventional methods - baths, compresses - is effective in preventing varicose veins during pregnancy.

Women whose jobs require them to stand or sit for long periods of time are significantly more likely to struggle with varicose veins during pregnancy. Women who walk in high-heeled shoes for a long time are also susceptible to this disease. It is recommended to avoid wearing such products every day and limit yourself to the option with a heel height of no more than three centimeters.

Development factors

The triggering factors for the development of varicose veins in the legs during pregnancy are:

1. Physical inactivity or a sedentary lifestyle.During pregnancy, especially in the last trimester, physical activity is inevitably limited. Sometimes total restriction of movement is the key to preserving the fetus; the woman is forced to stay in bed most of the time. As a result, the veins of the lower extremities suffer, the tone of the blood walls decreases, and the access of blood and oxygen to the legs worsens. The result is the development of varicose veins.
2. Increased stress on the venous networks.During pregnancy, a woman constantly gains weight. Blood pressure rises and the veins become compressed. The expansion of the walls becomes persistent and is fraught with irreversible pathological processes.
3. Dramatic changes in hormone levels.During pregnancy there is a rapid increase in progesterone levels. This hormone is responsible for the normal course of pregnancy and the preservation of the fetus. But it has a negative effect on the vascular system, leads to stretching of the blood walls and they begin to overflow with blood.

This disease can cause disorders in the hematopoietic system. As blood clots increase, blood flow slows. Stagnation occurs in the veins, the walls begin to expand under the pressure of blood pressure. Other causes of illness are:

• rapid weight gain – this happens when a woman does not eat properly;
• capillary networks and spider veins that were already present before the child was conceived;
• repeated pregnancies;
• Grow;
• carrying heavy objects;
• prolonged direct sunlight.

Gynecologists and phlebologists never tire of talking about whether varicose veins affect pregnancy. Because not only the woman suffers from impaired blood circulation and poor oxygen access to the internal organs, but also the child.

Symptoms

The very first symptom of the development of such a pathology is a visual change. At the initial stage, networks and stars are visible on the surface of the epidermis. The veins become clearly visible. Their color becomes bluish, yellowish or greenish. When mild varicose vein disease develops, the pathology does not spread beyond the vascular networks.

However, when the disease reaches a severe stage, the epidermis changes - pain in varicose veins during pregnancy, thickening and redness appear. In this case, we can talk about the initial form of thrombophlebitis, which develops during pregnancy. Supplemented by the following clinical picture:

• severe swelling of the lower extremities;
• constant itching and burning in the affected areas;
• increased dryness of the epidermis;
• pain, seizures, especially at night;
• Feeling of heaviness after physical activity, prolonged walking or even short walks;
• Ulcers appear on the epidermis and are difficult to eliminate.

The pain in the legs decreases when you elevate them. Some women experience only external defects in the form of spider veins, while others suffer from unpleasant symptoms, the intensity of which gradually worsens. If treatment is not carried out, various complications arise in the form of blood clots, phlebitis and trophic ulcers.

Sign

Throughout pregnancy, you need to monitor your health, monitor any changes and consult a doctor in a timely manner. Symptoms of varicose veins during pregnancy:

• the legs, ankles and feet swell, swell and hurt;
• Attacks of spasms and cramps occur in the hips and legs, especially at night;
• Feeling of heaviness in the lower extremities, especially in the afternoon;
• Itching, burning, increased dry skin;
• veins that are clearly visible above the surface of the skin;
• ulcers on the epidermis, which are difficult to treat and do not heal for a long time;
• painful sensations, the intensity of which decreases when you raise your legs.

Varicose veins can spread to more than just the lower extremities. There are other organs that are exposed to a lot of stress during pregnancy. Varicose veins often develop on the external genitalia and vagina. Convex veins are visible on the perineum, some of which affect the buttocks area. The clinical picture of this disease is as follows:

• discomfort and pain of a pulling, aching nature appear in the lower abdomen;
• stabbing pain occurs during bowel movements;
• a burning sensation is felt when emptying the bladder;
• after emptying the bladder, itching and tingling sensations are felt;
• Unpleasant sensations arise during intimacy.

It is impossible to make a diagnosis based on an external examination alone. In addition, you must undergo diagnostic measures.

Varicose veins by trimester

First trimester

In the first trimester of pregnancy, varicose veins often appear in a latent form. External signs of varicose veins in early pregnancy are limited to barely noticeable spider veins, tired legs and discomfort after long walks. At this stage, you should not ignore such symptoms; it is better to contact a phlebologist in advance to prevent further progression of the pathological process. Properly selected venotonics, baths and lotions help stop the development of the disease.

Second trimester

Varicose veins during pregnancy in the 2nd trimester are more pronounced. Constant pressure from the growing uterus and heavy strain on the legs have a negative effect on blood circulation and impair oxygen access.

Third trimester

In the 3rd trimester of pregnancy, varicose veins manifest themselves intensively if preventive measures are not taken at earlier stages. Severe swelling of the extremities, itching and tingling of the skin, and night cramps occur. Properly selected therapy helps to cope with such manifestations.

diagnosis

If superficial veins are affected, the doctor may suspect the development of varicose veins after the first examination. During the consultation, the phlebologist collects anamnestic data and takes the patient's complaints into account. To make a correct diagnosis, the following types of examinations are prescribed:

• general urinalysis;
• clinical blood test;
• Examination of biochemical blood parameters;
• Ultrasonic;
• duplex scanning;
• If necessary, magnetic resonance imaging can be prescribed.

Treatment

During pregnancy, conservative therapy methods are used to treat varicose veins:

1. Wearing medical knitwear with compression properties.It is recommended to wear shapewear, stockings, tights and knee socks. Thanks to this knitwear, the vessels remain in good condition, the veins do not expand and blood circulation improves. Wearing such products is indicated throughout the day; if there are problems with the veins, the stockings are not removed even at night.
2. Use properly fitting shoes.Products with stilettos, platform shoes and high heels are prohibited. When wearing such shoes regularly, there is a high load on the muscles of the lower extremities, natural blood circulation deteriorates and fatigue occurs quickly. It is advisable to choose comfortable and stable shoes with a low heel.
3. Dosed physical activity.With varicose veins during pregnancy, constipation occurs, so you need to get rid of them. To do this, it is recommended to swim, walk more and perform special therapeutic exercises.
4. Maintaining a proper diet.To strengthen the walls of blood vessels, it is recommended to include foods rich in ascorbic acid, tocopherol, nicotinic acid and B vitamins in the diet. Products containing potassium, magnesium and manganese are also useful. The diet should contain foods rich in fiber. They are a good prevention against constipation.

If the doctor considers it appropriate, local medications can be prescribed - gels, ointments, creams that have a venotonic and phlebotonic effect. During pregnancy, the selection of drugs must be correct so as not to cause complications. Ointments containing glycosaminoglycan are effective and safe. They prevent blood clotting and the formation of blood clots. Venotonics can be used from the 2nd trimester. They have anti-edematous, anti-inflammatory and vascular-strengthening properties.

In advanced cases, the disease is treated surgically. Such methods are used only if there is a risk of thrombophlebitis. A modern treatment method is sclerotherapy.

What else do phlebologists recommend to alleviate the disease:

• Raise your legs often;
• After a hard day at work, soak your feet in warm water with dissolved sea salt for half an hour.
• do not cross your legs, do not throw them on top of each other, so as not to disrupt blood circulation;
• Change posture frequently and warm up regularly.
• sleep on the left side;
• control the consumption of salty foods;
• Control body weight.

prevention

Preventive measures reduce the load on the legs and improve blood circulation. It is recommended to take a position comfortable for the body more often and raise your legs to an elevated position as often as possible. This ensures the drainage of blood and lymph fluid and prevents stagnation.

During the day, regularly perform simple gymnastics - stretch your toes and heels, make circular movements with your toes. To ensure proper blood microcirculation, it is important to eat properly, swim and walk more.

It is important to avoid wearing tight and uncomfortable products, platform shoes and heels. Tight-fitting pants and tight socks are prohibited. It is advisable to arrange contrasting foot baths. Refuse to visit the bathhouse and sauna and do not take a hot bath.

Following simple rules will help avoid the occurrence of pathological processes in blood vessels. When the first signs of varicose veins appear, you need to see a phlebologist as soon as possible. After the examination, the doctor decides how to proceed. It is forbidden to take medication yourself.