Varicose veins during pregnancy

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

reasons

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

This pathology is due to the fact that the blood vessels of the lower limbs and pelvis suffer from excessive and prolonged stress. For a long time, the blood vessels perform their function to the maximum. The ever-growing uterus exerts strong pressure on the venous walls. This creates an obstacle for the full microcirculation of blood in the lower limbs.

Also, another cause of varicose veins during pregnancy is the constant increase in body weight. On average, a woman gains about ten kilograms in the whole nine months. And this is an additional load on the vessels. As a result, the veins of the lower extremities swell and greatly expand, causing a strong stretch along their entire length. If there is a genetic predisposition to varicose veins, it is important to take preventive measures in time. Traditional medicine, which involves the use of non-traditional methods - baths, compresses, is effective in preventing varicose veins during pregnancy.

Women whose work involves prolonged standing or sitting face varicose veins during pregnancy much more often. Also susceptible to this disease are ladies who abuse long periods of walking in high-heeled shoes. It is recommended to avoid wearing such products every day and limit yourself to the option with a current height of no more than three centimeters.

Development factors

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

1. Lack of physical activity or leading a sedentary lifestyle.During pregnancy, especially during the last trimester, physical activity is inevitably limited. Sometimes complete 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 limbs suffer, the tone of the blood vessel walls decreases and the access of blood and oxygen to the legs deteriorates. The result is the development of varicose veins.
2. Increased load on venous networks.During pregnancy, a woman constantly gains weight. Blood pressure rises and compression of the veins occurs. The expansion of the walls becomes permanent and this is fraught with irreversible pathological processes.
3. Dramatic changes in hormone levels.During pregnancy, there is a rapid rise in progesterone levels. This hormone is responsible for the normal course of pregnancy and the preservation of the fetus. But this negatively affects the vascular system, causes the blood vessel walls to stretch and they begin to overflow with blood.

This disease can cause disturbances in the hematopoietic system. With increased blood clotting, its circulation slows down. Congestion occurs in the veins, the walls begin to expand under blood pressure. Other causes of the disease include:

• rapid weight gain - this happens if a woman does not eat properly;
• capillary networks and cobwebs that were present before the conception of the child;
• multiple pregnancies;
• waxing;
• carrying heavy objects;
• prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.

Gynecologists and phlebologists do not get tired of talking about whether varicose veins affect pregnancy. Because with impaired blood circulation and poor access of oxygen to the internal organs, not only the woman suffers, but also the child.

Symptoms

The first symptom of the development of such a pathology is a visual change. In the initial stages, nets and stars are visible on the surface of the epidermis. Veins become clearly visible. Their color becomes bluish, yellowish or greenish. If a mild varicose disease develops, the pathology does not develop outside the vascular networks.

But if the disease reaches a severe stage, the epidermis changes - pain appears during varicose veins during pregnancy, thickening and redness. In this case, we can talk about an initial form of thrombophlebitis that develops during pregnancy. Complemented by the following clinical picture:

• severe swelling of the lower limbs;
• constant itching and burning in the affected areas;
• increased dryness of the epidermis;
• pain, convulsions, especially at night;
• heaviness after physical activity, prolonged walking or even after minor walks;
• Ulcers appear on the epidermis, which are difficult to get rid of.

The pain in the legs decreases if you raise them. Some women encounter only external defects in the form of cobwebs, while others suffer from unpleasant symptoms, the intensity of which gradually worsens. If treatment is not carried out, various complications occur in the form of blood clots, phlebitis and trophic ulcers.

Signs

During the entire period of pregnancy, you should monitor your health, monitor all changes and consult a doctor in a timely manner. Symptoms of varicose veins during pregnancy:

• legs, ankles and feet become swollen, swollen and painful;
• attacks of spasms and cramps occur in the thighs and legs, especially at night;
• heaviness in the lower limbs, especially in the afternoon;
• itching, burning, increased dry skin;
• veins that are clearly visible above the surface of the skin;
• ulcers on the epidermis that are difficult to treat and do not heal for a long time;
• painful sensations, the intensity of which decreases if you raise your legs.

Varicose veins can spread not only to the lower limbs. There are other organs that suffer from severe stress during pregnancy. Varicose veins of the external genitalia and vagina often develop. Prominent veins are visually visible on the perineum, which partially affect the area of the buttocks. The clinical picture of this disease looks like this:

• discomfort and pain of a pulling, painful nature appear in the lower abdomen;
• during defecation there is nagging pain;
• burning is felt during emptying of the bladder;
• after emptying the bladder, itching and tingling are felt;
• Unpleasant sensations arise during intimacy.

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

Varicose veins by trimester

First trimester

During the first trimester of pregnancy, varicose veins often appear in a latent form. External signs of varicose veins in the early stages of pregnancy are limited to barely noticeable spider webs, 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 will help stop the development of the disease.

Second trimester

Varicose veins during pregnancy in the 2nd trimester are more pronounced. The constant pressure from the growing uterus and the heavy load on the legs negatively affect blood circulation and disrupt the access of oxygen.

Third trimester

In the third trimester of pregnancy, varicose veins manifest intensively in the absence of preventive measures in the earlier stages. Severe swelling of the limbs, itching and tingling of the skin, attacks of night cramps appear. Correctly selected therapy will help 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 into account the patient's complaints. To make a correct diagnosis, the following types of research are prescribed:

• general analysis of urine;
• clinical blood test;
• examination of biochemical indicators of blood;
• ultrasound;
• two-sided scanning;
• If necessary, a nuclear magnetic resonance can be prescribed.

Treatment

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

1. Wearing medical hosiery that has compression properties.Wearing shapewear, tights, tights and socks is recommended. Thanks to this knitwear, the vessels are kept in good condition, the veins do not expand and blood circulation improves. Wearing such products is indicated throughout the day, and if there are problems with the veins, the socks are also not removed at night.
2. Using properly fitted shoes.Products with stilettos, platforms and high heels are prohibited. When wearing such shoes regularly, there is a high load on the muscles of the lower limbs, the natural blood circulation deteriorates and rapid fatigue appears. It is recommended to choose comfortable and stable shoes with a low heel.
3. Dosed physical activity.Congestion occurs during varicose veins during pregnancy, 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 in the menu foods rich in ascorbic acid, tocopherol, nicotinic acid and B vitamins. Products containing potassium, magnesium and manganese will also be useful. The diet should contain foods with a high fiber content. They are a good prevention against constipation.

If the doctor deems it appropriate, local drugs can be prescribed - gels, ointments, creams, which are venotonic and phlebotonic in their action. During pregnancy, the choice 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 vaso-strengthening properties.

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

What else do phlebologists recommend to relieve the condition:

• lift your legs up often;
• after a hard day's work, soak your feet in warm water with dissolved sea salt for half an hour;
• do not cross your legs, do not throw them over each other, so as not to disrupt blood circulation;
• often change the position of the body, periodically warm up;
• sleep on your left side;
• control the consumption of salty foods;
• body weight control.

Prevention

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

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

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

Observance of simple rules will help to avoid the occurrence of pathological processes in the blood vessels. If the first signs of varicose veins appear, you should visit a phlebologist as soon as possible. After the examination, the doctor will decide what to do. Independent use of any medication is prohibited.