Varicose veins during pregnancy

During pregnancy, a woman's body undergoes drastic changes. The hormonal background changes completely, adapting to pregnancy and childbirth. As a result, the tone of venous walls decreases, their permeability increases, and microcirculation deteriorates. Varicose veins often spread to the lower extremities during pregnancy. Treatment of varicose veins during pregnancy should be done on time and correctly 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 such a pathology will occur. The organism is also mainly influenced by genetic predisposition. The period of childbirth, especially the second and third trimester, is the main trigger for the development of varicose veins in women.

This pathology is related to the blood vessels in the lower extremities and pelvis suffering from excessive and long-term stress. Blood vessels perform their functions to the maximum for a long time. The constantly growing uterus puts a lot of pressure on the venous walls. This creates an obstacle to the complete microcirculation of blood in the lower extremities.

Also, another cause of varicose veins during pregnancy is the constant increase in body weight. On average, a woman gains about ten kilograms of weight during the entire nine months. And this is an additional burden on ships. As a result, the veins in the lower extremities swell and expand greatly, causing severe stretching 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 suggests the use of non-traditional methods - baths, compresses, is effective in preventing varicose veins during pregnancy.

Women whose jobs involve standing or sitting for long periods of time are more likely to experience varicose veins during pregnancy. Ladies who abuse walking in high heels for a long time are also susceptible to this disease. It is recommended to refrain from wearing such products every day and limit yourself to the choice with a heel height of no more than three centimeters.

Developmental factors

Factors that cause the development of varicose veins of the legs during pregnancy:

1. Physical inactivity or leading a sedentary lifestyle.During pregnancy, especially in the last trimester, physical activity is inevitably limited. Sometimes complete restriction of movements is the key to protecting the fetus, the woman is often forced to stay in bed. As a result, the veins of the lower extremities suffer, the tone of the blood walls decreases, blood and oxygen flow 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 increases, blood vessels become constricted. The expansion of the walls is continuous, and this is fraught with irreversible pathological processes.
3. Dramatic changes in hormonal levels.A rapid increase in progesterone levels occurs during pregnancy. This hormone is responsible for the normal course of pregnancy and protection of the fetus. However, this has a negative effect on the vascular system, causing the blood walls to stretch and begin to overflow with blood.

This disease can cause disorders in the hematopoietic system. As blood clotting increases, its circulation slows down. Stagnation occurs in the veins, the walls begin to expand under blood pressure. Other causes of the disease include:

• rapid weight gain - this happens when a woman does not eat properly;
• capillary networks and spider veins present before the birth of the child;
• repeated pregnancy;
• waxing;
• transportation of heavy objects;
• prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.

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

Symptoms

The first sign of the development of such a pathology is a visual change. At the initial stage, nets and stars appear on the surface of the epidermis. Veins are clearly visible. Their color is blue, yellowish or greenish. If a mild varicose disease develops, the pathology does not develop outside the vascular network.

But if the disease reaches a severe stage, the epidermis changes - pain, thickening and redness appear during pregnancy varicose veins. In this case, we can talk about the initial form of thrombophlebitis that develops during pregnancy. It is completed with 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;
• heaviness after physical activity, long walks or even small walks;
• Ulcers form on the epidermis, and it is difficult to get rid of them.

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

Symbols

During the entire pregnancy, you need to monitor your health, monitor any changes and consult a doctor in time. Symptoms of varicose veins during pregnancy:

• legs, ankles and feet become swollen, swollen and painful;
• attacks of spasms and cramps, especially at night, appear in the hips and legs;
• heaviness in the lower extremities, especially in the afternoon;
• itching, burning, increased dry skin;
• veins 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 decrease in intensity if you raise your legs.

Varicose veins cannot spread only to the lower limbs. There are other organs that suffer from high stress during pregnancy. Varicose veins of the external genitalia and vagina often develop. Convex veins are visually visible in the perineum, partially affecting the hip area. The clinical picture of this disease looks like this:

• discomfort and pulling, pain of a painful nature appears in the lower abdomen;
• nagging pain during defecation;
• a burning sensation is felt when emptying the bladder;
• itching and tingling after emptying the bladder;
• Unpleasant feelings arise during intimacy.

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

Varicose veins in trimester

First trimester

In the first trimester of pregnancy, varicose veins often occur in a hidden form. In the early stages of pregnancy, the external symptoms of varicose veins are limited to 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 the pathological process from progressing further. Properly selected venotonics, baths and lotions will help to stop the development of the disease.

Second trimester

Varicose veins are more prominent during pregnancy in the 2nd trimester. The constant pressure of the growing uterus and the heavy load on the legs negatively affects blood circulation and disrupts access to oxygen.

Third trimester

In the 3rd trimester of pregnancy, varicose veins manifest intensively in the absence of preventive measures in the early stages. Severe swelling of the extremities, itching and tingling of the skin, attacks of night cramps appear. Correctly selected therapy will help to cope with such manifestations.

Diagnostics

If the 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 considers the patient's complaints. To make a correct diagnosis, the following types of examination are prescribed:

• general urinalysis;
• clinical blood test;
• study of biochemical blood parameters;
• ultrasound;
• duplex scanning;
• If necessary, magnetic resonance imaging may be prescribed.

Treatment

Conservative therapy methods are used to treat varicose veins during pregnancy:

1. Wear medical knitwear with compression properties.Uniforms, socks, tights and knee socks are recommended. Thanks to this knitting, the vessels are kept in the proper position, the vessels do not expand and the blood flow improves. Wearing such products is indicated during the day, and if there are problems with the veins, socks are not removed at night.
2. Using properly fitted shoes.Products with stilettos, platforms and high heels are prohibited. When wearing such shoes regularly, the muscles of the lower limbs are under a high load, the natural blood circulation deteriorates, and rapid fatigue appears. It is recommended to choose comfortable and stable shoes with low straps.
3. Moderate physical activity.During pregnancy, varicose veins become clogged, so it is necessary to get rid of them. For this, it is recommended to swim, walk more, do special therapeutic exercises.
4. Maintaining a proper diet.To make the walls of blood vessels stronger, it is recommended to include foods rich in ascorbic acid, tocopherol, nicotinic acid, and B vitamins in the menu. Products containing potassium, magnesium and manganese will also be useful. Foods rich in fiber should be in the diet. They are a good preventive against constipation.

If the doctor considers it appropriate, local drugs can be prescribed - gels, ointments, creams, venotonic and phlebotonics in their action. In order to avoid complications during pregnancy, the choice of drugs should be correct. Ointments containing glycosaminoglycan are effective and safe. They prevent blood clotting and blood clotting. Venotonic can be used from the 2nd trimester. They have anti-edema, anti-inflammatory and vascular strengthening properties.

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

What else do phlebologists recommend to alleviate the situation:

• often raise your legs;
• after a hard day at work, soak your feet in warm water with dissolved sea salt for half an hour;
• in order not to disrupt blood circulation, do not cross your legs, do not throw on top of each other;
• changing body position frequently, warming up periodically;
• sleep on the left side;
• control the consumption of salty foods;
• control body weight.

Prevention

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

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

It is important to avoid 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, do not take a hot bath.

Following simple rules will help prevent the appearance of pathological processes in blood vessels. If the first signs of varicose veins appear, you should consult a phlebologist as soon as possible. After the examination, the doctor will decide how to proceed. It is forbidden to use any medicine independently.