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 worsens. Varicose veins during pregnancy often spread to the lower extremities. 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 will appear. The body is mainly influenced by genetic predisposition. The period of childbirth, especially the second and third trimester, is a major provoking factor in the development of varicose veins in women.

This pathology is due to the fact that the blood vessels in the lower extremities and pelvis suffer from excessive and prolonged stress. For a long time, blood vessels perform their function to the maximum. The constantly growing uterus puts a lot of pressure on the venous walls. This creates an obstacle for the complete microcirculation of blood in the lower extremities.

Also, another reason for varicose veins during pregnancy is the constant increase in body weight. On average, a woman gains about ten kilograms throughout the nine months. And this is an additional load on the ship. 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 at the right time. Traditional medicine, which suggests the use of unconventional methods - baths, compresses, is effective in preventing varicose veins during pregnancy.

Women whose work involves standing or sitting for a long time have to deal with varicose veins during pregnancy much more often. Ladies who abuse long walks with high heels 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

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

1. Physical inactivity or leading a sedentary lifestyle.During pregnancy, especially in 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 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 load on venous networks.During pregnancy, a woman constantly gains weight. Blood pressure increases, and compression occurs in the veins. The expansion of the walls becomes continuous, and this is fraught with irreversible pathological processes.
3. Dramatic changes in hormonal levels.During pregnancy, a rapid increase in progesterone levels occurs. This hormone is responsible for the normal course of pregnancy and the preservation of the fetus. But it negatively affects the vascular system, it causes stretching of the blood walls and they begin to overflow with blood.

This disease can cause disturbances in the hematopoietic system. As blood coagulation 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 if a woman does not eat properly;
• the capillary networks and spider veins that were present before the child was conceived;
• repeated 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 oxygen access 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, yellow or green. If a mild varicose disease develops, the pathology does not develop beyond the vascular networks.

But if the disease reaches a severe stage, the epidermis changes - pain appears during pregnancy with varicose veins, thickening and redness. In this case, we can talk about the initial form of thrombophlebitis, which develops during pregnancy. Completed 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, convulsions, especially at night;
• heaviness after physical activity, prolonged walking, or even after small walks;
• Ulcers appear on the epidermis, which are difficult to get rid of.

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

signs

During the entire period of pregnancy, you should monitor your health, monitor any changes and consult a doctor at the right time. Symptoms of varicose veins during pregnancy:

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

Varicose veins can spread not only to the lower extremities. 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 buttock area. The clinical picture for this disease looks like this:

• discomfort and pain of a pulling, painful nature appear in the lower abdomen;
• during defecation there is an annoying pain;
• 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 external examination alone. In addition, you must undergo diagnostic measures.

Varicose veins by trimester

First quarter

In 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 visible 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 will help stop the development of the disease.

The second quarter

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 impair oxygen access.

The third quarter

In the third 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 and attacks of convulsions at night appear. Correctly chosen therapy will help to cope with such manifestations.

Diagnosing

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 takes into account the patient's complaints. To make an accurate diagnosis, the following types of examination are prescribed:

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

Treatment

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

1. Wearing medical knitwear that has compression properties.It is recommended to wear shapewear, socks, tights and knee socks. Thanks to this knitting, the vessels are kept in the right 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 you regularly wear such shoes, there is a high load on the muscles of the lower extremities, the natural blood circulation deteriorates and rapid fatigue appears. It is recommended to choose comfortable and durable shoes with low heels.
3. Dosed physical activity.With varicose veins during pregnancy, congestion occurs, so you need to eliminate them. To do this, it is recommended to swim, walk more and perform special therapeutic exercises.
4. Maintaining a proper diet.To make the walls of blood vessels stronger, 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 rich in fiber. They are a good preventative against constipation.

If the doctor deems it reasonable, local medications can be prescribed - gels, ointments, creams, which are venotonic and phlebotonic in their action. During pregnancy, the selection of medications must be correct in order not to cause complications. Glycosaminoglycan-containing ointments 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 when there is a threat of thrombophlebitis. A modern method of treatment is sclerotherapy.

What else do phlebologists recommend to alleviate the condition:

• often raise your legs;
• 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 over each other, so as not to disrupt blood circulation;
• change body position often, warm up periodically;
• sleep on your left side;
• control the consumption of salty foods;
• control body weight.

Preventing

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 raise the 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 do simple gymnastics - stretch your toes and heels, make circular movements with your fingers. 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 pants and tight socks are prohibited. It is recommended to organize opposite foot baths. Refuse to visit the bath and sauna and do not take a hot bath.

The implementation of simple rules will help to avoid the occurrence of pathological processes in 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 how to proceed. It is forbidden to use any medication on your own.