Varicose veins during pregnancy

During pregnancy, a woman's body undergoes tremendous changes. The hormonal background completely changes to accommodate pregnancy and childbirth. As a result, the tension of the vein wall decreases, the permeability increases, and the microcirculation deteriorates. Varicose veins during pregnancy often spread to the lower limbs. Treatment of varicose veins during pregnancy must be timely and correct to avoid harming the child.

reason

Varicose veins are common during pregnancy. The longer a woman stays in the same position, the more likely she is to develop this condition. The body is also largely influenced by genetic predispositions. The reproductive period, especially the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, is a key trigger for the development of varicose veins in women.This pathological phenomenon is caused by excessive and prolonged pressure on the blood vessels of the lower limbs and pelvis. Blood vessels maximize their functionality over a long period of time. The growing uterus puts a lot of pressure on the vein walls. This creates an obstacle to adequate microcirculation of blood in the lower extremities.Additionally, another cause of varicose veins during pregnancy is constant weight gain. On average, women gain about ten kilograms throughout nine months. This is an additional load on the ship. As a result, the veins in the lower limbs swell and become greatly dilated, causing severe stretching of their entire length. If you have a genetic predisposition to varicose veins, it is important to take prompt preventive measures. Traditional medicine recommends the use of unconventional methods - bathing and hot compresses - to effectively prevent varicose veins during pregnancy.Women whose jobs require them to stand or sit for long periods of time are more likely to develop varicose veins during pregnancy. Women who walk in high heels for a long time are also prone to this disease. It is recommended to avoid wearing such products every day and limit yourself to products with a heel height of no more than three centimeters.

development factors

Predisposing factors for leg varicose veins during pregnancy include:

1. Lack of physical activity or a sedentary lifestyle.During pregnancy, especially in the last trimester, physical activity is inevitably limited. Sometimes, complete restriction of movement is 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 are damaged, blood wall tension decreases, and the blood and oxygen supply to the legs deteriorates. The result is the development of varicose veins.
2. Increased load on the venous network.During pregnancy, women continue to gain weight. Blood pressure increases and veins become compressed. The expansion of the walls becomes permanent, which is fraught with irreversible pathological processes.
3. Hormone levels change dramatically.During pregnancy, progesterone levels increase rapidly. This hormone is responsible for the normal course of pregnancy and the preservation of the fetus. But it can have a negative impact on the vascular system, causing the blood walls to stretch and blood to start overflowing.

This disease causes disorders of the hematopoietic system. As blood clotting increases, blood circulation slows down. The veins stagnate and the blood vessel walls begin to expand under the influence of blood pressure. Other causes of the disease include:

• Rapid weight gain – This can happen if a woman doesn’t eat the right diet;
• The capillary network and spider veins are present before the child is conceived;
• multiple pregnancies;
• waxing;
• moving heavy objects;
• Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.

Gynecologists and phlebologists never tire of discussing whether varicose veins can affect pregnancy. Not only women, but also children are affected because of impaired blood circulation and difficulty in supplying oxygen to internal organs.

symptom

The first symptoms of the development of this pathology are visual changes. In the initial stage, reticular and stellate shapes are visible on the surface of the epidermis. The veins become clearly visible. Their color changes to blue, yellow, or green. In the case of mild varicose vein disease, the lesions do not progress beyond the vascular network.But if the condition progresses to a severe stage, the epidermis can change - pain, thickening and redness can occur with varicose veins during pregnancy. In this case we can talk about the initial form of thrombophlebitis that occurs during pregnancy. Supplement the following clinical pictures:

• Severe swelling of lower limbs;
• Persistent itching and burning sensation in the affected area;
• Increased epidermal dryness;
• Pain, seizures, especially at night;
• Feeling heavy after physical activity, long walks, or even short walks;
• Ulcers appear on the skin and are difficult to remove.

If you elevate your leg, the pain will lessen. Some women experience only external defects in the form of spider veins, while others suffer from unpleasant symptoms that gradually worsen in intensity. If left untreated, various complications such as thrombosis, phlebitis, and trophic ulcers can occur.

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

• Legs, ankles, and feet become swollen, swollen, and painful;
• Cramps and cramps in the buttocks and legs, especially at night;
• Heaviness in the lower limbs, especially in the afternoon;
• Increased itching, burning, and dry skin;
• Veins are clearly visible above the surface of the skin;
• Epidermal ulceration is difficult to treat and does not heal for a long time;
• If you lift your legs, the intensity of the pain will lessen.

Varicose veins can spread to more than just the lower limbs. There are other organs that experience high stress during pregnancy. Varicose veins often occur in the external genitalia and vagina. Convex veins are seen in the perineum, partially affecting the buttock area. The clinical manifestations of this disease are as follows:

• Pulling, aching discomfort and pain in the lower abdomen;
• Persistent pain during bowel movements;
• Burning sensation when emptying the bladder;
• Itching and stinging after emptying the bladder;
• In close relationships, unpleasant feelings can arise.

Diagnosis cannot be made by external examination alone. Additionally, you will need to undergo diagnostic measures.

Varicose veins during pregnancy

first three months

Varicose veins often appear in a latent form during the first trimester of pregnancy. External symptoms of varicose veins in early pregnancy are limited to barely noticeable spider veins, leg fatigue 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. Proper selection of IVs, baths, and lotions will help halt the progression of the disease.

second trimester

Varicose veins become more obvious in the second trimester. The constant pressure from a growing uterus and the heavy load on the legs can negatively affect blood circulation and impair the supply of oxygen.

late pregnancy

In the third trimester of pregnancy, varicose veins can become more severe if preventive measures are not taken early on. Severe swelling of the limbs, itching and tingling of the skin, and nocturnal seizures occur. Correct choice of therapy will help cope with such manifestations.

diagnosis

If superficial veins are affected, your doctor may suspect varicose veins after the first examination. During the consultation, the phlebologist collects medical history data and considers the patient's complaints. In order to make a correct diagnosis, the following types of tests are required:

• General urinalysis;
• clinical blood tests;
• Study of blood biochemical parameters;
• Ultrasonography;
• Duplex scanning;
• If necessary, magnetic resonance imaging may be performed.

treat

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

1. Wear medical knitwear with compression properties.Shapewear, stockings, pantyhose and knee-high socks are recommended. Thanks to this knitting, blood vessels remain in proper shape, veins do not dilate and blood flow improves. Wear these products throughout the day and do not take off stockings at night if you have vein problems.
2. Use appropriate shoes.Stilettos, platform shoes and high heels are prohibited. Wearing this kind of shoes frequently puts a heavy load on the muscles of the lower limbs, worsens the natural blood circulation, and causes fatigue soon. It is recommended to choose low-heeled shoes that are comfortable and stable.
3. Quantifying physical activity.Varicose veins can become congested during pregnancy, so you need to eliminate them. For this, it is recommended to swim, walk more and perform special therapeutic exercises.
4. Maintain 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, niacin and B vitamins. Products containing potassium, magnesium and manganese are also useful. The diet should contain foods high in fiber. They are a good way to prevent constipation.

If the doctor deems it appropriate, topical medications - gels, ointments, creams, which are intended to be administered intravenously and intravenously - can be prescribed. During pregnancy, the choice of medication must be correct to avoid complications. Ointments containing glycosaminoglycans are effective and safe. They prevent blood clotting and the formation of blood clots. Venotonics can be used starting in the second month of pregnancy. They have anti-edematous, anti-inflammatory and blood vessel-strengthening properties.In advanced cases, surgery is required to treat the disease. Such methods are used only when there is a threat of thrombophlebitis. The modern treatment is sclerotherapy.What else do phlebologists recommend to do to alleviate this condition:

• Lift your legs frequently;
• 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 to avoid disrupting blood circulation;
• Change positions frequently and warm up regularly;
• sleep on left side;
• Control intake of salty foods;
• Weight control.

prevention

Preventative measures will reduce the load on the legs and improve blood flow. It is recommended to adopt a position that is comfortable for the body and to raise the legs as high as possible. This ensures the outflow of blood and lymph fluid and prevents stagnation.During the day, regularly perform simple gymnastics - stretching your toes and heels, making circular movements with your toes. To ensure normal blood microcirculation, it is important to eat right, swim and walk more.It is important to avoid tight and uncomfortable products, platform shoes and high heels. Tight pants and tight stockings are prohibited. It is recommended to arrange a contrasting foot bath. Refusing to go to bathhouses, saunas, or take hot baths.Following simple rules will help to avoid the occurrence of pathological processes in blood vessels. If the first signs of varicose veins appear, you need to see a phlebologist as soon as possible. After the examination, the doctor will decide how to proceed. Self-administration of any medications is prohibited.