Varicose veins during pregnancy

During pregnancy, a woman's body goes through 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 must be timely and correct so as not to harm the child.

Causes

Varicose veins are quite common during pregnancy. The longer a woman spends in one position, the greater the likelihood of such a pathology occurring. The body is also largely influenced by genetic predisposition. The period of pregnancy, especially the second and third trimesters, is a fundamental triggering factor in the development of varicose veins in women.

This pathology is due to the fact that the blood vessels of the lower extremities and pelvis experience 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 to 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 kilos during the nine months. And this is an additional load for 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 a timely manner. Traditional medicine, which suggests using 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. Also susceptible to this disease are women who abuse long periods of walking in high-heeled shoes. It is recommended to avoid daily use of these products and limit yourself to the option with a heel height of no more than three centimeters.

Development factors

The factors that provoke the development of varicose veins in 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 remain 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 persistent and is fraught with irreversible pathological processes.
3. Dramatic changes in hormonal 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 negatively affects the vascular system, causes the blood walls to stretch and they begin to overflow with blood.

This disease can cause disorders in the hematopoietic system. With increased blood clotting, 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 the woman does not eat properly;
• capillary networks and spider veins that were present before the child was conceived;
• repeated pregnancies;
• hair removal;
• carry heavy objects;
• prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.

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

Symptoms

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

But if the disease reaches a serious stage, the epidermis changes - pain appears during varicose veins during pregnancy, thickening and redness. In this case, we can talk about the initial form of thrombophlebitis, which develops during pregnancy. Complemented 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;
• weight after physical activity, prolonged walking or even after short walks;
• Ulcerations appear on the epidermis, which are difficult to eliminate.

The pain in your legs lessens if you elevate them. Some women find 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.

Signals

During the entire period of gestation, you need to monitor your health, monitor any 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 appear in the hips and legs, especially at night;
• heaviness in the lower extremities, especially in the afternoon;
• itching, burning, increased dry skin;
• clearly visible veins above the surface of the skin;
• ulcerations on the epidermis, which are difficult to treat and take a long time to heal;
• 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 experience a lot of stress during pregnancy. Varicose veins of the external genitalia and vagina often develop. Convex veins are visually visible on the perineum, partially affecting the buttocks area. The clinical picture of this disease looks like this:

• discomfort and pain of an aching nature appear in the lower abdomen;
• during defecation there is a dull pain;
• there is a burning sensation when emptying the bladder;
• after emptying the bladder, itching and tingling are felt;
• During intimacy, unpleasant sensations arise.

It is impossible to make a diagnosis based on external examination alone. Additionally, you need to undergo diagnostic measures.

Varicose veins per trimester

First trimester

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

Second trimester

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

Third quarter

In the 3rd trimester of pregnancy, varicose veins manifest themselves intensely in the absence of preventive measures in the previous stages. Intense swelling appears in the extremities, itching and tingling of the skin and attacks of nocturnal cramps. Correctly selected therapy will help to cope with such manifestations.

Diagnosis

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 a correct diagnosis, the following types of tests are prescribed:

• general urine analysis;
• clinical blood test;
• study of blood biochemical parameters;
• ultrasound;
• duplex scanning;
• If necessary, MRI may be prescribed.

Treatment

During the gestation period, conservative methods of therapy are used to treat varicose veins:

1. Use medical knitwear with compression properties.Shapewear, stockings, tights and knee-high socks are recommended. Thanks to this mesh, the vessels are kept in good condition, the veins do not dilate and blood flow improves. The use of these products is recommended throughout the day and, if there are problems with the veins, the socks are also not removed at night.
2. Wearing properly fitted shoes.Products with stiletto heels, platforms and high heels are prohibited. When wearing these shoes regularly, there is a large load on the muscles of the lower extremities, natural blood circulation deteriorates and rapid fatigue appears. It is recommended to choose comfortable and stable shoes with low heels.
3. Dosed physical activity.During varicose veins during pregnancy, congestion 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. Maintain 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 menu. 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 considers it appropriate, 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 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. These methods are used only when there is a threat of thrombophlebitis. A modern treatment method is sclerotherapy.

What else do phlebologists recommend to alleviate the condition:

• often raise your legs;
• 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 one over the other, so as not to impede blood circulation;
• frequently change body position, warm up periodically;
• sleep on your 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 more frequently assume a position that is comfortable for the body and raise the legs to an elevated position whenever possible. This ensures the outflow of blood and lymphatic fluid and prevents stagnation.

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

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

Following simple rules will help avoid the appearance of pathological processes in blood vessels. If the first signs of varicose veins appear, it is necessary to consult a phlebologist as soon as possible. After the examination, the doctor will decide how to proceed. It is prohibited to use any medication on your own.