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 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 pathology will appear. Genetic predisposition also affects the body to a great extent. The period of childbirth, especially the second and third trimester, is a key provoking factor in the development of varicose veins in women.

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

Also, another reason for varicose veins during pregnancy is constant weight gain. On average, a woman gains about ten kilograms during the entire nine months. And that is an additional load on the vessels. As a result, the veins in the lower extremities swell and expand greatly, causing severe stretching along the 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 unconventional methods - baths, compresses, is effective in preventing varicose veins during pregnancy.

Women whose work involves standing or sitting for a long time are much more likely to face varicose veins during pregnancy. Ladies who abuse long-term walking in high-heeled shoes are also susceptible to this disease. It is recommended to avoid daily wearing of such products and limit yourself to an option with a heel height of no more than three centimeters.

Development factors

Provoking factors for the development of varicose veins during pregnancy are:

1. Physical inactivity or 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 veins are compressed. The expansion of the walls becomes persistent, and this 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 preservation of the fetus. But it negatively affects the vascular system, causes the blood walls to stretch and they start 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 a woman does not eat properly;
• capillary networks and spider veins that were present before the conception of the child;
• repeated pregnancies;
• waxing;
• carrying heavy objects;
• prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.

Gynecologists and phlebologists never tire of talking about whether varicose veins affect pregnancy. Because with disturbed 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 beyond the vascular networks.

But if the disease reaches a severe stage, the epidermis changes - there is pain during varicose veins in 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, attacks, especially at night;
• weight after physical activity, long walks or even short walks;
• Ulcerations appear on the epidermis, which are difficult to get rid of.

The pain in the legs is reduced by elevating them. Some women encounter only external defects in the form of spider veins, while others suffer from unpleasant symptoms whose intensity 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, it is necessary to 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 spasms 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 above the surface of the skin;
• ulcerations 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 great stress during pregnancy. Varicose veins of the external genitalia and vagina often develop. Convex veins are visually visible on the perineum, which partially affect the area of the buttocks. The clinical picture of this disease looks like this:

• in the lower part of the abdomen there is discomfort and pain of a dragging, painful nature;
• pain occurs during defecation;
• a burning sensation is felt during emptying of the bladder;
• after emptying the bladder one feels itching and tingling;
• Unpleasant sensations occur during intimacy.

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

Varicose veins by trimester

First trimester

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 noticeable 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.

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 make access to oxygen difficult.

Third trimester

In the 3rd trimester of pregnancy, varicose veins manifest intensively in the absence of preventive measures in the earlier stages. Severe swelling of the extremities, itching and tingling of the skin, attacks of night cramps occur. Correctly selected therapy will help in dealing 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 takes into account the patient's complaints. The following types of examination are prescribed to establish the correct diagnosis:

• general urinalysis;
• clinical blood test;
• study of biochemical blood parameters;
• ultrasound;
• double-sided scanning;
• If necessary, magnetic resonance can be prescribed.

Treatment

In the period of gestation, conservative methods of therapy are used for the treatment of varicose veins:

1. Wearing medical knitwear that has compression properties.It is recommended to wear formula, socks, tights and knee socks. Thanks to this knitwear, the vessels are kept in proper condition, the veins do not expand, and the blood flow improves. Wearing such products is indicated throughout the day, and if there are problems with veins, socks should not be taken off even at night.
2. Using properly fitted shoes.Products with heels, platforms and high heels are prohibited. When regularly wearing such shoes, there is a heavy load on the muscles of the lower extremities, the natural blood circulation worsens and rapid fatigue appears. It is recommended to choose comfortable and stable shoes with a low heel.
3. Dosed physical activity.During pregnancy, varicose veins become blocked, so you have 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.In order for the walls of blood vessels to be stronger, it is recommended to include in the menu foods rich in ascorbic acid, tocopherol, nicotinic acid, 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 measure against constipation.

If the doctor considers it appropriate, local medicines can be prescribed - gels, ointments, creams, which are venotonic and phlebotonic in their action. During pregnancy, the selection of drugs must be correct in order to avoid 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 properties.

In advanced cases, the disease is treated surgically. Such methods are used only when there is a risk 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 at work, immerse 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 your body position often, warm up occasionally;
• sleep on your left side;
• control the consumption of salty food;
• 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 to raise the legs in an elevated position as often as possible. This ensures the outflow of blood and lymph fluid and prevents stagnation.

During the day, occasionally perform simple gymnastics - stretch your toes and heels, make circular movements with your toes. 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 contrasting foot baths. Refuse to visit the bath and sauna and do not take a hot bath.

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