Varicose veins during pregnancy

During pregnancy, a woman's body undergoes dramatic changes. The hormonal background changes completely, adapting to gestation and childbirth. As a result, the tone of the vein walls decreases, their permeability increases and microcirculation deteriorates. 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 is. The body is also largely influenced by genetic predisposition. The childbearing period, particularly the second and third trimesters, is a key factor causing the development of varicose veins in women.

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

Also, another reason for varicose veins during pregnancy is a constant increase in body weight. On average, a woman gains around ten kilos over nine months. And it's an additional burden on the ships. As a result, the veins of the lower extremities swell and expand significantly, causing significant 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 using unconventional methods - baths, compresses, is effective in preventing varicose veins during pregnancy.

Women whose jobs involve standing or sitting for long periods of time experience varicose veins during pregnancy much more often. Women who abuse long periods of walking in high-heeled shoes 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

Factors provoking the development of varicose veins of the legs during pregnancy are:

1. Physical inactivity or sedentary lifestyle.During gestation, especially during the last trimester, physical activity is inevitably limited. Sometimes complete restriction of movements 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 deteriorates. The result is the development of varicose veins.
2. Increased load on venous networks.During pregnancy, a woman constantly gains weight. Blood pressure rises and compression occurs in the veins. The expansion of the walls becomes persistent, which is fraught with irreversible pathological processes.
3. Dramatic changes in hormonal levels.During gestation, a rapid increase in progesterone levels occurs. This hormone is responsible for the normal course of pregnancy and the preservation of the fetus. But this negatively affects the vascular system, causes the blood walls to stretch and they begin to overflow with blood.

This disease can cause disruptions 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 varicosities present before the child's conception;
• repeated pregnancies;
• waxing;
• carry heavy objects;
• prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.

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

Symptoms

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

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

The pain in the legs decreases if you elevate 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 treatment is not carried out, various complications arise in the form of blood clots, phlebitis and trophic ulcers.

Panels

During the entire period of gestation, you should 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 limbs, especially in the afternoon;
• itching, burning, increased dry skin;
• clearly visible veins above the surface of the skin;
• ulcerations of 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 experience high 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 a pulling, aching nature appear in the lower abdomen;
• during defecation there is a shooting pain;
• a burning sensation is felt 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 must undergo diagnostic measures.

Varicose veins by trimester

First trimester

During the first trimester of pregnancy, varicose veins often appear in a latent form. External signs of varicose veins in early pregnancy are limited to barely noticeable spider veins, tired legs and discomfort after long walks. At this stage, you should not ignore these symptoms; it is better to contact a phlebologist in advance to avoid further progression of the pathological process. Correctly selected veinotonics, 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 impair oxygen access.

Third trimester

In the third trimester of pregnancy, varicose veins manifest themselves intensely in the absence of preventive measures at an early stage. Severe swelling of the extremities, itching and tingling of the skin and attacks of nocturnal cramps appear. Correctly selected therapy will help to cope with such manifestations.

Diagnostic

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 examinations are prescribed:

• general urine analysis;
• clinical blood test;
• study of biochemical blood parameters;
• ultrasound;
• double-sided scanning;
• If necessary, magnetic resonance imaging may be prescribed.

Treatment

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

1. Wear medical knitwear with compression properties.It is recommended to wear shapewear, stockings, tights and knee-length socks. Thanks to this knitting, the vessels are kept in good condition, the veins do not dilate and blood circulation improves. Wearing such products is indicated throughout the day, and if there are problems with the veins, the stockings are also not removed at night.
2. Use well-fitting shoes.Products featuring stilettos, platforms and high heels are prohibited. When wearing such shoes regularly, the muscles of the lower extremities are subjected to high load, natural blood circulation deteriorates and rapid fatigue appears. It is recommended to choose comfortable and stable shoes with low heels.
3. Dosed physical activity.When varicose veins during gestation, congestion occurs, so you need to get rid of it. To do this, it is recommended to swim, walk more and perform special therapeutic exercises.
4. Maintain a good diet.To strengthen the walls of blood vessels, 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 considers it appropriate, local medications can be prescribed - gels, ointments, creams, which are venotonic and phlebotonic in their action. During pregnancy, the choice of medications should 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. Such methods are used only if there is a risk of thrombophlebitis. Sclerotherapy is a modern treatment method.

What do phlebologists recommend to alleviate the disease:

• raise your legs often;
• after a hard day's work, immerse your feet in warm water with dissolved sea salt for half an hour;
• do not cross your legs, do not throw them on top of each other, so as not to disrupt blood circulation;
• change body position frequently, 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 circulation. It is recommended to take a comfortable position for the body more often and raise your legs to an elevated position as often as possible. This ensures the flow of blood and lymphatic fluid and prevents stagnation.

During the day, periodically perform simple gymnastics - stretch your toes and heels, perform circular movements with your toes. To ensure good 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 heels. Tight pants and tight socks are prohibited. It is recommended to arrange contrasting foot baths. Refuse to visit public baths and sauna and do not take a hot bath.

Following simple rules will help avoid the occurrence 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 what to do next. It is forbidden to use medicines on your own.