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 deteriorates. Varicose veins during pregnancy usually extend 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 more time a woman spends in one position, the more likely it is that such a pathology will occur. The body is also largely influenced by genetic predisposition. The gestation period, especially the second and third trimesters, is a key factor that causes the development of varicose veins in women.

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

Furthermore, another cause of varicose veins during pregnancy is the constant increase in body weight. On average, a woman gains about ten kilograms during the nine months. And this places an additional burden on ships. As a result, the veins in the lower extremities swell and expand considerably, causing strong 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 the use of unconventional methods (baths, compresses), is effective in preventing varicose veins during pregnancy.

Women who work for a long time standing or sitting have to deal with varicose veins during pregnancy much more often. Women who abuse walking for long periods of time in high-heeled shoes are also susceptible to this disease. It is recommended to avoid using such products every day and limit yourself to the option with a heel height of no more than three centimeters.

Development factors

The factors that cause the development of varicose veins in the legs during pregnancy are:

1. Sedentary lifestyle or leading a sedentary life.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. Greater load on the 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 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 the preservation of the fetus. But it negatively affects the vascular system, causes the blood walls to stretch and begin to overflow with blood.

This disease can cause alterations in the hematopoietic system. With increased blood clotting, your 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;
• hair removal;
• transport heavy objects;
• prolonged exposure to direct sun.

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

Symptoms

The first symptom of the development of this pathology is a visual change. In the initial stages, webs and stars are seen on the surface of the epidermis. The veins become clearly visible. Its 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 serious stage, the epidermis changes: pain in varicose veins during pregnancy appears, 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, seizures, especially at night;
• heaviness after physical activity, prolonged walks or even after minor walks;
• Ulcerations appear on the epidermis, which are difficult to get rid of.

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.

Signs

Throughout 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 extremities, especially during the day;
• itching, burning, increased dry skin;
• veins that are clearly visible on 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 extend not only to the lower extremities. There are other organs that undergo high stress during pregnancy. Varicose veins of the external genitalia and vagina often develop. Convex veins are visually visible in the perineum and partially affect the buttock area. The clinical picture of this disease looks like this:

• aches and pains of a painful and pulling nature appear in the lower abdomen;
• during defecation there is persistent pain;
• a burning sensation is felt during emptying of the bladder;
• after emptying the bladder, itching and tingling is felt;
• Unpleasant sensations arise during intimacy.

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

Varicose veins per trimester

First trimester

In the first trimester of pregnancy, varicose veins usually appear latent. 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 consult a phlebologist in advance to avoid further progression of the pathological process. Properly selected venotonics, baths and lotions will help stop the development of the disease.

Second quarter

Varicose veins during pregnancy in the second 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 trimester

In the third trimester of pregnancy, varicose veins manifest themselves intensely in the absence of preventive measures in the previous stages. Severe swelling of the extremities, itching and tingling of the skin, and attacks of night cramps appear. 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 examination are prescribed:

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

Treatment

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

1. Wear medical knitwear that has compression properties.It is recommended to use girdles, stockings, tights and knee-high socks. Thanks to this knitwear, the vessels remain in good condition, the veins do not dilate and blood flow improves. The use of these products is indicated throughout the day, and if there are problems with the veins, the stockings are also not removed at night.
2. Wear shoes that fit well.Products with stilettos, platforms and high heels are prohibited. When regularly wearing these shoes, a large load occurs 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 it is necessary to get rid of them. To do this, it is recommended to swim, walk more and perform special therapeutic exercises.
4. Maintain an adequate diet.To strengthen the walls of blood vessels, it is recommended to include foods rich in ascorbic acid, tocopherol, nicotinic acid and vitamin B 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, topical medications can be prescribed: gels, ointments, creams, which have venotonic and phlebotonic 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 coagulation and the formation of blood clots. Venotonics can be used from the second 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 on top of each other so as not to disturb 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 flow. It is recommended to adopt a position that is comfortable for the body as often as possible and raise your legs to an elevated position as often as possible. This ensures the outflow of blood and lymphatic fluid and prevents stagnation.

During the day, periodically perform simple gymnastics: stretch your toes and heels, make circular movements with your toes. To ensure proper 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 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 visit a phlebologist as soon as possible. After the exam, the doctor will decide how to proceed. It is prohibited to use any medication on your own.