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 venous 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 the occurrence of such a pathology. The body is also largely influenced by genetic predisposition. The period of bearing a child, 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 the blood vessels in the lower extremities and pelvis suffer from 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 full microcirculation of blood in the lower extremities.

Also, another reason for varicose veins during pregnancy is a constant increase in body weight. On average, a woman gains about ten kilograms over the entire nine months. And this is an additional load on the vessels. As a result, the veins in the lower extremities swell and greatly expand, 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 prolonged standing or sitting have to deal with varicose veins during pregnancy much more often. Also susceptible to this disease are ladies who abuse long periods of walking in high-heeled shoes. 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

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

1. Physical inactivity or leading a sedentary lifestyle.During gestation, especially in 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 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 on the veins. The expansion of the walls becomes persistent, and this 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 it negatively affects the vascular system, causes stretching of the blood walls, and they begin to overflow with blood.

This disease can cause disturbances 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 doesn’t eat properly;
• capillary networks and spider veins that were present before the child was conceived;
• repeated pregnancies;
• waxing;
• carrying heavy objects;
• prolonged exposure to direct sun.

Gynecologists and phlebologists never tire of talking about whether varicose veins affect pregnancy. Because with impaired blood circulation and poor access of oxygen to the 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. At the initial stages, nets 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 severe 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 gestation. Supplemented 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 walking, or even after minor walks;
• Ulcerations appear on the epidermis, which are difficult to get rid of.

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

During the entire gestation period, you need to monitor your health, monitor any changes and consult a doctor in a timely manner. Symptoms of varicose veins during pregnancy:

• the 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;
• 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 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 for this disease looks like this:

• discomfort and pain of a pulling, aching nature appear in the lower abdomen;
• during defecation there is a nagging pain;
• a burning sensation is felt during the emptying of 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 by 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, 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. Constant pressure from the growing uterus and heavy load on the legs negatively affect blood circulation and impair oxygen access.

Third trimester

In the 3rd trimester of pregnancy, varicose veins manifest themselves intensively in the absence of preventive measures at earlier 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.

Diagnostics

If 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;
• ultrasonography;
• duplex scanning;
• If necessary, magnetic resonance imaging may be prescribed.

Treatment

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

1. Wearing medical knitwear that has compression properties.It is recommended to wear shapewear, stockings, tights and knee socks. Thanks to this knitwear, the vessels are maintained in proper condition, the veins do not dilate, and blood flow 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. Using properly fitted shoes.Products with stilettos, platforms, and high heels are prohibited. When regularly wearing such shoes, there is a high 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 gestation, 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. Maintaining 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, nicotinic acid, and B vitamins. Products containing potassium, magnesium and manganese will also be useful. The diet should contain foods high in fiber. They are a good preventative against constipation.

If the doctor deems it appropriate, local medications may be prescribed - gels, ointments, creams, which are venotonics and phlebotonics 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. Such 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 up;
• 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 body position frequently, periodically warm up;
• 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 take a position that is comfortable for the body more often, 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 right, swim, and walk more.

It is important to avoid wearing tight and uncomfortable products, platform shoes and heels. Tight-fitting trousers 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, you need to visit a phlebologist as soon as possible. After the examination, the doctor will decide how to proceed. It is prohibited to use any medications on your own.