In many ways, pregnancy can be a time of phenomenal changes in a woman's body. As a woman prepares to give birth soon, she may notice some unexpected side effects. These include thicker hair growth, shiny and hardened nails, radiant skin and increased breast size and fullness.
Unfortunately, not all pregnancy changes are desirable and enjoyable. There is significant weight gain, mood swings, and frequent urination. This is due to the fact that pregnancy is accompanied by profound changes in the female body due to the rearrangement of hormonal background. Veins also undergo significant changes - their tone decreases, wall permeability increases, and blood flow slows down. Varicose veins are one of the diseases that first appears during pregnancy or begins to develop actively.
WHAT IS DIFFERENT DISEASES
Varicose veins in the lower part of the leg are persistent and irreversible varicose veins caused by major changes in its walls, as well as the lack of their valve apparatus due to genetic defects. The main factor in the occurrence of varicose veins is the hereditary weakness of the vascular wall. The secondary factor that causes varicose veins is prolonged pressure on the lower leg.
Statistics show that 40-65% of pregnant mothers experience varicose veins at least once in their lives. A large number of obese women suffer from varicose veins during pregnancy.
Although varicose veins are the most common in the legs, they can occur elsewhere. Especially in late pregnancy, winding veins can appear on the back, vagina, or vulva. This occurs when the lower abdomen and uterus put higher pressure on the veins in this area.
CAUSES OF VARICOSIS DURING PREGNANCY
As the term increases during pregnancy, a number of changes occur that create prerequisites for varicose veins.
- First, the uterus, when it grows, puts pressure on the inferior vena cava - the largest vein in the human body. Excessive pressure causes slowing of blood flow, increasing pressure on the veins in the legs, where more blood stagnates. This leads to varicose veins during pregnancy on the legs.
- Second, during pregnancy, a woman's body produces more blood to support the developing baby, uninterrupted delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the placenta and fetus. Due to the increased load, the veins must work harder to pump carbonated blood back into the heart from the tip and pelvis. This can lead to venous valve deficiency and blood accumulation in the legs, ankles, feet, and other areas.
- Third, increased levels of female sex hormones during pregnancy reduce the tone of smooth muscles in the walls of blood vessels (especially veins). It can also contribute to varicose veins in pregnant women.
VARICOSIS RISK FACTORS OF EVERY PREGNANCY
Varicose veins are considered a disease with hereditary predisposition. If a mother or grandmother suffers from varicose veins during pregnancy, a woman's risk of developing the disease increases dramatically.
The incidence of varicose veins increases with increasing age, weight gain, and each subsequent pregnancy. If a woman is pregnant with twins or triplets, the risk of getting varicose veins in pregnant women on double legs.
Lifestyle and work habits (hours of standing or sitting still) can also provoke varicose veins.
Symptoms of varicose veins in pregnant women
Some women have slightly swollen, crooked, and colored leg veins - just a cosmetic problem. In others, varicose veins during pregnancy cause unpleasant symptoms - swelling, pain or severe discomfort in the legs. In all women with varicose veins in her legs, this is a major sign of varicose veins. If left untreated, venous damage can lead to serious complications, including blood clots, phlebitis, and trophic ulcers. In addition, the risk of fatal complications - PE (pulmonary embolism) - increases.
Throughout pregnancy, you should monitor for signs of varicose veins:
- edema in the foot and ankle, foot;
- cramps or pain in thighs or lower legs;
- fatigue, heaviness in the legs;
- anxiety, especially at night, the desire to constantly move the legs;
- itchy, dry or pale skin on the feet, burning sensation;
- "stars" convoluted, protruding, larger convoluted veins;
- an injury to the foot or ankle that takes a long time to heal or does not heal at all;
- leg pain that disappears when a woman walks or lifts her legs.
WHAT VARICOSIS WILL WORK DURING THEM?
Unfortunately, varicose veins often get worse during pregnancy. As the saphenous vein expands, writhes, swells and becomes more visible, the woman is increasingly paying attention to pain and other symptoms (swelling, skin changes, weight).
VARICOSIS DURING PREGNANCY: WHAT TO DO
If a woman has any symptoms of varicose veins, it is important to see a phlebologist. After performing a detailed physical examination, carefully assessing the condition of the legs, ankles, feet and thighs, the doctor will confirm the presence of varicose veins and exclude possible complications (using ultrasound and vascular Doppler measurements). For varicose veins of the vulva, the obstetrician-gynecologist will observe it during routine examinations.
VARICOSIS TREATMENT IN PREGNANT WOMEN
Often, minimum surgical and invasive procedures are not prescribed to treat varicose veins during pregnancy. This is associated with a high risk of complications and relapse. In addition, the prescription of drugs is very limited - phlebotonics, anti-inflammatory, antiplatelet agents.
There are a number of guidelines that help treat varicose veins safely and effectively in pregnant women.
- Physical activity dos. Swimming, walking or other exercises for pregnant women with varicose veins, which involve the leg muscles, help improve blood circulation in the leg veins. The phlebologist together with the obstetrician-gynecologist will select a set of individual exercises for a specific period and severity of the condition of the pregnant woman.
- Properly fitted shoes. High heels and flat soles interfere with the movement of muscles in the legs, interfering with venous blood circulation. You need to choose shoes that are stable and comfortable with small heels (3-4 cm).
- Compression jersey. To support the veins during pregnancy, it is necessary to wear compression garments. The phlebologist will individually choose the level of compression and the type of product - knee-high, stockings or tights. You need to wear it in the morning, without waking up, and take it off in the evening when a woman is asleep.
HOW TO DEAL WITH VARICOSIS DURING PREGNANCY
There are a number of tips for the prevention of varicose veins in pregnant women, adherence that helps ease the course of the disease and reduce discomfort:
- Do not cross your legs. Sitting with one foot on top of the other leg blocks blood flow through the veins and can cause increased pressure.
- Change position. If you have to sit or stand all day at work, change your attitude as often as possible. This prevents blood from accumulating in the legs.
- Sleep on your left side. When your stomach gets bigger, lying on your back will be difficult. For varicose veins, try sleeping on your left side, not on your right side. This prevents pressure from the uterus on the veins in the abdominal cavity, and helps blood flow from the lower part of the leg at night.
- Lift your legs. Lift your legs more often throughout the day. Ideally, they should be above heart level so that the force of gravity helps the blood flow to be more active. While lying on the bed, you can place your feet on a pillow to help blood flow while you sleep.
- Watch your salt intake. When you take a lot of salt, more fluid flows into your blood vessels, which can increase the pressure on your veins. Excess fluid penetrates the tissue and leads to edema. Drink plenty of water to help your body maintain proper fluid balance.
- Monitor your weight. Women's bodies change during pregnancy, pregnant women gain weight. The higher the weight, the more pressure is applied to the veins in the lower leg. The doctor will evaluate the increase and explain the weight norm.
VARICOSIS AFTER BIRTH
The most important concern for pregnant women is whether varicose veins will disappear after pregnancy? Varicose veins usually disappear 3 months after the baby is born. If the changes do not disappear after 3 months, you need to contact a phlebologist.
Manifestations of varicose veins that first appear when carrying a baby usually disappear with little or no treatment. However, the worse the change, the more likely it will remain after childbirth and need treatment. Varicose veins in the vagina or vulva almost always disappear naturally after childbirth.
WHAT IS THE VARICOSIS DEGREE COMPLICATION
Varicose veins can cause serious complications. The risk of exposure to dangerous conditions increases: blood clots and venous ulcers.
There are two main types of blood clots. Shallow venous thrombi form in the saphenous vein. They usually do not migrate to the lungs. Dangerous deep vein thrombosis. The blood clots that form in it can rupture and enter the lungs. It is important to see a doctor immediately if:
- varicose veins become hard, like a rope;
- surrounding tissue hot, sore, or swollen;
- there are significant changes in vein color;
- boils appear on the skin;
- severe and painful swelling appears on one leg.
In this case, the phlebologist will determine treatment tactics, including minimally invasive surgical methods, to eliminate inflammation, the risk of life-threatening complications.