Almost all women have heard of varicose veins. Even twenty-year-old girls are susceptible to this ailment. But most face this problem during pregnancy, especially women with a hereditary predisposition.
At first the defect is only cosmetic, but over time pains appear. In advanced conditions, the disease can develop into thrombophlebitis (a common complication of varicose veins), harm the mother and the unborn child. How to avoid such consequences, the best recipes for treating varicose veins, as well as preventing the disease - you will learn all this from the following material.
Causes of occurrence
Carrying out a baby is a difficult ordeal for a woman, especially in the second half of pregnancy. During this period, the lower torso is in constant tension, withstanding considerable loads. The blood vessels cannot cope with the piled-up work and burst, this is the main cause of varicose veins on the legs of expectant mothers.
In addition, blood flow increases in order to nourish not one organism, but two at once, in some cases three! The uterus increases in volume, pressure increases, which interferes with natural blood flow, this is another important factor that provokes this disease.
There are other reasons for the development of the disease:
- rapid weight gain, overweight;
- repeated pregnancy;
- physical inactivity, sedentary work;
- changes in the hormonal background;
- hereditary predisposition;
- bad habits;
- taking long sunbathing.
Also, during pregnancy, all latent or chronic diseases are exacerbated, so resort to disease prevention. If the problem still arises, then use the recipes for treatment.
First signs and symptoms
This disease does not manifest itself at first, but over time, you will definitely feel discomfort and other signs:
- veins swell, visible to the naked eye;
- various kinds of meshes are formed - this is the result of rupture of blood vessels;
- in the evening there is severe tiredness in the legs, swelling;
- pain does not go away by morning, the situation is aggravated;
- Varicose veins occur not only on the legs, but also in the pelvic area (uterus, labia). In such a situation, only a doctor will identify this ailment, but if you feel itching, pain in the groin, the inability to sit for a long time, then immediately consult a gynecologist;
- in advanced cases, patients have lower limb cramps.
If you find any of the above symptoms, you should inform your doctor, he will clarify the diagnosis, prescribe competent treatment.
Classification of the disease
Pregnant women have the following types of varicose veins:
- lower limbs. This type is the most common, ved legs are a support for the whole organism, they have to cope with the load that has appeared;
- vagina. It is most often diagnosed during the second pregnancy, it is worth the immediate intervention of doctors, because such a pathology can complicate childbirth;
- uterus. Such a problem is faced by women who have had abortions, have had sexually transmitted infections or are due to a genetic predisposition;
- in the groin. It is accompanied by severe pain in this area, interferes with normal walking.
Avoid self-diagnosis and self-medication, think about the future baby, only the doctor will accurately determine the type and course of further actions.
Effective exercises and treatments
Consult with your gynecologist, the best option would be if he writes out a referral to a narrow specialist - phlebologist (a doctor who treats chronic venous insufficiency or CVI).
Such a doctor, depending on the stage of development, the location of the pathology, will prescribe the following drugs:
- topical application of ointments and gels;
- taking special pills (phlebotonics), which strengthen the walls of blood vessels from the inside, help to recover already damaged;
- anticoagulants. These drugs help to thin the blood, prevent the formation of blood clots, which clog the blood vessels, which burst over time. They are used in extreme cases, as this can lead to detachment of the placenta, bleeding;
- special underwear. The doctor will select for you compression tights, stockings, with a supportive effect. They can be worn for prophylaxis (70 den) or for treatment (100-280 den);
- all kinds of traditional medicine will help with the expansion of the veins in the legs, read the recipes below.
Important!If you find severe edema, redness in the area of vein swelling, sharp pain, fever, do not hesitate, but call an ambulance!
Upon arrival at the hospital, notify the staff about your problem, also do not start this process after your baby is born.
Useful gymnastics for expectant mothers, these exercises will help relieve fatigue, reduce pain and swelling:
- Sit on a chair, move your feet in a circle, do not lift your heels off the floor;
- Stand straight, stretch your left leg forward, rotate first with your foot, then with your whole leg, alternate legs;
- It is useful to walk on tiptoe, walk around the whole apartment 3-4 times, then walk on the outside and on the inside of the foot;
- Sit on a comfortable surface for you, lift your heels off the floor, socks should remain pressed to the floor, then return to the starting position.
Do each such exercise 10 times, preferably 3 sets. Consider your state of health and the duration of pregnancy, you should not overexert yourself.
Varicose veins can be treated with surgery, but in extreme cases. Such manipulations are strictly prohibited to pregnant women.
Treatment with traditional medicine
Some ladies trust only doctors, but there are methods tested by our mothers and grandmothers. These recipes do not contain chemicals, everything is only natural, so there are no special contraindications for pregnant women, except for individual intolerance to some components.
List of the most effective remedies for varicose veins:
- apple cider vinegar.It can be used externally and taken internally. Rub a little of this product into your skin every night, to enhance the effect, drink 1 glass of water with 1 teaspoon of vinegar after meals. Do not expect a quick effect, such a disease requires long-term treatment. You will see the first positive results not earlier than in a month;
- green tomatoes.Cut this fruit into circles, attach to the swollen veins, wrap with an elastic bandage. Do such manipulations every evening, wash off the compress with water in the morning. The course of treatment is about 5-6 months, but the result is worth it;
- potatoes.This product is in every kitchen, grate 5 fresh potatoes, apply to feet, wrap with cling film, keep for about four hours. Such a compress will immediately relieve pain, over time the veins will decrease;
- horse chestnut.Prepare a tincture from this ingredient: pour the inflorescences (50 g) with vodka (1 liter), let it brew for 2-3 weeks in a cool place. Strain before use, take 2 tablespoons a day, the course of treatment is ten days, then take a break for 5 days. After 3-4 courses, you will notice a significant improvement in the condition of your veins;
- lilac tincture.Soak 200 g of plant leaves in 800 ml of vodka, leave for about a week. After the expiration of the period, strain, rub the legs with the resulting solution. Do such manipulations every evening until complete recovery;
- nettle.This method of treatment is long (about a year), but absolutely safe. Drink a decoction of nettle every day for 1 glass (break the reception 3-4 times). Potion recipe: 2 tbsp. pour tablespoons of the dried plant with 1 cup boiling water, leave for 25 minutes. Drink the broth for 1 month, then take a break for 14 days, then repeat the course of treatment;
- apples.Everyone knows such a variety as Antonovka. Take 3 of these fruits, throw in 1 liter of boiling water, wait 30 minutes, crush the apples into gruel, strain the broth. Mix the resulting infusion with vodka, honey (1: 1: 1). Take 1 tbsp on an empty stomach. spoon in the morning and before bedtime in the evening. This treatment lasts about a month, you will notice an excellent result;
- silver wormwood.Thoroughly grind the fresh flowers of this herb into a homogeneous mass + the same amount of sour milk, stir the mixture. Lubricate your feet with the resulting gruel, cover with gauze. Carry out this procedure for no more than 5 days, take a break for 3-4 days, then you can repeat the course of treatment 2-3 more times;
- Kalanchoe.Mix dry leaves of this plant with vodka (1: 1), leave for 1 week, shake the contents periodically. Rub the tincture into the skin of the legs, the pain will disappear, a feeling of lightness will appear, the veins will become less noticeable. This type of treatment also takes a lot of time (3-4 months).
Use these products only after consulting your doctor. You can combine medication with home therapy. You should remember to follow the diet (eat cereals, vegetables, not fatty meat), so you will help the body cope with the disease.
Preventive measures
If you have not had varicose veins before pregnancy, there is no hereditary predisposition, and you are not overweight, then it will not be difficult for you to take all preventive measures.
Tips for avoiding chronic venous insufficiency during pregnancy:
- give preference to shoes, with low heels, listen to your feelings, you should be comfortable;
- go in for swimming, it will help not only in the prevention of varicose veins, but also other diseases. Water treatments are also beneficial for the fetus;
- sleep on your left side after the 1st trimester. This will reduce the pressure on the vein on the right side;
- do not cross one leg over the other while sitting, this will compress the vessels;
- do not stay in one position for too long, are constantly in motion, this is very useful for the baby. Of course, if there are no special contraindications;
- do not wear tight elastic bands, give up for a while from stockings, with tight elastic bands, and other pressing wardrobe items;
- watch your diet, avoid sweet, salty, fatty foods. Leave chips, soda in the past too.
It will be good if a qualified specialist examines you during pregnancy planning, so it will be much easier to prevent or cure small deviations from the norm, because most drugs cannot be used while carrying a baby.
Monitor the condition of your body, if you find any unpleasant symptoms, immediately contact your doctor. Then you and your baby will be absolutely healthy.