In many ways, pregnancy can be a time of phenomenal change in the female body. As a woman prepares to have a baby soon, she may notice some unexpected side effects. These can include the growth of thicker hair, shine and hardened nails, radiant skin and an increase in breast size and fullness.
Unfortunately, not all pregnancy changes are desirable and enjoyable. There will be 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 restructuring of the hormonal background. The veins also undergo significant changes - their tone decreases, the permeability of the walls increases, and the blood flow slows down. Varicose veins are one of the diseases that may first appear during pregnancy or begin to actively progress.
WHAT IS VARICOUS DISEASE
Varicose veins of the lower extremities are persistent and irreversible varicose veins resulting from gross changes in their walls, as well as insufficiency of their valve apparatus due to a genetic defect. The primary factors in the onset of varicose veins are hereditary weakness of the vascular wall. Secondary factors leading to varicose veins are prolonged stress on the lower extremities.
Statistics show that 40-65% of expectant mothers develop varicose veins at least once in their lives. Most obese women suffer from varicose veins during pregnancy.
Although varicose veins are most common in the legs, they can occur elsewhere. Especially in late pregnancy, tortuous veins can appear on the buttocks, vagina, or vulva. This happens when the lower abdomen and uterus put increased pressure on the veins in these areas.
CAUSES OF VARICOSIS DURING PREGNANCY
As the term increases during pregnancy, a number of changes occur that create preconditions for varicose veins.
- First, the uterus, as it grows, puts pressure on the inferior vena cava - the largest vein in the human body. Excessive pressure creates a slowdown in blood flow, increasing stress on the veins in the legs, where more blood stagnates. This leads to varicose veins during pregnancy on the legs.
- Secondly, during pregnancy, the female body produces more blood to support the developing baby, uninterrupted delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the placenta and fetus. Because of the increased load, the veins must work harder to pump carbonated blood back to the heart from the extremities and pelvis. This can lead to insufficiency of the valves of the veins and the accumulation of blood in the legs, ankles, feet, and other areas.
- Thirdly, an increase in the level of female sex hormones during pregnancy reduces the tone of smooth muscles in the walls of blood vessels (especially veins). It can also contribute to varicose veins in pregnant women.
RISK FACTORS OF VARICOSIS DURING PREGNANCY
Varicose veins are considered to be a disease with a hereditary predisposition. If the mother or grandmother suffered from varicose veins during pregnancy, the woman's risk of developing this disease dramatically increases.
The incidence of varicose veins increases with age, weight gain, and each subsequent pregnancy. If a woman carries twins or triplets, the risk of getting varicose veins in pregnant women on the legs doubles.
Lifestyle and work habits (long hours of standing or sitting motionless) can also provoke varicose veins.
Symptoms of varicose veins in pregnant women
Some women have slightly swollen, twisted, multi-colored veins in their legs - just a cosmetic issue. In others, varicose veins during pregnancy provoke unpleasant symptoms - swelling, pain or severe discomfort in the legs. In all women with varicose veins in their legs, this is a key 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 a fatal complication - PE (pulmonary embolism) - increases.
Throughout pregnancy, you need to monitor for signs of varicose veins:
- edema in the area of the legs and ankles, feet;
- spasms or soreness in the thigh or lower leg;
- fatigue, heaviness in the legs;
- restlessness, especially at night, desire to constantly move legs;
- itchy, dry or pale skin on the legs, burning sensation;
- convoluted, protruding "stars", larger convoluted veins;
- sores on the legs or ankles that take a long time to heal or do not heal at all;
- leg pain that goes away when a woman walks or lifts her legs.
WILL VARICOSIS WILL BE WORSE DURING PREGNANCY?
Unfortunately, varicose veins often get worse as pregnancy progresses. As the saphenous veins expand, wriggle, swell and become more visible, the woman increasingly notes increased pain and other symptoms (swelling, skin changes, heaviness).
VARICOSIS DURING PREGNANCY: WHAT TO DO
If a woman experiences any symptoms of varicose veins, it is imperative to see a phlebologist. After conducting a detailed physical examination, carefully assessing the condition of the feet, ankles, legs and thighs, the doctor will confirm the presence of varicose veins and exclude possible complications (using ultrasound and vascular Doppler measurements). As for varicose veins in the vulva, the obstetrician-gynecologist will notice it during a routine examination.
TREATMENT OF VARICOSIS IN PREGNANT WOMEN
Most often, surgery and minimally invasive procedures are not prescribed to treat varicose veins during pregnancy. This is associated with a high risk of complications and relapses. In addition, the prescription of drugs - phlebotonics, anti-inflammatory, antiplatelet agents - is very limited.
There are a number of guidelines that help to safely and relatively effectively treat varicose veins in expectant mothers.
- Dosed physical activity. Swimming, walking or other exercises for pregnant women with varicose veins, which involve the muscles of the legs, help increase blood circulation in the veins of the extremities. The phlebologist together with the obstetrician-gynecologist will select an individual set of exercises for a specific period and severity of the condition of the pregnant woman.
- Correctly fitted shoes. High heels and a completely flat sole interfere with the movement of muscles in the legs, impairing the circulation of venous blood. You need to choose stable, comfortable shoes with a small heel (3-4 cm).
- Compression jersey. To support the veins during pregnancy, it is necessary to wear a compression garment. The phlebologist will individually select the degree of compression and the type of product - knee-highs, stockings or tights. You need to put them on in the morning, without getting out of bed, and take them off in the evening when a woman goes to bed.
HOW TO RELIEVE VARICOSIS DURING PREGNANCY
There are a number of tips for the prevention of varicose veins in pregnant women, adherence to which helps to ease the course of the disease and reduce discomfort:
- Don't cross your legs. Sitting with one leg over the other blocks the flow of blood through the veins and can cause pressure to rise.
- Change position. If you have to sit or stand all day at work, change your posture as often as possible. This prevents blood from accumulating in the legs.
- Sleep on your left side. As your belly gets bigger, lying on your back will become difficult. For varicose veins, try to sleep on your left side, not your right. This prevents pressure from the uterus on the veins in the abdominal cavity, and helps blood flow from the lower extremities at night.
- Raise your legs. Raise your legs more often throughout the day. Ideally, they should be above the level of the heart so that the force of gravity helps the blood flow more actively. While lying in bed, you can rest 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 pressure in your veins. Excess fluid penetrates the tissues and leads to edema. Drink plenty of water to help your body maintain proper fluid balance.
- Keep track of your weight. The female body changes during pregnancy, the expectant mother is gaining weight. The higher the body weight, the more pressure the weight exerts on the veins of the lower extremities. The doctor will evaluate the gains and clarify the weight norms.
VARICOSIS AFTER BIRTH
The most important concern for expectant mothers is whether varicose veins will go away after pregnancy? Varicose veins usually go away 3 months after the baby is born. If the changes do not disappear after 3 months, you need to contact a phlebologist.
The manifestations of varicose veins that first appeared when carrying a baby usually go away with little or no treatment. However, the more severe the changes, the more likely they will remain after childbirth and require treatment. Varicose veins in the vagina or vulva almost always resolve naturally after childbirth.
WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS OF VARICOSIS DEGREES
Varicose veins can lead to serious complications. The risk of developing dangerous conditions is increased: blood clots and venous ulcers.
There are two main types of blood clots. Superficial venous thrombi are formed in the saphenous veins. They do not usually migrate to the lungs. Dangerous deep vein thrombosis. The blood clots formed in them can break off and enter the pulmonary vessels. It is important to see a doctor immediately if:
- varicose veins become hard, like a rope;
- surrounding tissue is hot, painful, or swollen;
- there are noticeable changes in vein color;
- ulcers appear on the skin;
- a painful, severe swelling appears in one leg.
In these cases, the phlebologist will determine treatment tactics, including minimally invasive surgical methods, to eliminate inflammation, the risk of life-threatening complications.