Prevention of varicose veins during pregnancy. Drug treatment of varicose veins during pregnancy. Causes of varicose veins on the legs during pregnancy

During pregnancy, the female body undergoes serious stress, which can lead to the development of health complications. One of the most common problems is varicose veins on the legs during pregnancy. What to do if it appears, how to prevent it and what measures to take can be found in this article.

What are varicose veins and where do they come from?

Vein is not only a cosmetic defect, but also a great danger to the health and life of the mother and baby. Visually, varicose veins can take the form of a spider vein visible through the skin, or a strong expansion of the main veins that protrude above the skin and look like “worms”.

The vascular network usually has a bluish or purple shade, while swollen and bulging veins are different green. With progressive varicose veins, the development of thrombophlebitis or trophic ulcers is possible, but the most dangerous thing is the formation of blood clots, which, when broken off, pose a serious threat to the life of the mother and fetus.

For these reasons, it is important to begin treatment for varicose veins in a timely manner. Reviews from pregnant women about the course and treatment of the disease are so numerous and contradictory that it is worth considering this pathology in more detail.

The mechanism of development of varicose veins is a violation of the outflow of venous blood from the lower extremities. It turns out that blood flows to the legs, but does not flow back due to the fact that the vein is pinched somewhere. Stagnation of blood in the lower extremities provokes an increase in pressure and stretching of the vascular wall.

When the venous wall is stretched, the valves located in the veins and ensuring the correct outflow of venous blood cease to function.

Causes of the disease

Varicose veins in women are an unpleasant phenomenon and can develop due to:

• pregnancy- the most common reason, which causes a lot of anxiety among expectant mothers and, in certain cases, poses a threat to the health and even the life of the woman and baby;
• rapid weight gain or presence extra pounds - maintaining optimal weight ensures the proper functioning of all body systems, as it eliminates excessive impact of fatty deposits on the organs;
• presence of spider veins before pregnancy- the lack of timely treatment of varicose veins before pregnancy provokes a significant deterioration in the condition of the veins of the lower extremities during pregnancy;
• hereditary predisposition to the disease;
• sedentary lifestyle- in the absence of mobility, swelling, numbness and swelling of the veins in the legs appear; it can be difficult to eliminate these consequences, and the lack of medical intervention is dangerous for the mother and child;
• frequent wearing of uncomfortable shoes high heels ;
• long-term sunbathing - under influence ultraviolet rays the skin becomes thinner, which contributes to negative impact radiation on the condition of the vessels of the lower extremities;
• strong physical activity(in particular, lifting weights);
• waxing.

Of all the causes, pregnancy is the most common. This especially applies to the last trimester, when weight increases rapidly and the volume of circulating blood also increases noticeably. In case of non-compliance proper nutrition and other doctor’s recommendations, the venous walls lose their elasticity and swell, protruding above the surface of the skin.

In addition, the growing uterus puts a lot of pressure on the main vascular lines, provoking varicose veins. Treatment and prevention of the disease in the presence of a genetic predisposition must begin with young. This is, first of all, proper nutrition, moderate exercise, contrast showers and wearing comfortable shoes and clothes.

Symptoms of the disease

It is practically asymptomatic, so it is necessary to pay attention to the sudden appearance of swelling, pain and fatigue in the legs, as well as cramps. With further development of the disease, deformation of the veins occurs.

The increasing volume of blood during pregnancy and the constantly increasing weight put strong pressure on the vessels of the lower extremities, as a result of which the venous wall weakens and stretches, and the vein begins to protrude strongly above the surface of the skin. This is how varicose veins form on the legs during pregnancy. It is difficult to say what to do with a progressive disease without a complete examination of the pregnant woman.

With hormonal changes in the body, some women may experience severe pain in the legs without visible changes in the blood vessels, while others may have no pain even in the advanced stage of varicose veins, with severe deformations of the blood vessels. Therefore, the symptoms of the disease manifest themselves very individually.

Varicose veins on the legs during pregnancy: what to do?

Having discovered the first symptoms of the disease or already noticeable veins and bulging veins, you need to tell your doctor about them. He, in turn, must conduct an examination and refer the woman to a phlebologist - a doctor who specializes in solving problems with the blood vessels of the body.

After conducting a full examination, you can draw a conclusion about the condition of the veins and the degree of development of varicose veins. During the first pregnancy, varicose veins develop in approximately a quarter of pregnant women. With subsequent pregnancies, the risk of developing varicose veins increases greatly, and if the disease was detected earlier, it gets worse. That is why, as a woman ages, she needs to more carefully monitor her lifestyle.

All women sooner or later begin to worry about varicose veins on their legs during pregnancy. What to do to prevent this disease can be found in specialized literature, experienced mothers, or better yet, just consult a doctor.

Prevention of varicose veins

Preventive measures should apply to all pregnant women without exception. The simplest and most sufficient in an effective way is wearing special stockings. During pregnancy, it is preferable to use tights against varicose veins. Only a doctor should prescribe such clothes, since it is difficult to choose them on your own, especially taking into account your position, so as not to harm either yourself or your unborn baby.

It is necessary to monitor weight gain, since excessive and rapid increase has a very negative effect on the health of the mother and the general condition of the baby, and also provokes the development of complications during pregnancy and childbirth.

If you still have to spend a long time on your feet, you need to periodically rise on your toes to disperse stagnant blood. It is useful to use a special gel for varicose veins, which will relieve fatigue from the legs and improve the condition of blood vessels, making the venous wall more elastic.

Shoes should also be comfortable and not cause foot fatigue. You shouldn’t go to extremes by going through your entire pregnancy in stiletto heels, or, on the contrary, in ballet shoes with flat soles. For a physiologically correct position of the foot and distribution of the load on it, shoes should have a small heel - 3-5 cm.

Treatment of varicose veins

Only a doctor can prescribe the optimal treatment and diet for a pregnant woman with varicose veins. Under no circumstances should you buy or use any advertised remedies for local or local varicose veins. internal use, you should also not choose tights for varicose veins on your own; all this can harm a developing baby.

During pregnancy, many drugs are contraindicated, so preference is given to ointments, gels or local folk remedies. Preparations for internal use are prescribed only in the presence of complications of varicose veins, or when the disease is in an advanced stage.

Doctor taking into account individual characteristics the body's characteristics of the course of pregnancy and heredity will select suitable drugs that provide the greatest effectiveness in a particular case. During pregnancy, traditional medicines are very popular, for example, chestnut tincture for varicose veins. In particularly advanced forms of varicose veins, surgical intervention is allowed. However, it is justified only in case of a real threat to life. The operation can only be performed on pregnant women up to 6 months. It is also effective to sclerotize veins using special solutions.

Traditional methods of preventing and treating varicose veins

At all times, people trusted traditional methods of treatment more. To prevent varicose veins, it is effective to make lotions and compresses based on medicinal herbs. However, before using any external prescription, you should consult a doctor so as not to harm the baby.

Kalanchoe tincture will help relieve fatigue and heaviness in your legs. It is enough to take the crushed plant and vodka in a 1:1 ratio, infuse it and rub the lower limbs with the tincture daily.

It is the most effective folk remedy. To prepare the tincture, you need to prepare half a liter of vodka and 50 g of crushed chestnut shells. The ingredients are placed in a suitable glass container. After three weeks, the tincture is ready for use.

Note! The container with the tincture must be shaken periodically.

For compresses, you can use white cabbage. Cabbage leaves are smeared with soap and placed on the damaged areas, which must first be sprinkled with soda. This compress should be left overnight, secured with a warm cloth.

Method of delivery for varicose veins

Depending on the condition of the pregnant woman and the degree of varicose veins, the doctor may recommend a natural birth or a cesarean section. In most cases, preference is given to independent childbirth; this process is much better for both mother and child.

At natural childbirth A pregnant woman needs to wrap her legs with an elastic bandage. This will prevent backflow of blood during pushing. After childbirth, doctors recommend setting aside time for daily therapeutic exercises, you will need to visit a phlebologist.

Caesarean section is prescribed only in extreme cases; in general, varicose veins are only an additional contraindication, which is based on other prohibitions. For example, when malpresentation fetus when the child is too big, or when carrying twins.

If during the diagnostic process (usually an ultrasound of the lower extremities) deep vein thrombosis is detected, the patient must undergo surgery. IN otherwise A blood clot, once broken, poses a serious threat to life.

Features of the course of varicose veins during pregnancy

Throughout pregnancy, it is necessary to visit a phlebologist and undergo regular examinations. A responsible attitude towards your health will help prevent or promptly detect the development of thrombosis. Massage for varicose veins has a positive effect on the condition of blood vessels, preventing blood stagnation in the legs.

The massage should begin from the thigh, covering the buttocks area, then move to the legs, and only then massage the feet. The massage technology consists of continuous shaking and rubbing of the muscles. The patient lies on his back, with his knees slightly bent. This approach will not only eliminate numbness and heaviness in the legs, but also eliminate cramps and itching.

You need to carefully monitor your diet, weight gain, activity, and comfort in terms of shoes and clothing. It is very useful to visit the pool during pregnancy. Swimming not only helps relieve tension from the muscles and nervous system, but also improves blood circulation, helping to strengthen the vascular walls and saturate the body with sufficient oxygen. All this will contribute to the proper development of the fetus and the well-being of the pregnant woman.

Physical activity for varicose veins

Moderate physical activity is the key to health and well-being. Sports are not contraindicated, and given that a woman is carrying a baby, moderate loads must be present.

The main thing is to choose the right sport so that it brings pleasure to the mother and fills the body with new strength. The best option you can call walking, swimming, after childbirth it would not be amiss to add jogging.

Note! Before starting any exercise, you should consult your doctor. This will avoid unforeseen complications and heavy stress on the weakened and vulnerable female body.

Pregnant women are advised to get plenty of rest, avoid heavy exercise, take plenty of vitamins and active image life. It would be a good idea to attend pregnancy courses or yoga classes. This will not only improve your health, but will also ensure easier labor.

Most effective recipe from varicose veins - healthy image life. A woman who adheres to proper nutrition and leads an active life is not afraid of varicose veins.

Women suffer from varicose veins veins several times more often than men. Hidden during pregnancy pathological conditions or a predisposition to such in the body of the expectant mother becomes aggravated, leading to the appearance of the notorious stars and nets on the legs.

There is a popular myth that varicose veins are almost an obligatory companion for all pregnant women. However, many women calmly carry a child, unaware of the possibility of congestion in the veins. In others, the disease manifests itself only later or with repeated pregnancies.

What do you need to know to successfully resist it, and how to safely treat it?

Statistics inform that with signs of varicose veins Faces up to 50% of expectant mothers, most of them in the later stages. The main “culprits” of illness during pregnancy are:

• Changes in hormonal balance. The content of the hormone progesterone, which is necessary for successful pregnancy, increases in the blood of a pregnant woman. Progesterone reduces the tone of the muscle walls of the uterus, and at the same time the walls of blood vessels.
• Increased circulating blood volume(up to 1.5 times), which increases the likelihood of stagnation.
• Pressure of the growing uterus on the deep veins, as a result of which blood circulation in the legs and pelvic organs is disrupted.
• Change chemical composition blood, primarily the growth of fibrinogen. This important factor in the blood coagulation system, changes in which increase the risk of blood clots. The blood becomes more “viscous” and its flow through the vessels is difficult.

All these factors can manifest themselves only slightly at the beginning of pregnancy, but progress closer to childbirth. Varicose veins manifest themselves most clearly on recent months.

Indirect factors of varicose veins in pregnant women may include:

• Genetic factor. If there were women in the family suffering from varicose veins, they almost certainly passed on the predisposition by inheritance.
• Weight gain, especially speed dial weight (the circulatory system does not have time to adapt to the stress).
• Low physical activity.
• Poor nutrition, insufficient fiber intake.

Blood flows in to the lower part of the body and limbs along large vessels, and this is where varicose veins begin. Veins do not provide adequate blood flow and timely return to the heart. Congestion occurs, pressure in the veins increases, bursting them from the inside and deforming them.

Symptoms and diagnosis

The disease can signal itself without yet manifesting itself externally:

• Swelling of the legs, especially the feet, progressing in the evening. Shoes become tight.
• Night cramps in the legs, feeling of heat, fullness, tingling, discomfort.
• Skin pigmentation on the legs.

In late pregnancy Varicose veins can appear not only on the legs. Pregnant women suffer from dilatation. It is also the cause of such intimate problems as hemorrhoids.

With progression of the disease under the skin of the lower extremities specific spider veins appear, the legs are dotted with a network of capillaries. Varicose veins can affect larger vessels, and the pattern of the veins becomes more distinct; bulges and nodules form under the skin.

The diagnosis is made based on the clinical picture and the patient’s complaints by a specialist in venous disease: a phlebologist or a vascular surgeon.

Safe treatments

Varicose veins can greatly darken the period of bearing a child. Not only is it unnecessary to put up with it, but it is also fraught with complications.

The main treatment for varicose veins during pregnancy is aimed at preventing thrombosis and ensuring good blood circulation. First of all pregnant The following useful points should be taken into account:

Pregnant women with problem veins are advised to wear special compression stockings. To prevent the disease, compression class No. 1 is recommended; with pronounced signs of varicose veins, it can be increased to No. 2. Elastic compression improves blood circulation several times, keeping veins toned. Before purchasing stockings, be sure to take measurements of each leg in the morning, before swelling appears.

Medical stockings for varicose veins in pregnant women will have to be worn throughout the entire pregnancy, including childbirth, and for some period after the birth of the child.

For more useful information on this topic, watch the video:

List of drugs

In addition to compression stockings, exercises and healthy lifestyle recommendations The doctor may also recommend medications.

Local preparations are available in the form ointments, creams and gels, applied directly to the affected area of ​​the skin, usually 2-3 times a day. Since they penetrate only to a limited depth, they have no effect on the cause of the disease.

Phlebotonics for oral use have a general venotonic effect, reduce the permeability of vascular walls, and increase their elasticity. The duration and regimen of treatment are determined by the doctor and the instructions for the drug.

What not to do?

The use of any medications for varicose veins during pregnancy should be taken with the utmost seriousness. This is not the case when you can self-medicate. Any remedy must be prescribed by a doctor. Only a specialist can choose smart combination funds that will give maximum effect with a minimum of side effects.

• prolonged exposure to the sun,
• visiting a sauna or steam bath,
• cosmetic procedures that cause microtrauma to the skin (peeling, hair removal with hot wax, etc.).

Qualified treatment and compliance with all recommendations allows you to achieve good blood flow compensation in a short time (up to 1 month) and prevent the progression of the disease.

When is an urgent need to see a doctor?

Varicose veins are not dangerous in themselves, and mostly only cause inconvenience. cosmetic defects. However advanced cases are fraught with very serious complications, often requiring urgent medical intervention. The most formidable of them include:

• . Formation of a blood clot in the lumen of a vein. The site of the thrombus is hard to the touch, painful, with hot skin. When there is pronounced swelling.
• . Blockage of both the pulmonary artery itself and its branches may occur. In the latter case, diagnosis is difficult, since there are no obvious symptoms. Caused by blood clots in the veins of the legs or pelvis.
• . Condition preceding thromboembolism. It is treated with anticoagulants (blood thinning drugs), and elastic compression is mandatory.
• Trophic ulcers. Inflammation of the skin, bones and tendons due to the destruction of blood vessels. A long-term process that is aggravated by diabetes mellitus.

These pathologies may be associated with various infections, such as erysipelas, etc.

During pregnancy you should especially listen carefully to changes in your body. A general or local increase in body temperature, thickened painful areas on the skin, a change in its color, severe swelling are reasons to urgently consult a doctor.

If a diagnosis of varicose veins is established, observation by a phlebologist is indicated throughout the entire pregnancy.

If the veins are in good condition and the disease did not manifest itself in any way before pregnancy, all signs will disappear after childbirth. The most effective way Prevention of varicose veins in pregnant women is a healthy lifestyle coupled with simple recommendations for vein tone.

Pregnancy imposes restrictions on the treatment tactics of the disease, therefore Conservative treatment methods are usually used varicose veins Operative methods interventions are postponed until after childbirth, unless there are serious medical indications to those.

Varicose veins - gradually developing chronic illness. It is characterized by an uneven increase in the diameter and length of the saphenous veins, their tortuosity, and the formation of sac-like expansions - nodes in places where the venous wall is thinned. There are several factors predisposing to the onset and development of the disease. First of all, this is a congenital weakness of the connective tissue, which means weakness of the muscles and walls of the veins themselves. If one of the parents suffered from varicose veins, then the chance of inheriting it from the child is 68%, and if both parents suffered from this disease, then the risk increases to almost 79%.

Harmful working conditions also influence the occurrence of the disease, and it is almost equally bad for the veins when during work you only have to stand, only walk or only sit, that is, harmful physical monotony. However, walking is still better than sitting, and sitting is better than standing. Excess body weight, smoking, chronic constipation and pregnancy also predispose to varicose veins. Pregnancy is a risk factor because the enlarging uterus compresses the pelvic veins, and then the inferior vena cava, thereby increasing intravenous pressure and preventing venous outflow.

How does the disease progress?

There are three stages varicose veins:

Compensation stage. Dilated veins and varicose nodes are visible under the skin, and complaints of increased fatigue and a feeling of heaviness in the legs appear.

Stage of subcompensation or partial compensation. At this stage of development of varicose veins, painful sensations. The feeling of heaviness and fullness in the legs is more pronounced. After prolonged exercise, swelling appears on the affected limb, which gradually disappears in a lying position with elevated legs. Cramps in the calf muscles may occur at night.

Stage of decompensation. The swelling is pronounced and practically goes away in the lying position. The venous nodes are significant, dilated veins are clearly visible under the skin, which becomes dry, easily wounded, and bluish-purple in color. This stage is characterized by the occurrence of trophic ulcers, which can even appear on their own, without visible damage to the skin as a result of disruption of its blood supply.

In the second and third stages of varicose veins, a serious complication may occur - acute thrombophlebitis - rupture of a varicose node with bleeding. This condition requires prompt surgical intervention.

To treat the disease in initial stage and to prevent it, you can use therapeutic exercises, herbal medicine, sometimes it’s enough just to follow a few simple rules. But at the stage of subcompensation, and even more so decompensation, if complications arise, you cannot do without specialized medical care!

Treatment

Gymnastics against varicose veins. Therapeutic gymnastics is a very important, necessary component of a comprehensive and effective treatment and prevention of varicose veins: it improves venous and lymphatic outflow. Before you begin performing therapeutic exercises, consult your obstetrician-gynecologist to see if you have any contraindications, such as increased uterine tone, etc.

As a warm-up (even at the workplace), you can perform the following simple exercise several times a day: rhythmically shift your weight, rolling from heel to toe and back, repeating the movement 10-15 times.

ethnoscience For the prevention and treatment of initial forms of varicose veins, she uses infusions, lotions, foot baths with infusions of medicinal herbs, and ointments. Of course, if the disease is already pronounced, then herbal medicine can only be considered as an auxiliary treatment. If you do not have individual intolerance, then from the recipes offered below you can choose the most effective and convenient for you.

These infusions can be used for compresses:

1. Thoroughly chop the herb with wormwood flowers, mix 3 tablespoons with 500 ml of fresh curdled milk, mix everything, apply on gauze (or a soft cloth). Apply to the area of ​​greatest expansion of the veins, cover with wax paper. Hold this compress for 20 minutes while lying down, with your legs lying on a low pad in an elevated position. If necessary, two such procedures can be done per day.
2. Prepare an infusion of common hop cones at the rate of 1 tablespoon of raw material per glass of boiling water, heat in a water bath for 20 minutes, strain, squeeze out the steamed raw material. Prepare a compress with the broth, as in the first recipe.
3. In the same way, prepare an infusion of horse chestnut leaves or flowers. You can apply a compress with it all night; in the morning, after removing the compress, wash your feet with cool water.
4. Fill a medicine bottle with fresh chamomile flowers and add vegetable oil (olive oil is possible). Leave for a month, shaking the contents of the bottle periodically. Strain and squeeze out the remainder. Gently rub the oil into the skin over the dilated veins 1-2 times a day (morning and night).
5. Grind the peeled horse chestnut fruits into a fine powder. Pour 50 g of this powder into a glass vegetable oil. Before going to bed, gently massage your legs with this oil from the feet to the thigh. Shake the oil before use.
6. Brew a tablespoon of crushed calendula officinalis flowers with a glass of boiling water and leave for an hour in a thermos, strain. Melt 200 g of lanolin in a water bath and mix until smooth with 50 g of infusion. Gently rub the ointment into the skin over the dilated veins 1-2 times a day. You can make compresses with this ointment at night. Store the ointment in the refrigerator.
7. At night, you can make compresses with scalded cabbage leaves to reduce local inflammation, pain and a feeling of fullness.
8. Steam fresh blackberry leaves in boiling water for 5 minutes, use warm leaves for a compress. Apply the compress directly to areas with varicose veins.
9. Foot baths with infusions of medicinal herbs are taken 2-3 times a week. To prepare the infusion, brew 200 g of crushed plant material in 2 liters of boiling water, heat in a water bath for 10 minutes and leave in a thermos for another hour, strain, squeeze out the steamed material. Pour into a basin, add water so that the temperature of the solution is no more than 38 ° C (baths high temperature contraindicated during pregnancy). The duration of the procedure is about 10-15 minutes. After it, you need to do a light relaxing foot massage with stroking movements in the direction from the foot to the thigh and lie down with your legs elevated for at least another 40 minutes. It is better to do this set of procedures before bedtime. Baths are contraindicated in complicated forms of the disease (acute thrombophlebitis, trophic ulcers, etc.).

Attention! Do not use cellophane for compresses, especially long-term ones. It can trigger the development of diaper rash.

The following fees may apply:

• Mix equal parts of marshweed grass, silver birch leaves, and meadow clover flowers.
• Take hop heads, chamomile flowers and common hazel leaves in equal proportions.

The following herbal teas can be brewed for oral administration:

1. Infusion of red clover flowers. A tablespoon of crushed raw materials in 2 cups of boiling water, brew in a thermos and leave for 2 hours, strain. Take a third to half a glass 4 times a day.
2. Prepare a collection of equal parts of lingonberry leaves, wild strawberry leaves, coltsfoot leaves, viburnum flowers, calendula officinalis flowers and motherwort pentaloba herb. Brew two tablespoons of the mixture with 2 cups of boiling water. Heat in a water bath for 15 minutes, avoiding boiling, and then leave for another 40 minutes in a warm place, strain. Take half a glass 4 times a day.
3. Take in equal proportions the fruits of viburnum, the flowers of calendula officinalis, the leaves of the common mantle, green oat straw, stinging nettle grass, common raspberry leaves and large plantain leaves. Prepare and take the infusion in the same way as described in the previous recipe.
4. Mix equally the shoots of common blueberries, fruits of rowan, chamomile flowers, motherwort herb, green bean leaves, the whole wild strawberry plant, meadow clover flowers, small-leaved linden flowers, marsh grass. Brew and take in the same way.

How to prevent the development of varicose veins?

• Avoid standing work.
• When working sedentarily, place your feet on a low bench; this will reduce the load on the superficial veins of the legs.
• During pregnancy, forget about high heels of any type. They disrupt movements in the foot, limit them, and contractions of the lower leg muscles are correspondingly limited, the muscle component for pumping blood decreases, which creates conditions for the occurrence and development of venous stagnation.
• Avoid hot baths, which dilate and relax the saphenous veins and at the same time dilate the arteries. Thus, the blood flow increases, and its outflow slows down - venous stagnation is formed.
• Remember that you need daily walks briskly(thus you pump blood through the muscles of the lower leg).
• Swimming is useful for unloading.
• While sitting, you should not cross your legs. In this case, the superficial veins of the leg lying on top running under the knee are compressed.
• It is better to sleep with your feet slightly elevated on a platform (pillow).
• It will be useful to wear special medical anti-varicose tights.
• Take a contrast shower.
• Dousing your feet daily, first with warm (but not hot!), and then with cold water, will also help, and the temperature difference should not be too great: cold water - 20 degrees, hot - 40. Perform dousing for 2-3 minutes.

During pregnancy, this is a very common occurrence, especially among those who have already encountered this disease before or have blood relatives with a similar illness. External manifestations of pathology during pregnancy are no different from other cases. Using the example of the lower extremities: the disease looks like areas with a noticeable pattern of capillaries on the skin, the so-called spider veins, or like convex purple or bluish worms. The latter are a manifestation of the expansion of thicker main veins, which begin to emerge closer to the endothelium. Conceiving a child is, of course, a miracle, but it entails many changes in a woman’s body, because everyone’s physical capabilities and health status are different.

Varicose veins are a disease that can spread to different parts of the body: legs, arms, skin of the torso and face, and also affect internal organs, including the vagina, rectum, etc.

Pregnant women no less often encounter hemorrhoids, and this is a manifestation of varicose veins of the rectum. Trophic ulcers, bleeding, etc. - this is an incomplete list of dangerous complications of the disease.

Why do varicose veins appear during pregnancy?

As the embryo grows, the amount of circulating blood in the mother’s body increases; closer to birth, the volume doubles. A gradual increase in body weight and increased pressure on the veins weaken the walls of blood vessels. In addition to this, hormonal changes lead to muscle relaxation, which negatively affects the tone of the veins. Against this background, the uterus, which becomes heavier every month, puts more and more pressure on the pelvic organs, which provokes compression of the vena cava of the lower extremities. Pregnant women in the third trimester are faced with the fact that any body position they accept becomes uncomfortable after 15-20 minutes, something becomes numb and numb. As a result, manifestations of blood stagnation are expressed in the form of distended veins and varicose veins.

In the initial period of the disease, slight deformation of blood vessels appears. Towards evening, the calves become hard, as if engorged, and the legs feel tired and heavy. A little later, night cramps are observed, although they do not always wake up from them. As the condition worsens, the legs begin not only to swell, but also to hurt after lunch, and the skin becomes itchy, worsening at night.

At the next stage of the disease, serious deformation of the veins occurs. Tubercles or entire sections of convex, intricately curved veins protrude under the skin. This is not always accompanied by painful sensations, but in no case should you ignore the disease at this stage, especially if you are pregnant. After all, you see only external manifestations. What happens to the veins on internal organs? Bleeding that begins but is detected late can be fatal for the mother and her baby.

Provoking factors

Not all representatives of the fair sex experience symptoms before or during pregnancy. This is good, but it is still important to know what factors provoke this disease:

• hereditary predisposition;
• excess weight before or too rapid weight gain during pregnancy;
• prolonged exposure to the sun;
• repeated and multiple pregnancies;
• gynecological diseases, such as endometriosis;
• increased production of estrogen;
• previous use of hormonal contraceptives;
• work that requires long periods of sitting or standing;
• sedentary lifestyle.

Having discovered at least one of the mentioned factors, future mom should closely take preventive measures to prevent the development or worsening of varicose veins.

The disease is divided into several stages:

1. The veins are located in the lower part and do not exceed 7 mm in diameter. Spider veins appear on the skin.
2. The vessels bend and already reach 8 mm. Patients complain of swelling and pain during physical activity, which disappear after rest.
3. Veins that reach 13 mm are arranged into conglomerates of nodes; patients note constant pain, swelling of the feet and legs. Eczema and trophic ulcers that are prone to bleeding may appear on the skin.

IT IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW

A product for cleaning blood vessels and reducing blood pressure, which is recommended by doctors

Prevention of varicose veins in pregnant women

The expectant mother primarily cares about the health of her child, so it is important to know how dangerous the disease is. Complicated varicose veins of the uterus during pregnancy can cause placental insufficiency, miscarriage, or premature birth. Lack of nutrition over a long period of time leads to pathology of fetal development.

The diagnosis of uterine varicose veins can be made after the first Doppler ultrasound examination. However, do not panic; the disease can and should be kept under control. Naturally, you should inform your gynecologist about your predisposition factors for varicose veins. The attending physician should refer you for additional consultation to a phlebologist; you can be monitored by him throughout your pregnancy for varicose veins.

The visual absence or initial expansion of veins during pregnancy requires simple preventive measures:

1. To reduce the load on your legs, give preference to comfortable soft shoes on a low wedge and without heels.
2. Do not wear stockings, knee socks or socks with tight elastic bands. Prophylactic 70 deniers are more comfortable to wear during this period.
3. Contrast showers and swimming are beneficial for the health of blood vessels and the entire body.
4. To reduce venous pressure on the lower extremities, it is recommended to sleep on the left side, placing low pillows under the stomach and knee.
5. Try to find golden mean in the distribution of its motor activity so that the time spent in a standing, sitting and lying position approximately coincides and alternates.
6. Make it a habit to sit on the edge of the table to minimize the pressure on the vena cava in your legs.
7. Do not sit with your legs crossed - this is a direct way to worsen varicose veins in pregnant women.
8. To prevent constipation, watch your diet and fluid intake. Every day it is advised to drink at least 1.5-2 liters of liquid: pure or mineral water, green tea, fruit juice etc. In addition, to normalize stool, it is important to consume bran, oatmeal, as well as vegetables and fruits containing a large number of fiber: cabbage, carrots, apples, etc.

A set of exercises for varicose veins

What to do if varicose veins progress during pregnancy? Start training your blood vessels. Here are some simple and accessible exercises for everyone:

1. Sit on a chair, bend your knees, arms along your body. Stand up as you inhale, sit down as you exhale.
2. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Leaning your body to the side, begin to alternately bend your knees without lifting your feet off the floor.
3. Starting position - standing, arms down, legs hip-width apart. As you inhale, raise your arms, as you exhale, lower them, then move your left leg forward and place your right foot next to it. Repeat the same with your right leg.
4. Starting position: sitting on a chair. Make circular movements with your feet without lifting your heels off the floor.
5. Stand up straight, then rise on your toes, stand for 10 seconds and lower on your heels.
6. Walk around the apartment a few meters on tiptoe. Alternatively, walk on your heels, on the outside and inside of your feet.
7. Sit on a chair, knees together, feet on the floor. Place your feet on your heels, and then lower them back to the floor.
8. While sitting on a chair, do the opposite exercise: raise your feet on your toes, lifting your heels off the floor.
9. Starting position: standing. As you inhale, raise your arms and stand on your toes. As you exhale, lower your arms and press your feet to the floor, slightly bending your knees.
10. Standing or lying on your back (whichever is more comfortable), extend one leg forward and rotate first the foot, and then the lower leg and the entire limb.
11. For a general tonic effect and lifting your mood, dance to music that is pleasant to you at least once a day.

Repeat the exercise complex 5-15 times every day.

Varicose veins in pregnant women are not a death sentence; you need to treat the disease as one of the characteristics of the body during this period. Observe the manifestations of the disease, consult a phlebologist and follow his recommendations. If the pathology begins to worsen, the doctor will recommend additional measures to combat varicose veins.

Treatment of the disease

How to treat varicose veins during pregnancy? Women who have long been familiar with this problem understand that bearing a child negatively affects the condition of blood vessels. Treatment of varicose veins during pregnancy is possible, but when choosing medications, the doctor must take into account your situation. Along with taking medications, you must:

1. Constantly monitor your weight gain to prevent uneven fluctuations. Buy a good home scale; it will come in handy not only for you; it will help you keep track of how quickly your baby is gaining weight.
2. Avoid carrying heavy objects: do not lift older children, do not carry heavy grocery bags, etc.
3. From the second trimester of pregnancy, wear a special prenatal bandage. It helps distribute the load and slightly relieves pressure on the pelvic organs.
4. Take a warm bath, but never a hot one.
5. If possible, lie down every 3 hours during the day and keep your legs elevated on pillows. If it is comfortable for you, then try to raise the foot end of the bed by 10-15 cm.
6. Together with your phlebologist, select special therapeutic compression socks and tights with a density of 100, 140 or 280 denier. This underwear creates different pressure on areas of the lower extremities. Maximum contraction is observed from the feet to the middle of the calf. Further it decreases and already above the knees it becomes equal to 40%. By applying pressure to the veins, compression garments promote normal blood flow, preventing stagnation. It is important to put it on in the morning, before getting out of bed, and take it off right before bed. Only in this case will such underwear be truly effective. It may be unusual at first, but you should be reassured that the discomfort is nothing compared to the reduced risk of formation. By the way, we used elastic bandages before, but they are clearly visible even under tight tights. Although the choice is yours. If the condition of varicose veins worsens during pregnancy, you can agree with your doctor that you will not remove the elastic bandages during childbirth.

It is impossible to cure the disease at stages 2-3 without medications. To alleviate the condition and slow down the development of pathology, the doctor may prescribe a course of complex therapy using:

1. Tablet phlebotonics (Detralex, Ginkor-forte, Aescusan, Phlebodia 600).
2. Local gels based on troxerutin (Troxevasin, Troxegel, Troxerutin) and heparin (Heparin ointment, Lyoton-1000, Gepatrombin, Trombless, Viatromb, Venolife).
3. Disaggregants (Curantil).
4. Special compression socks and tights.

After childbirth, the condition of the veins may worsen. Many breastfeeding women encounter not only varicose veins on their legs, but also hemorrhoids, which are a sign of the same disease, only on the veins of the rectum. The period after the birth of a baby and breastfeeding are also accompanied by hormonal changes in the body. For this reason, you should not immediately agree to surgery. Wait a few months and continue conservative medication therapy under the supervision of your doctor. If after 6-8 months the health condition does not return to normal, then you should think about surgery.

Varicose veins and pregnancy with qualified medical assistance are quite compatible. Naturally, expectant mothers cannot take some medications, but with the medications available to them, they can improve their well-being.

But if a patient with varicose veins feels severe pain, she experiences weakness, elevated temperature body, heart rate increases or shortness of breath appears, you should immediately call an ambulance.

Video

Varicose veins are a disease in which thinning of the venous walls occurs and an increase in the lumen of the bloodstream with the subsequent formation of nodular expansions.

Varicose veins develop in 20–30% of women during pregnancy. Pathological changes most often occur in the veins of the lower extremities. Externally, the disease is expressed in the appearance of spider veins and spider veins. In advanced cases, swelling of the veins is observed. Clinical manifestations without external symptoms develop in approximately 80% of expectant mothers.

Symptoms

Symptoms of varicose veins depend on the current stage of the disease. Initially, the pathology causes minimal discomfort. As the condition worsens, the clinical picture also intensifies.

The initial signs of abnormal varicose veins include:

• the formation of a vascular pattern indicating the affected area - calves, the area under the knees, the outer surface of the thigh - not painful on palpation;
• feeling of heaviness in the legs;
• rare cramps in the calf muscles at night.

In the absence of adequate therapy, the initial symptoms include:

• swelling;
• change in the venous pattern - protrusion of the walls of blood vessels, the formation of “nodes”;
• deterioration of condition skin;
• pain syndrome accompanied by a feeling of fullness in the affected veins;
• formation .

Such a clinical picture allows you to confirm the diagnosis without ordering tests. Additional diagnostic methods are justified in early stage varicose veins, to exclude the development of diseases with similar symptoms.

Most often, varicose pathology affects the veins of the lower extremities, but during pregnancy, disturbances in the outflow of blood can be recorded in the organs of the pelvic region and labia.

This type of varicose veins is difficult to distinguish from standard gynecological pathologies. The condition is accompanied by typical symptoms:

1. Pain in the lower abdomen.
2. Copious vaginal discharge.
3. Discomfort during intimate relationships.
4. Difficulty emptying the bladder.

Only a doctor can make an accurate diagnosis during an examination in a chair. In this case, a change in the venous pattern of the vagina and the visible segment of the cervix is ​​clearly visible.

It is important to know! Untreated varicose veins of the pelvic area can cause infertility - a woman cannot become pregnant.

External manifestations of varicose veins of the pelvic region appear in rare cases. Spider veins and nodules can form in the buttocks, perineum, pubic area and inner thighs.

Reference! A woman with a severe form will give birth by caesarean section.

That is why the disease occurs in a latent form for a long time and is accompanied by the development of serious complications. These are vaginal and uterine bleeding, inflammation internal organs, thrombosis and others.

Varicose veins of the labia are a common occurrence during pregnancy.. The risk of developing pathology only increases with each subsequent gestation. After childbirth, the condition of the veins quickly returns to normal.

The signs are:

1. The appearance of a characteristic venous pattern.
2. Protrusion, drooping of inflamed areas of veins.
3. Itching and dryness of the skin and mucous membranes.
4. Increase in the size of the labia and vulva due to swelling.
5. Painful sensations.

With varicose veins in the groin area, discomfort may occur:

• during urination and defecation;
• after sexual contact;
• after prolonged sitting;
• while walking.

Complications of varicose veins

Signs of varicose veins appear in the second trimester, around the 4th – 5th gestational month. Venous pressure in the legs increases, which leads to a slowdown in the rate of blood outflow. If a woman does not receive the necessary treatment, the disease becomes the cause of a difficult pregnancy, directly labor activity and the postpartum period.

Stagnation of blood in the veins of the pelvis leads to poor contractility of the uterus, which can provoke severe bleeding and the development of arterial thrombosis.

Important! For a child, pathological dilatation of the veins of the lower extremities in his mother is not dangerous.

Diagnosis of varicose veins

A phlebologist makes the diagnosis. It is this doctor who selects treatment and decides on the need for consultation with a vascular surgeon.

Necessary examinations

In order to diagnose vein pathology, a woman is prescribed the following tests and instrumental tests:

• Ultrasound examination of the vessels of the lower extremities. The technique makes it possible to identify the degree of damage to the blood vessels, assess the consistency of the valve apparatus, etc.
• General blood analysis. Of diagnostic interest is the leukocyte formula, the number of leukocytes and platelets.
• Coagulogram. The study helps evaluate blood clotting parameters.

Treatment of varicose veins during pregnancy

This period has some peculiarities. When the first signs appear, you should immediately seek medical help.

Important! The selection of medications should be done by a specialist, since medications have their own contraindications by trimester.

To increase vascular tone, Detralex, Glivenol and Troxevasin tablets can be prescribed. They have an angioprotective effect, help reduce swelling and reduce pain. In addition, therapy with these agents eliminates night cramps and improves cellular nutrition of inflamed tissues.

After 3 months, the use of Venoruton gels, as well as Lyoton and Essaven, is allowed.

Allowed to use traditional methods treatment, for example, preparing balms and herbal infusions for applying compresses. But first you need to consult with your doctor.

Prevention of varicose veins during pregnancy

Veins of the lower extremities during pregnancy are one of the most effective measures to prevent the development of the disease.

Nutrition

The daily diet should include products that can provide the female body with the necessary vitamins and microelements. Its basis is:

• complex carbohydrates: grain bread, cereals, fresh vegetables and fruits;
• low-fat or low-fat fish;
• meat tenderloin;
• poultry (be sure to remove the skin to reduce calorie content);
• nuts;
• dairy products (medium fat is best).

It is necessary to limit the consumption of butter: during the day you can eat a piece weighing no more than 10 grams.

Preventing excessive weight gain

One of the reasons for the development of varicose veins is accelerated weight gain. To prevent excessive weight gain, fasting days are recommended for women.

There are several options:

• kefir (1.5 l);
• apple (1.5 kg);
• buckwheat (250 g of cereal);
• vegetable (1.5 kg).

The daily intake of the selected product - indicated in brackets - must be divided into 6 doses. You need to eat often, every 2 hours. Appearance strong feeling hunger is unacceptable.

You are allowed to drink clean water throughout the day. Sugar and salt are completely excluded. By following the recommendations, you can lose up to 2 kg of weight in one day.

Physical activity

Physical activity acceptable during pregnancy and frequent changes in the position of the legs will help improve blood circulation in the lower extremities and prevent the development of varicose veins.

During the day you can perform simple exercises:

• circular movements of the feet;
• raising on toes;
• rolls from toe to heel.

Positional therapy

Positional therapy also serves as an excellent prevention of the development of varicose veins. The recommendations will be as follows:

• you cannot cross your legs;
• when sitting on a chair, only the buttocks should touch it - it is undesirable to lean on the back;
• You need to sleep only on your left side, placing a pillow under your stomach - this position helps reduce the pressure exerted by the uterus on the vessels located behind the peritoneum, which improves the outflow of blood from the legs.

Important! In addition, sleeping on the left side helps to avoid the development of uterine hypertonicity.

Avoid triggers

Factors that provoke the development of varicose veins include:

• Compression of the iliac veins by the enlarged uterus. This impairs the outflow of venous blood. In the last months of pregnancy, it can cause pathological dilatation of the veins of the vulva.
• Predisposition at the genetic level. Heredity is one of the main reasons for the development of pathology.
• Change hormonal levels. The increase in progesterone levels that occurs during pregnancy causes a decrease in the tone of the venous wall and its stretching.
• Increased pelvic blood flow. During gestation, there is an increase in uterine blood flow, which leads to an increase in pressure in the pelvic venous system. The result is a violation of the outflow of blood from the legs.

Unfortunately, a woman is not able to control the development of many factors that provoke varicose veins, since they are determined by physiology. But she is able to give herself daily physical activity, giving up a sedentary lifestyle. After all, frequent lying in a horizontal position and restriction of movements is perhaps the most important factor in the formation of varicose veins. Stagnation of venous blood causes pathological dilatation of blood vessels.

It is necessary to strictly monitor your weight, since extra pounds have a very negative impact on the condition of the veins.

Clothes and shoes

To reduce the load on your veins, you need to wear comfortable shoes. Shoes should have a small - no higher than 5 cm - stable heel. Complete refusal and wearing, for example, “ballet shoes,” significantly increases the pressure on the heels, and spider veins can form in the popliteal area.

Clothes should be made from breathable fabrics and not restrict movement. Any tightening in the abdominal area is strictly prohibited. Gynecologists recommend that women use a special prenatal bandage, sometimes even in the early stages.

An important point is wearing compression stockings (anti-varicose tights will cause compression of the pregnant uterus). The phlebologist observing the woman should select therapeutic knitwear, since only a specialist can calculate the required degree of compression, taking into account the current clinical picture and stage of the disease.

Baths and showers

Taking a contrast shower gives a good therapeutic result. Alternating comfortably cool and warm water becomes an accessible means of preventing the development of varicose veins during pregnancy. The procedure helps to increase vascular tone and prevents stagnation of venous blood. But too much temperature contrast can trigger uterine contractions.

An alternative to a contrast shower would be this home remedy like contrast baths with sea ​​salt or herbal infusions.

Massage

Spreading your legs improves local blood flow and prevents varicose veins. Movements should be directed from bottom to top. To enhance the therapeutic effect, when initial symptoms are detected, it is allowed to use anti-varicose ointments, creams and gels.

Surgical treatment

Surgical methods for treating pathology during pregnancy are practiced in rare cases. The exception is a rapidly progressing condition or a complication of existing varicose veins in the form of the formation of a trophic ulcer or ascending thrombophlebitis.

Surgical treatment is allowed only during the first 6 months of gestation. A sclerotherapy procedure can also be performed.

Forecast

The prognosis for life is favorable. The course of the disease can be complicated by:

• predisposition at the genetic level;
• repeated pregnancies;
• multiple births;
• difficult childbirth;
• woman’s age (risk increases after 35 years);
• obesity;
• the presence of superficial thrombophlebitis.

The onset of gestation against the background of existing varicose veins may increase the risk of blood clots and the development of deep vein thrombophlebitis.

Modern medicine has made significant progress in the treatment of varicose veins. There are many different drugs and methods of prevention that are safe for a woman and her child, in particular, special gymnastics.