Almost all women have heard of varicose veins. Even 20-year-old girls are susceptible to this disease. But most face this problem during pregnancy, especially women with a hereditary predisposition.
At first the defect is only cosmetic, but over time pain appears. In advanced conditions, the disease can develop into thrombophlebitis (a common complication of varicose veins), harming the mother and the unborn child. How to avoid such consequences, the best recipes for the treatment of varicose veins, as well as disease prevention - you will learn all this from the following material.
Causes
Having 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 significant loads. Blood vessels can not cope with the accumulated work and burst, this is the main cause of varicose veins in the legs of expectant mothers.
In addition, blood flow is increased to feed not one organism, but two at a time, in some cases three! The uterus increases in volume, the pressure rises, which interferes with natural blood flow, this is another important factor provoking this disease.
There are other reasons for the development of the disease:
- rapid weight gain, overweight;
- multiple pregnancy;
- physical inactivity, sedentary work;
- changes in hormonal background;
- hereditary predisposition;
- bad habits;
- long sunbathing.
Also, during pregnancy all latent or chronic diseases are exacerbated, so resort to disease prevention. If the problem still occurs, use prescriptions for treatment.
First signs and symptoms
This disease does not appear at first, but over time you will definitely feel discomfort and other signs:
- veins swell, visible to the naked eye;
- different types of networks are formed - this is the result of rupture of blood vessels;
- evening there is severe fatigue in the legs, swelling;
- the pain does not disappear until the morning, the situation worsens;
- Varicose veins appear not only on the legs but also in the pelvic area (uterus, labia). In such a situation, only a doctor will identify this disease, but if you feel itching, groin pain, inability to sit for a long time, consult a gynecologist immediately;
- In advanced cases, patients have spasms of the lower extremities.
If you find any of the above symptoms, you should inform your doctor, he will clarify the diagnosis, will 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 body, they have to cope with the load that has arisen;
- vagina. Most often diagnosed during the second pregnancy, it is worth immediate medical intervention, as such pathology can complicate childbirth;
- uterus. Such a problem is faced by women who have had abortions, 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-treatment, think about the future baby, only the doctor will accurately determine the type and course of further action.
Effective exercises and treatments
Consult your gynecologist, the best option would be if he writes a referral to a specialist - a phlebologist (a doctor who treats chronic venous insufficiency or CHF).
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 repair already damaged;
- anticoagulants. These drugs help to thin the blood, prevent the formation of blood clots that clog blood vessels that burst over time. They are used in extreme cases, as this can lead to placental abruption, bleeding;
- special underwear. The doctor will select for you compression tights, socks with a supportive effect. They can be worn for prevention (70 days) or for treatment (100-280 days);
- all kinds of traditional medicine will help to dilate the veins of the legs, read the recipes below.
Important!If you find severe swelling, redness in the area of swollen veins, sharp pain, fever, do not hesitate and call an ambulance!
After arriving at the hospital, inform the staff about your problem, also do not start this process after the birth of the baby.
Useful gymnastics for expectant mothers, these exercises will help relieve fatigue, reduce pain and swelling:
- Sit in a chair, move your legs in a circle, do not lift your heels off the floor;
- Stand up straight, stretch your left leg forward, turn first with your foot, then with your whole leg, alternate legs;
- It is useful to walk on tiptoe, go around the whole apartment 3-4 times, then walk outside and on the inside of the foot;
- Sit on a comfortable surface, lift your heels off the floor, keep your socks pressed against the floor, then return to the starting position.
Do each such exercise 10 times, preferably 3 sets. Consider your health and the duration of your pregnancy, you should not overexert yourself.
Varicose veins can be treated with surgery, but in extreme cases. Such manipulations are strictly forbidden for pregnant women.
Traditional medicine treatment
Some ladies only trust 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 drugs for varicose veins:
- apple cider vinegar.Can be used externally and taken internally. Rub a little of this product into your skin every night to enhance the effect, drink 1 cup 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 a month;
- green tomatoes.Cut this fruit into circles, attach to the swollen veins, wrap with an elastic bandage. Do such manipulations every night, wash 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 on the legs, wrap with cling film, keep for about four hours. Such a compress will immediately relieve the pain, over time the veins will shrink;
- horse chestnut.Prepare a tincture of this ingredient: pour the inflorescences (50 g) with vodka (1 liter), leave to infuse 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. At the end of the period, strain, rub your feet with the resulting solution. Perform such manipulations every night 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 cup (stop taking 3-4 times). Recipe for decoction: 2 tablespoons pour tablespoons of 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 1 liter of boiling water, wait 30 minutes, mash the apples to a pulp, strain the broth. Mix the resulting infusion with vodka, honey (1: 1: 1). Take 1 tablespoon on an empty stomach. spoon in the morning and at 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 yogurt, stir the mixture. Lubricate your feet with the resulting slurry, cover with gauze. Perform this procedure for no more than 5 days, take a break for 3-4 days, after which 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 feet, the pain will disappear, a feeling of lightness will appear, the veins will become less noticeable. This type of treatment also takes a long time (3-4 months).
Use these products only after consulting your doctor. You can combine drugs with home therapy. Remember to follow a diet (eat grains, vegetables, not fatty meats) so that it will help the body cope with the disease.
Preventive measures
If you did not have 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;
- engage in swimming, it will help not only to prevent varicose veins, but also other diseases. Water treatments are also good for the fetus;
- sleep on the left side after the 1st trimester. This will reduce the pressure on the vein on the right side;
- do not cross one leg on the other while sitting, this will compress the vessels;
- do not stay too long in one position, constantly on the move, it is very useful for the baby. Of course, if there are no special contraindications;
- do not wear tight elastics, give up socks for a while, with narrow elastics and other tight wardrobe items;
- follow your diet, avoid sweet, salty, fatty foods. Leave chips, soda and in the past.
It will be good if a qualified specialist examines you during pregnancy planning, so it will be much easier to prevent or cure minor abnormalities, as most medications cannot be used during childbirth. baby.
Monitor the condition of your body, if you find unpleasant symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. Then you and your baby will be absolutely healthy.