In many ways, pregnancy can be a time of phenomenal changes in a woman's body. As the 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 the size and fullness of the breasts.
Unfortunately, not all changes in pregnancy 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 blood flow slows down. Varicose veins are one of the diseases that can appear for the first time during pregnancy or begin to actively progress.
WHAT IS VARICOSE DISEASE
Varicose veins of the lower extremities are permanent and irreversible varicose veins as a result of gross changes in their walls, as well as insufficiency of their valvular apparatus due to a genetic defect. The main factors in the appearance of varicose veins are the hereditary weakness of the vessel 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 also occur elsewhere. Especially at the end of pregnancy, crooked veins may appear in 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
With the increase of the term during pregnancy, a number of changes occur, which 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 slows blood flow, increasing stress on the veins in the legs, where more blood stagnates. This leads to varicose veins during pregnancy in the legs.
- Second, during pregnancy, a woman's body produces more blood to support a developing baby, constantly delivering oxygen and nutrients to the placenta and fetus. Due to the increased load, the veins have to work harder to pump carbonated blood back to the heart from the limbs and pelvis. This can lead to insufficiency of the venous valves and accumulation of blood in the legs, ankles, feet and other areas.
- Third, an increase in the level of female sex hormones during pregnancy reduces the tone of smooth muscle in the walls of blood vessels (especially veins). It can also contribute to varicose veins in pregnant women.
VARICOSIS RISK FACTORS DURING PREGNANCY
Varicose veins are considered 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 increases dramatically.
The incidence of varicose veins increases with age, weight gain and each subsequent pregnancy. If a woman carries twins or triplets, the risk of varicose veins in pregnant women's legs doubles.
Lifestyle and work (long hours of standing or sitting still) can also provoke varicose veins.
Symptoms of varicose veins in pregnant women
Some women have slightly swollen, curved, multicolored veins on their legs - just a cosmetic problem. In others, varicose veins during pregnancy provoke unpleasant symptoms - swelling, pain or severe discomfort in the legs. In all women with varicose veins in the legs, this is a key sign of varicose veins. If left untreated, vein 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 should watch for signs of varicose veins:
- swelling in the legs and ankles, feet;
- cramps or pain in the thigh or lower leg;
- fatigue, heaviness in the legs;
- anxiety, especially at night, desire for constant movement of the legs;
- itchy, dry or pale skin on the feet, burning sensation;
- curved, convex "stars", larger curved veins;
- wounds on the legs or ankles that are treated for a long time or are not treated at all;
- leg pain that disappears when a woman walks or lifts her legs.
WILL VARICOSIS BE WORSE DURING PREGNANCY?
Unfortunately, varicose veins often get worse as the pregnancy progresses. As the saphenous veins dilate, twist, swell, and become more visible, the woman increasingly notices increased pain and other symptoms (swelling, skin changes, heaviness).
VARICOSE DURING PREGNANCY: WHAT TO DO
If a woman is experiencing any symptoms of varicose veins, it is imperative to visit 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 rule out possible complications (using ultrasound and vascular Doppler measurements). As for varicose veins of 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 recurrences. In addition, the prescription of drugs is very limited - phlebotonics, anti-inflammatory, antiplatelet agents.
There are a number of guidelines that help safe and relatively effective treatment of varicose veins in expectant mothers.
- Dosed physical activity. Swimming, walking or other exercises for pregnant women with varicose veins, which include the muscles of the legs, help to increase blood circulation in the veins of the limbs. The phlebologist together with the obstetrician-gynecologist will choose an individual set of exercises for a certain period and severity of the pregnant woman's condition.
- Properly fitted shoes. High heels and a completely flat sole interfere with the movement of the muscles in the legs, impairing venous blood circulation. You should choose stable, comfortable shoes with low heels (3-4 cm).
- Compression knitwear. To maintain the veins during pregnancy, it is necessary to wear a compression garment. The phlebologist will individually choose the degree of compression and the type of product - knee, socks or tights. You should wear them in the morning without getting out of bed and take them off in the evening when the 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, compliance with which helps to alleviate the course of the disease and reduce discomfort:
- Don't cross your legs. Sitting with one foot over the other blocks the flow of blood through the veins and can lead to increased pressure.
- 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 abdomen gets bigger, lying on your back will become difficult. For varicose veins, try sleeping on the left side, not the right. This prevents pressure from the uterus on the veins in the abdomen 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 relax your legs on a pillow to help the blood as you sleep.
- Watch your salt intake. When you drink a lot of salt, more fluid flows into your blood vessels, which can increase the pressure in your veins. Excess fluid penetrates the tissues and leads to edema. Drink plenty of water to help your body maintain a proper fluid balance.
- Track your weight. The female body changes during pregnancy, the expectant mother gains weight. The higher the body weight, the greater the pressure on the veins of the lower extremities. The doctor will assess the gains and clarify the weight norms.
VARICOSIS AFTER BIRTH
The most important concern for expectant mothers 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 should contact a phlebologist.
Manifestations of varicose veins that first appear at the birth of a baby usually disappear with little or no treatment. However, the more severe the changes, the more likely they are to remain after birth and require treatment. Varicose veins in the vagina or vulva almost always resolve naturally after birth.
WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS OF THE DEGREES OF VARICOSIS
Varicose veins can lead to serious complications. There is an increased risk of developing dangerous conditions: blood clots and venous ulcers.
There are two main types of blood clots. Superficial venous thrombi form in the subcutaneous 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;
- the surrounding tissue is hot, painful or swollen;
- has noticeable changes in the color of the veins;
- ulcers appear on the skin;
- painful, severe swelling occurs in one leg.
In these cases, the phlebologist will determine the tactics of treatment, including minimally invasive surgical methods, to eliminate inflammation, the risk of life-threatening complications.