Varicose veins are a pathology of the venous vessels, in which the function of the venous valves is disturbed and the blood penetrates downwards.Stagnation occurs, blood flow is disrupted and the vein wall loses its elasticity.Enlarged veins become visible to the naked eye.Externally, through the skin, they resemble dense, thick worms with a bluish tint.In the early stages, “spider veins” form.
Varicose veins during pregnancy.What is that?
During pregnancy, weight increases due to fetal growth.Accordingly, increased body weight “applies” pressure on the legs, which leads to expansion of the venous walls.
A cosmetic defect of the lower extremities can develop into a major problem with dire consequences.
Expansion of the venous walls during pregnancy requires treatment and compliance with preventive measures to combat the disease.
Stages of the development of varicose veins:
- At the beginning of the disease development there are no clinical symptoms of the disease.Swelling of the limbs may occur.On external examination, a network of small vessels appears.
- In the next stage, deformation of the vein wall occurs: loss of elasticity, thickening and slowing of blood circulation.Pain and increased fatigue in the calf muscles occur.
The process is aggravated by the influence of the uterus, which increases in size.
During pregnancy, dilated veins are observed in the lower extremities, labia and anus.
Causes of varicose veins in pregnant women
The main cause of pathology is weight gain.
However, most pregnant women gain weight.However, this does not mean that everyone will be diagnosed with venous disease.
More compelling reasons and factors are required for the development of the process.
This includes:
- varicose veins in close relatives (hereditary factor);
- Hormonal changes and imbalances;
- Congenital anomalies of the venous system;
- injuries to veins and arteries;
- Chronic liver disease;
- Changes in the consistency and thickness of the biological fluid;
- Disturbance of the hemostasis system.
Vein expansion occurs not only in the legs, but also in the groin and pelvis.
Factors that cause diseases of the legs
- Intestinal diseases with a tendency to difficult bowel movements (constipation);
- Exceeding the permissible body weight (including in an “interesting position”);
- lack of exercise;
- Work that requires constant sitting at a desk.
Small pool
- Carrying several fetuses at the same time or a large weight of the unborn child;
- endometritis;
- multiple pregnancies;
- thrombophlebitis;
- inflammation of the limbs;
- thrombosis of the uterine vessels;
- New growths in the reproductive organs.
In the groin
- Gynecological pathologies in the complex;
- Prolonged hormone therapy;
- A significant number of pregnancies in history;
- Multiple short-term abortions;
- Increased estrogen;
- “Sedentary” professional activity.
Types and symptoms of varicose veins during pregnancy
The type of inflammation depends on the place of its manifestation.
The blood vessels in the systemic circulation expand:
- On the legs – occurs in 80% of cases and is mainly associated with changes in severity during pregnancy;
- In the small tank – 8-10%.It often occurs in non-pregnant patients and worsens with the onset of an “interesting situation”.
- Groin area – vasodilatation is common, spider veins appear.
Symptoms of pathology
The clinical picture of varicose veins differs in the location and severity of the inflammation.
General signs of pathological development:
- General fatigue;
- feeling of heaviness in the legs;
- The appearance of small vascular branches visible through the skin;
- Slight burning along the vessel.
Symptoms depending on the location of the disease:
Lower limbs:
- Swelling;
- Increased sweating and unpleasant odor;
- cramps during night sleep;
- Frequent feeling of “running goosebumps”;
- Tired legs;
- pain in feet;
- Stiffness of movement of the affected limb.
In the pool:
- pain in the perineal area;
- Nagging pain in the lower abdominal area;
- changes in the nature of vaginal secretions;
- Enlarged veins on the labia or at the entrance to the vagina;
- pain during sexual intercourse;
- Uterine tone.
In the bar:
- feeling of fullness and burning in the groin;
- Mild hyperthermia;
- vascular network;
- bulging of veins;
- Itching.
What are the dangers of varicose veins during pregnancy?
Venous pathologies detected during pregnancy can lead to complications during pregnancy and during labor.
The danger of congestive blood phenomena is the increased risk of blood clots and the development of thromboembolism at the time of birth.
The pathology causes venous insufficiency, which can only negatively affect the well-being of the pregnant woman and the health of the fetus.
Varicose veins are a precursor to thrombosis, which can “block” the access of oxygen to the bloodstream of the uterus.This pathology leads to intrauterine death of the unborn child.
A mild form of pathology does not have a negative effect on the fetus, but requires mandatory medical supervision.
Expansion of veins at constant pressure leads to the development of thrombophlebitis, trophic ulcers and thrombosis of deep vessels.
Diagnosis of varicose veins in pregnant women
Pathology can be suspected in two cases:
- Visually notice any enlargement or bulging of blood vessels;
- Assess existing symptoms.
In both cases, special diagnostics are required.
During a routine examination, the gynecologist takes into account the patient's complaints and, if necessary, sends her for further examination.
It is important to note that from the 20th week of pregnancy until the moment of birth, every second pregnant woman experiences fatigue in the legs.However, this is by no means a symptom of the spread of vascular pathology.
Diagnostic manipulations confirm or refute the pregnant patient's suspicions.
The main diagnostic methods are carried out only by an “expert” in veins - a phlebologist.To identify the cause, hardware methods are used:
- duplex scan of veins;
- vascular ultrasound;
- In severe cases - contrast venography.
In addition, the specialist takes an anamnesis, considers complaints and recommends carrying out the necessary examinations.
Treatment of diseases during pregnancy
The therapy applied is intended to eliminate the main symptoms of the pathology and restore normal blood circulation.
The treatment tactics carried out must be well thought out in order to minimize possible negative effects on the pregnant child.
Compression therapy
Wearing therapeutic stockings with compression function is the main treatment for varicose veins in pregnant patients.
Stockings and tights perfectly maintain pressure in the blood vessels, preventing them from bulging.The special fabric of the underwear allows air to pass through, so your feet don't sweat.
Therapeutic knitwear restores the circulatory system and prevents the development of thrombosis.
Compression products relieve inflammation and fatigue in the legs.
Drug treatment
To eliminate the pathology, topical medications are used.These include creams, ointments and special rubs.Chestnut-based preparations are popular.
Oral therapy consists in taking heparin-based anticoagulants to maintain the hemostatic system.
Heparin medications reduce the risk of blood clots by thinning the blood to the desired consistency.
Recommendations for preventing varicose veins in pregnant women
To minimize the occurrence of pathologies during pregnancy, preventive measures must be followed:
- Follow the diet of pregnant women and control body weight.
- Prefer comfortable shoes;
- Reduce consumption of harmful foods;
- Take a walk every day with a fifteen-minute break.
- Follow a diet to eliminate constipation;
- Do not wear jeans or pants that are too tight;
- To prevent the protrusion of vascular walls with a hereditary predisposition to wearing compression clothing;
- Lead a healthy lifestyle without smoking tobacco or drinking strong alcoholic beverages.