Expecting a baby is undoubtedly a wonderful moment in the life of any representative of the fairer sex.But it is often associated with various anxieties and complications.One of them concerns varicose veins during pregnancy.The growth of the fetus puts a lot of pressure on the woman's legs, sometimes the blood vessels cannot withstand it and this unpleasant disease appears.This not only spoils the aesthetic appearance, but can be very dangerous for health and even life.More on this in the article.
Main causes of pathology
Varicose veins in pregnant women are a fairly common phenomenon;one in three women experience it.
There are several reasons for the appearance of varicose veins during pregnancy:
- The composition of the blood changes;fibrinogen increases during pregnancy.It is “responsible” for the viscosity of the blood.This means that the blood becomes thicker, it is more difficult to flow through the vessels and normal blood flow is disrupted.Therefore, the veins cannot support it and expand.Additionally, as fibrinogen increases, the risk of blood clots increases.
- An increase in the level of progesterone in the blood is an unfavorable factor for blood vessels.The fact is that this hormone reduces the tone of the uterus, thereby protecting the body from miscarriages and premature birth.And at the same time, vascular tone decreases.
- Blood volume almost doubles during pregnancy;this increase leads to the fact that the vessels cannot cope with the unusual volume of blood and become deformed.
- As mentioned above, fetal growth creates increased pressure on blood vessels.
In addition, a woman may have indirect factors unfavorable for the development of varicose veins during pregnancy:
- hereditary factor;
- rapid weight gain;
- insufficient presence of fiber and vitamins in the diet of pregnant women;
- low mobility.
If the mother suffered from varicose veins on the legs during pregnancy, her daughter will most likely have this problem.
Symptoms of varicose veins during pregnancy
At the beginning of the disease, a woman may not experience any symptoms.Then spider veins and spider veins appear.But few people pay attention to it.But when swelling of the legs appears in the evening, as well as night cramps, many are suspicious.
Then, the veins become visible to the naked eye;they “extend” to the surface of the skin of the legs.This not only spoils the appearance, but also causes concern.After all, it could be even worse!Indeed, blood clots can form in dilated veins, which already threatens the life of the woman and the fetus.
It is impossible to completely cure varicose veins during pregnancy;you can get rid of the pathology only after childbirth.
Additionally, if you have varicose veins on your legs during pregnancy, you may be concerned about:
- heaviness in the legs;
- difficulty moving (sometimes the legs swell so much that it becomes difficult to walk);
- shooting pain in the legs.
Of course, many pregnant women dream of getting rid of these symptoms.To do this, you need to contact a phlebologist or surgeon, he will tell you what to do.
The most common types
Varicose veins are not only common in the legs during pregnancy.
There are also varicose veins:
- vulva;
- lips;
- rectum (better known as hemorrhoids).
The most common varicose veins in pregnant women are those of the lower limbs and hemorrhoids.The latter brings a lot of problems to a woman - pain during bowel movements and blood in the stool.If treatment of varicose veins during pregnancy is not started on time, big problems may arise, such as: venous bleeding.To prevent this from happening, you need to consult a doctor in time.He will tell you how to treat varicose veins during pregnancy.
Effective treatment
Currently, there are many remedies for varicose veins for pregnant women.But prescribing them is very dangerous.Because many drugs have serious contraindications.The doctor will prescribe appropriate treatment that will not harm the mother or the baby.
Treatment of varicose veins in pregnant women usually consists of medications taken orally and ointments for external use.But you have to be careful: some of them cannot be used during the first trimester.
You can also use traditional medicine recipes to treat varicose veins in pregnant women.But you need to consult your doctor first, because many of these recipes can harm the baby's life.
Popular methods of struggle
Here are some of the useful traditional medicine recipes for pregnant women:
- Apple cider vinegar.It can be applied to areas of the legs affected by varicose veins or taken orally, but only in a special dose.You should add no more than 1 teaspoon of vinegar to a glass of water and drink it once a day.Within a month after such treatment, positive changes will appear.
- Horse chestnut.This plant always takes first place among remedies for treating varicose veins.Because it perfectly strengthens the vascular wall, relieves swelling, relieves cramps and heaviness in the legs.In consultation with your doctor, you can rub horse chestnut tincture into your veins and drink it internally.You need to take the tincture twice a day, a certain number of drops prescribed by your doctor.After ten days you need to take a break.Then the reception can be repeated.
- Green tomatoes.You need to cut the tomato in half lengthwise and then apply it to the painful areas of your legs.You need to hold it until a burning sensation appears.Some people attach them to their feet overnight and wash them with cold water in the morning.
- Kalanchoe tinctureYou can rub your feet, you must do it every day for three months.
- Potato.It is necessary to grate several raw potatoes on a coarse grater, apply the paste to a cloth and make a compress.Bandage it tightly and remove it after 4 hours.
- Mugwort.Grind wormwood flowers until smooth, dilute with milk and apply to feet.Bandage firmly, remove the compress after 2 hours.
Therapeutic gymnastics
Therapeutic gymnastics is also very useful against varicose veins.There are several exercises for pregnant women that can reduce the occurrence of this condition.
Here are some of them:
- Sit on a chair, perform circular movements of the feet with each leg in turn.Repeat 10 times.
- Lying on your back, carefully raise your legs and perform leg movements that mimic cycling.
- While standing, rise on your tiptoes and roll onto your heels.Repeat 10 times.
- Walk in place without lifting your socks off the ground for 2 minutes.
It is very useful to go down the steps.It is also important to spend a lot of time walking in the fresh air - walking normalizes blood flow.After the exercise, you should lie on your back with your legs elevated by 20 degrees.
The basics of prevention
The use of compression stockings is a good prevention and treatment of varicose veins.Your treating physician will help you choose the type and compression.
There are several types of compression stockings:
- tights;
- down;
- golf courses;
- elastic bandages.
Tights against varicose veins for pregnant women are used in case of extensive varicose veins on large areas of the legs, from the feet to the hips.For small varicose veins up to the knees, high socks are used.Elastic bandages tied to the feet and then bandaged to the thigh also help successfully.
The main treatment for varicose veins during pregnancy is aimed at preventing thrombosis and ensuring good blood circulation.
Knitwear should be put on in the morning, preferably without getting out of bed.Before that, you can apply medicinal cream.Then you need to lie down for another ten minutes to normalize blood circulation.You can wear it all day by taking it off before going to bed.
A woman who becomes pregnant should take the following steps to prevent varicose veins:
- Sleep on your left side at night.This has a beneficial effect on the fetus and the mother's blood vessels.
- Walk more in the fresh air.During movement, the vascular wall is strengthened, the blood is saturated with oxygen, and the blood composition improves.Walking prevents the formation of blood clots.
- Normalize nutrition;A pregnant woman's diet should contain all the necessary minerals and vitamins.You can also take vitamin complexes.
- Do special gymnastics for pregnant women.
- Avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time.
- Make sure the pregnant woman's weight does not increase too quickly.
- Wear comfortable low-heeled shoes.
- To support the abdomen, you must use a special bandage.
- Do not smoke or drink alcohol under any circumstances.
- It is useful for pregnant women to visit the pool.
- A contrast shower strengthens blood vessels very well.It should only be taken in the morning.Hot baths, baths and saunas are prohibited during pregnancy.
- Rest more with your legs elevated.
And you must definitely follow the doctor's recommendations, otherwise the unpleasant consequences of varicose veins cannot be avoided.
Consequences of the development of the disease
If varicose veins are not treated, quite serious complications are possible.Some of them even threaten the lives of the mother and baby.
Here are some complications of varicose veins during pregnancy:
- Thrombosis.Blood clots can form in enlarged veins.Sometimes they break off and move through ships, which is very dangerous.
- Pulmonary embolism.It is a serious and potentially fatal condition when a blood clot travels to the lungs, impeding blood flow and oxygen delivery.There are no preliminary symptoms, which makes diagnosis of the disease difficult.
- Thrombophlebitis.A blood clot in a vessel causes inflammation.In this case, redness and swelling of the limb are visible.Symptoms include severe pain and itching in a certain area.
- Trophic ulcer.This complication occurs with varicose veins and diabetes mellitus.In this case, not only the skin, but also the bones and tendons are inflamed.The process takes a long time to develop and various infections are attached to it.
That is why, in order to avoid such terrible complications, it is necessary to detect the disease in time and start treatment.It is important to follow all instructions from the treating physician.