Pregnancy is undoubtedly a wonderful time in life for any woman.But it is often associated with various anxieties and complications.One of them is varicose veins during pregnancy.The growth of the fetus puts a lot of pressure on a woman's legs, and sometimes the blood vessels can't bear it, and this unpleasant condition occurs.It not only destroys the appearance, but is also quite dangerous to health and even life.More on this in the article.
Main causes of pathology
Varicose veins are quite common in pregnant women.One in three women experience this condition.
There are several causes of varicose veins during pregnancy:
- Changes in blood composition; fibrinogen increases during pregnancy.It is "responsible" for blood viscosity.This means the blood becomes thicker and more difficult to move through the vessels, and normal blood flow is disrupted.Therefore, the veins cannot withstand it and become dilated.Additionally, as fibrinogen increases, the likelihood of blood clots increases.
- An increase in progesterone in the blood is detrimental to blood vessels.In fact, this hormone reduces the tone of the uterus and protects the body from miscarriage and premature birth.At the same time, blood vessel tone decreases.
- Blood volume nearly doubles during pregnancy; this increase causes blood vessels to be unable to cope with the abnormal volume of blood and become deformed.
- As mentioned above, fetal growth can cause increased pressure on blood vessels.
In addition, women may also have indirect adverse factors for the development of varicose veins during pregnancy:
- genetic factors;
- rapid weight gain;
- Insufficient fiber and vitamins in the diet of pregnant women;
- Liquidity is low.
If a mother develops varicose veins in her legs during pregnancy, there is a good chance her daughter will develop the problem as well.
Symptoms of varicose veins during pregnancy
In the early stages of the disease, women may not feel any symptoms at all.Then spider veins and spider veins appear.But few pay attention to them.But when leg swelling and nighttime cramps occur at night, many people become wary.
Next, the veins become visible to the naked eye; they "extend" to the surface of the leg skin.This is not only unsightly but also causes concern.After all, it could be worse!In fact, blood clots can form in dilated veins, which already threatens the life of women and fetuses.
It is impossible to completely cure varicose veins during pregnancy; the pathology can be eliminated only after delivery.
Additionally, if you develop varicose veins in your legs during pregnancy, you may be concerned about:
- heaviness in legs;
- Difficulty moving (sometimes severe swelling of the legs makes walking difficult);
- Persistent 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, who will tell you what to do.
most common type
Varicose veins are not only common on the legs during pregnancy.
And varicose veins:
- vulva;
- labia; labia;
- Rectum (better known as hemorrhoids).
The most common varicose veins in pregnant women are varicose veins of the lower limbs and hemorrhoids.The latter brings a lot of trouble to women - painful defecation, bloody stools.If treatment for varicose veins during pregnancy is not started promptly, major problems may occur, such as venous bleeding.To prevent this from happening, you need to consult a doctor promptly.He'll tell you how to treat varicose veins during pregnancy.
effective treatment
Currently, there are many treatments for varicose veins in pregnant women.But prescribing yourself medication can be very dangerous.Because many drugs have serious contraindications.The doctor will prescribe appropriate treatment that will not harm the mother or baby.
Treatment for varicose veins in pregnant women usually includes oral medications and topical ointments.But it’s important to note: some medications cannot be used in early pregnancy.
You can also use traditional medicine recipes to treat varicose veins in pregnant women.But first you need to consult your doctor as many of these recipes may be harmful to your baby's life.
civil struggle methods
Here are some traditional medicine recipes useful for pregnant women:
- Apple cider vinegar.It can be rubbed into the areas of the legs affected by varicose veins, or taken by mouth, but only in special doses.Add no more than a teaspoon of vinegar to a glass of water and drink it once a day.Within a month of such treatment, positive changes will appear.
- Buckeye.This plant always ranks at the top of the list of remedies for treating varicose veins.Because it perfectly strengthens the walls of blood vessels, relieves swelling, relieves leg cramps and heaviness.After consulting your doctor, you can apply horse chestnut tincture to your veins and take it internally.You need to take the tincture twice a day, taking a certain number of drops prescribed by your doctor.After ten days you need to take a break.The reception can then be repeated.
- Green tomatoes.You need to cut the tomato in half lengthwise and apply it on the sore areas of your legs.You need to hold it down until a burning sensation occurs.Some people tie them to their feet overnight and wash them off with cold water in the morning.
- Kalanchoe tinctureYou can rub your feet and do this every day for three months.
- Potato.You need to grate a few raw potatoes on a coarse grater, spread the paste on a cloth and compress it.Wrap it tightly and remove it after 4 hours.
- Sagebrush.Grind mugwort flowers until smooth, dilute with milk and apply on feet.Apply the bandage tightly and remove the compress after 2 hours.
therapeutic gymnastics
Therapeutic gymnastics are also great for varicose veins.There are several exercises suitable for pregnant women that can reduce the occurrence of this disease.
Here are some of them:
- Sit on a chair and take turns making circular motions with your feet.Repeat 10 times.
- Lie on your back and carefully lift your legs, making a leg motion that mimics riding a bicycle.
- While standing, stand on your tiptoes and roll onto your heels.Repeat 10 times.
- Walk in place for 2 minutes without lifting your socks off the ground.
Very useful for walking down steps.It's also important to spend plenty of time walking in the fresh air - walking normalizes blood flow.After the exercise, you need to lie on your back and raise your legs 20 degrees.
Prevention Basics
A great way to prevent and treat varicose veins is to use compression stockings.Your primary care physician will help you choose the type and pressure.
There are several types of compression socks:
- leggings;
- stockings;
- golf;
- Elastic bandage.
Varicose vein compression garments for pregnant women are used to treat widespread varicose veins in large areas of the legs, from feet to buttocks.For small varicose veins in the area below the knee, knee socks can be used.Tying an elastic bandage around the foot and then around the thigh can also help.
The main purpose of treatment for varicose veins during pregnancy is to prevent thrombosis and ensure good blood circulation.
Knitwear should be put on in the morning, preferably without getting out of bed.Before that, you can apply ointment.You then need to lie down for another ten minutes to normalize blood circulation.You can wear it all day and take it off before bed.
Pregnant women should take the following steps to prevent varicose veins:
- Sleep on your left side at night.This has beneficial effects on both the fetal and maternal blood vessels.
- Walk more and get some fresh air.During exercise, blood vessel walls are strengthened, blood is saturated with oxygen, and blood composition is improved.Walking can prevent blood clots.
- Nutritional normalization; the diet of a pregnant woman should contain all necessary minerals and vitamins.You can also take a multivitamin.
- Do special gymnastics for pregnant women.
- Avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time.
- Make sure pregnant women don't gain weight too quickly.
- Wear comfortable, low-heeled shoes.
- To support the abdomen, special bandages are used.
- Do not smoke or drink alcohol under any circumstances.
- It is useful for pregnant women to go to the swimming pool.
- Contrast showers are great for strengthening blood vessels.It should only be taken in the morning.Hot baths, baths and saunas are prohibited during pregnancy.
- Get plenty of rest and keep your legs elevated.
And be sure to follow your doctor's advice, otherwise the adverse consequences of varicose veins are inevitable.
consequences of disease development
If varicose veins are not treated, quite serious complications can occur.Some of them even threaten the lives of mothers and babies.
Here are some complications of varicose veins during pregnancy:
- Thrombosis.Blood clots can form in enlarged veins.They can sometimes break off and pass through the boat, which can be very dangerous.
- Pulmonary embolism.This is a serious and life-threatening condition when blood clots travel to the lungs, blocking blood circulation and oxygen supply.There are no initial symptoms, which makes diagnosing the disease difficult.
- Thrombophlebitis.Blood clots in blood vessels can cause inflammation.In this case, redness and swelling of the limb are visible.Symptoms include severe pain and itching in specific areas.
- Nutritional ulcer.This complication occurs with varicose veins and diabetes.In this case, not only the skin, but also the bones and tendons become inflamed.This process takes a long time to develop and various infections can attach themselves to it.
That is why, in order to avoid this terrible complication, it is necessary to detect the disease in time and start treatment.It is very important to follow all instructions from your treating doctor.