From varicose veins during pregnancy. Varicose veins in the legs during pregnancy: what to do to avoid this disease? Varicose veins of the labia

Few women over 20 have not heard of spider veins, varicose veins, and edema. Well, if they have nothing to do with you, but few are in perfect health these days. Let us dwell in more detail on such a pathology as varicose veins, because 28% of all women have it.

What you need to know about varicose veins

Varicose disease is considered a predominantly female ailment, the victims of which can be even twenty-five-year-old girls. With this pathology, the walls of the saphenous veins lose their elasticity and some parts of the vessels lose their shape, while the so-called knots and stars are formed.

People don’t die from varicose veins, but if you start it, it threatens with complications and can even lead to disability.

Signs and symptoms of the disease

Varicose veins do not appear suddenly, they develop gradually. If a person takes care of his health, he will not allow the disease to develop to the last stage. Here are the signs and symptoms that indicate varicose veins:

• severe pain in the legs;
• thickened or tortuous, dark blue or purple veins on the legs;
• cramps of the lower extremities;
• the presence of uneven pigmentation in the ankles and legs;
• ulcerative defects.

Particular discomfort is caused by constant pain, which can cause suffering not only while walking, but also at night. They look like joint pains.

Causes of the disease

• Heredity. If close relatives suffer from varicose veins, the person is likely to also be susceptible to this disease. Congenital weakness of the venous wall is inherited
• Prolonged wearing of high heels, stay upright
• chronic diseases(cirrhosis, hepatitis)
• Overweight and obesity
• Pregnancy
• Intense physical activity

Three stages of varicose veins

The stages of varicose veins can be compared to the steps on the stairs: the further you climb, the harder it is to go. The same is with varicose veins: the more severe the stage of the disease, the stronger the pain and the worse the condition of the veins.

There are three stages in total. All of them can have consequences not only for the legs, but for the whole body.

First stage characterized by swelling, heaviness and pain in the legs, the appearance of knotty veins, asterisks, and possible cramps and burning in the area of ​​​​the feet and calves.

At the second stage varicose asterisks and knots become more noticeable, their number increases. It becomes more and more difficult to endure the increasing pain. The size of the edema also increases.

Third stage, the latter, is characterized by a change in the skin of the legs (it becomes lifeless, cracking), pigmentation on the legs changes, venous nodes protrude more strongly. "Venous clusters" can burst with any injury, thereby forming an ulcer.

Features of planning and managing pregnancy with varicose veins

There is no exact information on how to plan a pregnancy for those who have varicose veins. Expectant mothers need to know after surgical removal or sclerotherapy of veins, it is worth refraining from conception for 1 year.

Another caveat: since compression underwear is recommended in the presence of varicose veins, it is worth planning a pregnancy for the cold season. True, it is not always possible to plan this.

A special case is varicose disease of the vessels of the small pelvis and uterus, in which the blood supply to these organs is disturbed. With this disease, a woman cannot become pregnant, so it is important to do ultrasound and dopplerography in advance, at the planning stage.

Women with varicose veins can maintain and endure pregnancy if they take preventive measures against complications. The method of childbirth is chosen by the doctor individually for each pregnant woman.

During childbirth, be sure to bandage your legs or put on special underwear. This is necessary in order to prevent the backflow of blood into the veins during attempts.

Why are varicose veins dangerous during pregnancy?

As a rule, varicose veins in pregnant women appear by the 4th and 5th months of pregnancy. At this time, the venous pressure in the legs increases, the speed of blood flow in the veins slows down.

If nothing is done, this pathology can complicate the course of pregnancy, the birth itself and the period after the birth of the child.

Due to venous stasis in the pelvis, uterine contraction will worsen and this can cause bleeding and thrombophlebitis. So, the expectant mother needs to seek help at an early stage to avoid risk.

For the baby, varicose veins of the lower extremities of the mother are not dangerous.

Treatment and prevention of varicose veins during pregnancy

Varicose veins during pregnancy is not a reason to immediately stop physical activity and sports. If you turn to phlebologists, they will tell you what exercises are effective for relieving stress from the veins and maintaining good physical shape.

Simple gymnastics is indicated during pregnancy to everyone without exception. For example, you can roll from heel to toe and back, and so on at least 10 times.

Surgical intervention and taking pills are possible only in severe forms of the disease.

In the second and third trimester you can use ointments with an anticoagulant effect.

In the first trimester there is a laying of all organs and systems of the child, so no treatment is allowed at this time. It is better to do your best to avoid varicose veins.

To avoid varicose veins during pregnancy, you should wear therapeutic compression underwear.

• swim, go for walks to improve blood circulation;
• sometimes keep your legs elevated;
• do not stand in one position for a long time;
• wear loose clothing;
• avoid being overweight.

Treatment of varicose veins with folk remedies

In folk medicine, lotions, infusions, ointments, and foot baths are used to treat varicose veins.

They help only with the initial form, if the disease is pronounced, traditional medicine is used as an auxiliary treatment.

For compresses you can use the following infusions:
1. Mix 500 ml of curdled milk with 3 tablespoons of chopped wormwood (herbs and flowers) and apply on cheesecloth. It can be applied to the veins and covered with wax paper. This compress should be kept on your feet 2 times a day for 20 minutes.

2. Take a glass of boiling water, hop cones and heat for 20 minutes in a water bath. Next, the steamed raw materials are removed, and a compress is prepared from the broth.

3. Pharmaceutical chamomile fill into a bottle and pour any vegetable oil. After a month, strain everything, squeeze it out, and apply the oil on your feet 2 times a day.

Foot baths can be taken several times a week. The infusion can be prepared from any medicinal herbs. To do this, they need to be heated in a water bath (10 minutes), insist in a thermos, strain and remove the raw materials. Pour the resulting infusion into a bowl and add water. After the bath, you should do a massage and lie down a little with raised legs.

For oral administration you can use medicinal herbs such as meadow clover, wild strawberries, calendula, motherwort. For example, clover is taken as follows: take 2 tablespoons of grass, brew, let it brew and after two hours remove the grass by filtering. Take this infusion 4 times a day for half a glass.

Varicose veins are curable, but it is better to prevent them.

Women suffer from varicose veins several times more often than men. During pregnancy, hidden pathological conditions or a predisposition to such in the body of the expectant mother become aggravated, leading to the appearance of the notorious asterisks and nets on the legs.

A popular myth is that varicose veins are almost an obligatory companion of all women in position. However, many women calmly bear a child, unaware of the possibility of congestion in the veins. In others, the disease manifests itself only in later periods or with repeated pregnancies.

What do you need to know to successfully resist it, and how to safely treat it?

Statistics inform that with signs of varicose veins faced by up to 50% of expectant mothers, most of them - in the later stages. The main "culprits" of the disease during pregnancy are:

• Change in hormonal balance. In the blood of a pregnant woman, the content of the hormone progesterone, which is necessary for successful gestation, increases. Progesterone reduces the tone of the muscular walls of the uterus, and at the same time the walls of blood vessels.
• Increase in circulating blood volume(up to 1.5 times), which increases the likelihood of congestion.
• Pressure of the growing uterus on the deep veins, resulting in impaired blood circulation in the legs, pelvic organs.
• Change in blood chemistry, primarily the growth of fibrinogen. This is an important factor in the blood clotting system, the change of which increases the risk of blood clots. The blood becomes more "viscous", its flow through the vessels is difficult.

All these factors can only be slightly manifested at the beginning of pregnancy, but progress closer to childbirth. Varicose veins most clearly manifest themselves in the last months.

Indirect factors of varicose veins in pregnant women can include:

• genetic factor. If there were women in the family who suffered from varicose veins, they almost certainly passed on the predisposition by inheritance.
• Weight gain, especially rapid weight gain (the circulatory system does not have time to adapt to stress).
• Low physical activity.
• Improper diet, insufficient fiber intake.

Blood comes in into the lower part of the body and limbs through large vessels, and it is there that varicose phenomena begin. Veins do not provide a full flow of blood and its timely return to the heart. Stagnation occurs, the pressure in the veins increases, bursting them from the inside and deforming them.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

The disease can signal itself, without yet manifesting outwardly:

• Swelling of the legs, especially of the feet, progressing in the evening. Shoes become tight.
• Night cramps in the legs, a feeling of heat, fullness, tingling, discomfort.
• Pigmentation of the skin on the legs.

In late pregnancy Varicose veins can appear not only on the legs. Pregnant women suffer from expansion,. It is also the cause of such an intimate problem as hemorrhoids.

With the progression of the disease under the skin of the lower extremities specific vascular asterisks appear, legs are speckled with a network of capillaries. Larger vessels can be affected by varicose veins, while the pattern of veins becomes more distinct, bulges and nodules form under the skin.

The diagnosis is made on the basis of the patient's clinical picture and complaints by a specialist in vein disease: a phlebologist or vascular surgeon.

Safe Treatments

Varicose veins can greatly overshadow the period of bearing a child. To put up with him is not only unnecessary, but also fraught with complications.

The main treatment for varicose veins during pregnancy is aimed at preventing thrombosis and ensuring good blood circulation. First of all pregnant The following useful points should be taken into account:

Pregnant women with problematic veins are shown wearing special compression stockings. For the prevention of the disease, compression class No. 1 is recommended, with pronounced signs of varicose veins, it can be increased to No. 2. Elastic compression improves blood circulation several times, keeping the veins in good shape. Before buying stockings, be sure to take measurements of each leg in the morning, before swelling appears.

Medical stockings for varicose veins in pregnant women will have to be worn throughout the pregnancy, including childbirth, and for some period after the birth of the child.

For more useful information on the topic, see the video:

List of drugs

In addition to compression stockings, gymnastics and healthy lifestyle advice The doctor may also recommend medications.

Local preparations are available in the form ointments, creams and gels, are applied directly to the affected area of ​​the skin, usually 2-3 times a day. Since they penetrate only to a limited depth, they do not affect the cause of the disease.

Phlebotonics for oral use have a general venotonic effect, reduce the permeability of vessel walls, and increase their elasticity. The duration and regimen of treatment are determined by the doctor and the instructions for the drug..

What can't be done?

The use of any drugs for varicose veins during pregnancy should be taken with the utmost seriousness. This is not the case when you can self-medicate. Any remedy must be prescribed by a doctor. Only a specialist will be able to choose a competent combination of funds that will give the maximum effect with a minimum of side effects.

• prolonged exposure to the sun,
• visiting a sauna or bath,
• cosmetic procedures that cause microtrauma of the skin (peeling, hot wax epilation, etc.).

Qualified treatment and compliance with all recommendations allows in a short time (up to 1 month) to achieve good compensation for blood flow and prevent the progression of the disease.

When is urgent medical attention required?

Varicose veins are not dangerous in and of themselves, and mostly only cause inconvenience due to cosmetic defects. However neglected cases are fraught with very serious complications often requiring urgent medical attention. The most formidable of them include:

• . Thrombus formation in the lumen of a vein. The place of the thrombus is compacted to the touch, painful, with hot skin. When there is a pronounced edema.
• . Blockage of both the pulmonary artery itself and its branches can occur. In the latter case, the diagnosis is difficult, since there are no pronounced symptoms. Caused by blood clots in the veins of the legs or pelvis.
• . Preceding thromboembolic condition. It is treated with anticoagulants (blood thinners), the appointment of elastic compression is mandatory.
• Trophic ulcers. Inflammation of the skin, bones and tendons when blood vessels are destroyed. A long-term developing process, which is aggravated by diabetes mellitus.

These pathologies can be associated various infections such as erysipelas, etc.

During pregnancy, especially listen carefully to changes in your body. A general or local increase in body temperature, thickened painful areas on the skin, a change in its color, severe swelling are reasons for an urgent visit to a doctor.

With the diagnosis of "varicose veins", the observation of a phlebologist is indicated throughout the entire period of pregnancy.

If the veins are in good condition and the disease did not manifest itself in any way before pregnancy, all signs will disappear after childbirth. The most effective way to prevent varicose veins in pregnant women is a healthy lifestyle, coupled with simple recommendations for vein tone.

Pregnancy imposes restrictions on the tactics of treating the disease, therefore conservative treatments are usually used varicose veins. Operative methods of intervention are postponed for the period after childbirth, except for the presence of serious medical indications for such.

Varicose veins are one of the most common phenomena that expectant mothers face in the most crucial period of their lives. According to statistics, approximately 20-30% of women experience this disease during their first pregnancy, and in the future, the risks increase significantly: 40-60% of those who give birth for the second time, and up to 80% for the third pregnancy. Varicose veins are not just a cosmetic defect, but also a serious violation that can lead to unpleasant consequences, so you should start dealing with it immediately after the first symptoms appear.

Varicose veins can occur in a woman at any time, but pregnancy creates the most favorable conditions for the development of the disease. During the period of bearing a child, the expectant mother increases body weight and the amount of blood circulating in the vessels of the legs, changes in the hormonal background occur. In addition, the uterus begins to put a lot of pressure on the vessels and veins, due to which the blood flow in the lower extremities worsens.

If such phenomena are accompanied by sedentary work, wearing uncomfortable shoes, malnutrition or genetic pathologies, varicose veins begin to progress quite quickly.

Attention: the tendency to varicose veins can be recognized even before pregnancy - it is indicated by a bluish mesh of vessels, which is found on the legs of some women. In this case, a woman should pay special attention to the health of the lower extremities, since during the period of bearing a baby, she may develop varicose veins.

Signs of varicose veins

Varicose veins develop due to defects in the vein valves and thinning of their walls, as a result of which there is a violation of blood flow (most often in the legs, less often in the veins of the small pelvis and vagina). The first signs of the disease include:

• rapid fatigue of the lower extremities, subsequently developing into severe discomfort and even pain;
• cramps and swelling, which usually appear in the late afternoon;
• the appearance of "nets", "asterisks" and "worms", that is, clearly visible sections of the veins;
• veins acquire a lilac or bluish color and begin to bulge strongly above the surface of the skin;
• the appearance of skin ulcers and trophic ulcers.

Important: in the advanced stage of the disease, a serious complication may occur that requires immediate medical attention - node rupture, accompanied by severe bleeding.

Why are varicose veins dangerous?

Varicose veins of the lower extremities are often combined with varicose veins of the vagina, which adversely affects the course of pregnancy and recovery after childbirth. The consequence of the disease is often hemorrhoids, cracks in the vagina and rectum, which can bleed. Despite the fact that bleeding in this case is insignificant, it negatively affects the development and health of the child. Accordingly, varicose veins in pregnant women should by no means be ignored - if treatment is started at an early stage, the disease will not have undesirable consequences for the expectant mother and baby.

Treatment of varicose veins in pregnant women

Sometimes the symptoms of varicose veins in expectant mothers go away on their own after childbirth - this happens when the woman's veins were in good condition before conception. But in most cases, the problem begins to worsen, causing serious discomfort to the expectant mother. For the treatment of varicose veins and the fight against unpleasant symptoms, creams and gels are most often used, which should be chosen taking into account the “interesting” position of the patient.

Creams and gels against varicose veins for pregnant women

Attention: despite the fact that the above drugs do not penetrate the placental barrier and have an exclusively local effect, it is necessary to consult a doctor before use.

Video - How to prevent varicose veins during pregnancy

Treatment with folk remedies

Alternative recipes against varicose veins are considered safer than pharmacological drugs, but when using them, you should also be careful and monitor the body's reaction.

1. hop cones. The most common remedy for varicose veins. You need to take a tablespoon of cones, steam with a glass of boiling water, put in a water bath for 20 minutes, filter and squeeze. Use for the preparation of compresses: apply to a flap of natural tissue, wrap the affected areas, hold for 20 minutes, and the limbs should lie on a slight elevation. Do 2 procedures per day.

   

   Hop cones are the most common remedy for varicose veins.

2. horse chestnut. Extracts from this plant are part of almost all drugs intended for the treatment of varicose veins, thrombophlebitis and other vascular diseases, since the plant has anti-inflammatory, decongestant and tonic effects. The decoction is prepared in the same way as in the previous case, and the compress can be left overnight.
3. Chamomile. Pharmaceutical chamomile is another common remedy that reduces inflammation, swelling and cools the skin. Take a glass bottle, fill it tightly with flowers almost to the brim and pour any vegetable oil so that it covers the flowers. Insist for a month, periodically shaking the container well. Filter, squeeze well, rub the oil into the skin 1-2 times a day.

   

4. Calendula. Steam a tablespoon of flowers with a glass of boiling water, hold for an hour under the lid, filter. Melt 200 g of lanolin (available at the pharmacy) and mix well with 50 g of calendula infusion. Apply the resulting ointment to the affected areas 1-2 times a day, can be used for compresses at night.
5. Herbal preparations. Another good remedy for varicose veins is foot baths with calendula, chamomile, horse chestnut, birch leaves, hop cones, birch leaves. Take 200 g of herbs, chop, steam 2 liters of boiling water, heat for 10 minutes in a water bath, then leave for another hour in a well-closed container. Filter, pour into a suitable container (the temperature should not be higher than 38 degrees), lower your legs, hold for 10-15 minutes. After the procedure, make a light massage and lie with your legs elevated for at least 40 minutes. It should be noted that such a procedure is contraindicated in acute thrombophlebitis.

   

   Herbal preparations are a good remedy for varicose veins

Internally, to combat the symptoms of varicose veins, you can take viburnum juice or blueberry fruit juice(grind 250 g of berries, squeeze out the liquid, add a tablespoon of honey), infusions from the leaves of strawberries, lingonberries- steam a tablespoon of leaves with a glass of boiling water, leave for half an hour, drink instead of regular tea.

Attention: for the preparation of compresses (especially those that are used for a long time), it is not recommended to use cellophane and cling film, as this can lead to diaper rash.

Prevention of varicose veins

If there is a tendency to varicose veins, prevention should be carried out in advance, but if the symptoms of the disease have already appeared, the expectant mother should follow certain recommendations and rules in order to prevent complications.

Varicose veins are a gradually developing chronic disease. It is characterized by an uneven increase in the diameter and length of the saphenous veins, their tortuosity, the formation of saccular extensions - nodes in places of thinning of the venous wall. There are several factors that predispose to the onset and development of the disease. First of all, it is a congenital weakness of the connective tissue, which means weakness of the muscles and walls of the veins themselves. If one of the parents had varicose veins, then the chance of inheriting it in a child is 68%, and if both parents suffered from this disease, then the risk rises to almost 79%.

Harmful working conditions also influence the onset of the disease, and for veins it is almost equally bad when during work you have only to stand, only walk or just sit, that is, harmful physical monotony. However, walking is still better than sitting, and sitting is better than standing. Excess body weight, smoking, chronic constipation and pregnancy also predispose to varicose veins. Pregnancy is a risk factor because the enlarging uterus compresses the veins of the small pelvis, and then the inferior vena cava, thereby increasing intravenous pressure and preventing venous outflow.

How is the disease progressing?

There are three stages of varicose veins:

stage of compensation. Dilated veins and varicose veins are visible under the skin, complaints of increased fatigue and a feeling of heaviness in the legs appear.

Stage of subcompensation or partial compensation. At this stage of the development of varicose veins, pain occurs. The feeling of heaviness of fullness in the legs is more pronounced. After a long load, swelling appears on the affected limb, which gradually disappears in the supine position with raised legs. There may be cramps in the calf muscles at night.

stage of decompensation. Edema is pronounced and practically disappears in the supine position. Venous nodes are significant, dilated veins are clearly visible under the skin, which becomes dry, easily injured, bluish-purple in color. This stage is characterized by the occurrence of trophic ulcers, which can even appear by themselves, without visible damage to the skin as a result of a violation of its blood supply.

In the second and third stages of varicose veins, a serious complication can occur - acute thrombophlebitis - a rupture of a varicose vein with bleeding. This condition requires prompt surgical intervention.

For the treatment of the disease in the initial stage and for its prevention, you can use therapeutic exercises, herbal medicine, sometimes it is enough just to follow a few simple rules. But at the stage of subcompensation, and even more so decompensation, in the event of complications, specialized medical care is indispensable!

Treatment

Gymnastics against varicose veins. Therapeutic gymnastics is a very important, necessary component of a comprehensive and effective treatment and prevention of varicose veins: it improves venous and lymphatic outflow. Before you start performing therapeutic exercises, consult your obstetrician-gynecologist if you have any contraindications, such as increased uterine tone, etc.

As a warm-up (even at the workplace), several times a day, you can perform the following simple exercise: rhythmically transfer your weight, rolling from heel to toe and back, repeating the movement 10-15 times.

ethnoscience for the prevention and treatment of the initial forms of varicose veins, he uses infusions, lotions, and foot baths with infusions of medicinal herbs, and ointments. Of course, if the disease is already expressed, then herbal medicine can only be considered as an auxiliary treatment. If you do not have individual intolerance, then from the recipes below you can choose the most effective and convenient for you.

These infusions can be used for compresses:

1. Carefully chop the herb with wormwood flowers, mix 3 tablespoons of it with 500 ml of fresh curdled milk, mix everything, apply on gauze (or a soft cloth). Attach to the site of the greatest expansion of the veins, cover with wax paper. Hold such a compress for 20 minutes lying down, while the legs should lie on a low pillow in an elevated position. If necessary, two such procedures can be done per day.
2. Prepare an infusion of ordinary hop cones at the rate of 1 tablespoon of raw materials per glass of boiling water, heat in a water bath for 20 minutes, strain, squeeze out the steamed raw materials. With a decoction, prepare a compress, as in the first recipe.
3. In the same way, prepare an infusion of horse chestnut leaves or flowers. A compress with it can be put on all night, in the morning after removing the compress, wash your feet with cool water.
4. Fill a pharmacy bottle with fresh chamomile flowers and pour vegetable oil (you can use olive oil). Infuse for a month, periodically shaking the contents of the bottle. Strain, squeeze out the remainder. Gently rub the oil into the skin over dilated veins 1-2 times a day (morning and night).
5. Grind horse chestnut fruits without peel into a fine powder. Pour 50 g of this powder with a glass of vegetable oil. Before going to bed, gently massage the legs with this oil in the direction from the feet to the thigh. Shake the oil before use.
6. A tablespoon of crushed flowers of calendula officinalis brew a glass of boiling water and leave for an hour in a thermos, strain. Melt 200 g of lanolin in a water bath and mix until smooth with 50 g of infusion. Gently rub the ointment into the skin over dilated veins 1-2 times a day. You can do compresses with this ointment at night. Store the ointment in the refrigerator.
7. At night, you can make compresses with scalded cabbage leaves to reduce local inflammation, pain and a feeling of fullness.
8. Steam fresh blackberry leaves with gray in boiling water for 5 minutes, use warm leaves for a compress. Apply the compress directly to places with varicose veins.
9. Foot baths with herbal infusions are taken 2-3 times a week. To prepare the infusion, brew 200 g of crushed vegetable raw materials with 2 liters of boiling water, heat for 10 minutes in a water bath and leave for another hour in a thermos, strain, squeeze out the steamed raw materials. Pour into a basin, add water so that the temperature of the solution is not more than 38 ° C (high temperature baths are contraindicated during pregnancy). The duration of the procedure is about 10-15 minutes. After it, you need to do a light relaxing foot massage with stroking movements in the direction from the foot to the thigh and lie down with your legs elevated for at least another 40 minutes. It is better to do this complex of procedures before going to bed. Baths are contraindicated in complicated forms of the disease (acute thrombophlebitis, trophic ulcers, etc.).

Attention! Do not use cellophane for compresses, especially long ones. It can provoke the development of diaper rash.

You can use the following fees:

• Mix in equal parts grass cudweed swamp, birch leaves, meadow clover flowers.
• Take equal proportions of hop seedlings, chamomile flowers and common hazel leaves.

For oral administration, you can brew the following collections of medicinal herbs

1. Infusion of red clover flowers. A tablespoon of chopped raw materials for 2 cups of boiling water, brew in a thermos and leave for 2 hours, strain. Take a third - half a glass 4 times a day.
2. Prepare a collection of equal parts of lingonberry leaves, wild strawberry leaves, coltsfoot leaves, viburnum flowers, calendula officinalis flowers and five-lobed motherwort grass. Brew two tablespoons of the collection with 2 cups of boiling water. Heat in a water bath for 15 minutes, avoiding boiling, and then insist for another 40 minutes in a warm place, strain. Take half a glass 4 times a day.
3. Take in equal proportions the fruits of the common viburnum, the flowers of the calendula officinalis, the leaves of the common cuff, the green straw of the oats, the grass of the nettle, the leaves of the common raspberry and the leaves of the plantain. Prepare and take the infusion in the same way as described in the previous recipe.
4. Mix equally the common blueberry shoots, the fruits of the common mountain ash, the flowers of the medicinal chamomile, the herb of the five-lobed motherwort, the green leaves of the beans, the whole wild strawberry plant, the flowers of the meadow clover, the flowers of the small-leaved linden, the herb of the cudweed marsh. Brew and take in the same way.

How to prevent the development of varicose veins?

• Avoid standing work.
• When sitting, place your feet on a low bench; this will reduce the load on the superficial leg veins.
• During pregnancy, forget about high heels of any type. They disrupt the movements in the foot, restrict them, respectively, and contractions of the leg muscles are limited, the muscle component of blood pumping decreases, which creates conditions for the occurrence and development of venous congestion.
• Do not take hot baths, which dilate and relax the saphenous veins and dilate the arteries at the same time. Thus, blood flow increases, and its outflow slows down - venous congestion is formed.
• Remember that you need daily walks at a brisk pace (thus pumping blood into your calf muscles).
• Swimming is useful for unloading.
• In a sitting position, you can not cross your legs. In this case, the superficial veins of the leg lying on top passing under the knee are clamped.
• It is better to sleep with your legs slightly elevated (pillow).
• It will be useful to wear special medical anti-varicose tights.
• Take a contrast shower.
• It will also help to douse the feet daily, first with warm (but not hot!), And then with cold water, while the temperature difference should not be too large: cold water - 20 degrees, hot - 40. Douse for 2-3 minutes.

Varicose veins are one of the common problems that more than half of women are familiar with. Often the first manifestations or aggravation of the disease occur during the gestation period. This is due to many factors: from changes in hormonal levels and hereditary predisposition to the pressure of the growing uterus on the vessels of the small pelvis. But this problem has a solution. If you know what to do with varicose veins during pregnancy, you can prevent the disease from progressing and protect both yourself and your baby from complications.

Varicose veins are characteristic only for humans, its manifestations affect the lower part of the body. This is primarily due to upright posture and a long stay in an upright position. A huge load is created on the veins, which have to resist gravity and "pump" blood through the venous vessels from the feet to the inferior vena cava and further to the heart. When the veins fail to cope, there is stagnation of blood and all the ensuing consequences.

What is varicose veins

Varicose veins are a disease associated with deformation of the veins, most often of the lower extremities, and a violation of the blood flow in them. The following points play a role in the development of the disease.

• Pathology of the venous wall. Normally, the wall of the veins includes muscle and connective tissue components. This ensures their elasticity, the ability to resist blood flow. With the flabbiness of the walls, the dilated veins can no longer take their original position. So there are "snakes" under the skin.
• Violation of the valve system of the veins. Normally, throughout the entire course of the veins, there are special valves from the inside that prevent blood flow from going in the opposite direction. With varicose veins, there are disturbances in their work. As a result, the blood under the influence of gravity partially returns back.
• Changes in leg muscles. The muscles of the lower extremities play an important role in the prevention of varicose veins. They are like an additional "pumping system", maintain the tone of the veins and prevent the reverse flow of blood.

It is enough for one factor to “give slack”, and the mechanism of varicose veins is launched, which is not so easy to stop.

What provokes him

Varicose veins are very insidious. Unnoticed by a person, it can progress for years until its manifestations lead to serious complications. Pregnancy is a period when all organ systems are in maximum tension, often at the end of their own capabilities. Therefore, at this time, varicose veins often appear for the first time, or a woman notes a significant progression of the disease.

The main factors in gestation

It is important to understand that if the problem was noticed during gestation, it has existed for more than one year. The following factors can be called provocateurs of varicose veins during pregnancy.

• Growing uterus. Already from the 2nd trimester, the uterus occupies most of the space in the small pelvis. This leads to compression of blood vessels and nerve endings. As the period increases, the outflow of venous blood from the lower extremities worsens, it begins to be deposited in the already altered veins and provoke the expansion of others. It is during pregnancy that women often experience varicose veins in the groin or in intimate places (in the area of ​​the clitoris, large and small labia).
• Increased blood volume. The appearance of the second circle of blood circulation (in a child) and the need to provide nutrients to the developing fetus lead to an increase in the volume of circulating blood. The load on the vessels increases. With an existing predisposition to varicose veins or the initial stage of the disease, the veins begin to expand, and the blood in them stagnates.
• Gestagens. A necessary condition for the normal course of pregnancy is a sufficient level of progesterone. It creates conditions for the growth and development of the fetus in the uterus. At the same time, progesterone relaxes smooth muscles - in the intestinal wall, bronchi, uterus, and also in the vessels. This leads to the fact that the veins lose their elasticity, cannot resist the increased blood flow and change into varicose veins.
• Decreased activity. During gestation, women do not lead such an active lifestyle as before. Especially with an increase in gestational age, when a large belly gives an additional load. The work of the muscles is extremely important for the prevention of varicose veins: their contractions additionally push the blood up, preventing reverse flow.

Other reasons

The following points also affect the progression of the disease.

• Heredity. In women with a tendency to varicose veins, the disease develops and progresses faster. As a rule, a careful examination reveals a defect in the connective tissue. Therefore, the walls of the veins, consisting of it, even at the slightest load, undergo varicose changes. In such women, long fingers and toes, increased flexibility, and a tendency to stretch the ligamentous apparatus can be noted. Often they are diagnosed with various types of thrombophilia (disturbances in the blood coagulation system), frozen pregnancies at different times.
• Working conditions. At risk for the development of varicose veins are women who, by the nature of their activities, have to stand on their feet for a long time. These are sellers, hairdressers, doctors.

How the disease manifests itself

Many women believe that they know the main symptoms of varicose veins during pregnancy, meaning dilated and thickened veins. But the clinical picture is much more diverse, it begins to appear long before the varicose veins visible to the eye.

Symptoms of the disease largely depend on the stage. Varicose changes can be exposed not only to the veins of the lower extremities, but also to the external and internal genital organs. The main cause of sexual varicose veins during pregnancy is the growing uterus.

The clinical manifestations of varicose veins in the legs are known to many, but not everyone associates its initial conditions with impaired venous outflow. There are five stages in the development of the disease.

1. Restless Leg Syndrome. There is a feeling of heaviness and aching in the legs in the evening, frequent nocturnal cramps, tingling along the normal veins, multiple spider veins. If varicose veins are in the groin, the woman feels pulling pains in this area.
2. The appearance of modified veins. Over time, the woman notes that the veins on her legs, which were previously barely noticeable, swelled and protrude. Most often, vessels appear on the inner surface of the lower leg, in the popliteal fossa, on the labia. Over time, they turn into "balls of snakes."
3. The appearance of swelling of the legs. As the disease progresses, swelling of the lower extremities is difficult to pass after a night's rest.
4. Change in color of the skin of the legs. In the last stages of the disease, when due to constant stagnation of blood in the lower extremities, tissue nutrition is disrupted, darkening (hyperpigmentation) of the skin occurs. It takes on a brown hue. When probing, tuberosities are determined along the entire limb.
5. The appearance of trophic ulcers. The last stage is characterized by the appearance of ulcers that heal very poorly - for months, even years. A similar manifestation of varicose veins is typical after 20-30 years of development of the disease, and is extremely rare in pregnant women.

Classification

Phlebologists in practice often use the definition of varicose veins by stages and CEAP (international classification). Gradation according to ICD-10 (international classification of diseases from 2010 revision) does not reflect the severity of the disease and is used only for encoding the disease in the documentation.

The following ciphers of varicose veins according to ICD-10 are distinguished:

• I83.9 - varicose veins without complications;
• I83.1 - varicose veins with symptoms of inflammation or dermatitis;
• I83.0 - varicose veins of the lower extremities with the presence of ulcers;
• I83.2 - damage to the veins with deep tissue changes (both with an ulcer and with inflammation).

The CEAP classification is a more detailed code for the disease. It takes into account certain symptoms, causes, anatomical location of altered vessels and pathophysiological aspects of the disease. Near each letter (CEAP), a number is additionally set, which indicates the severity of the symptoms.

• "WITH" . Indicates the stage of development of the disease. For example, if the index "0" is indicated - there are no visible manifestations, "1" - there are telangiectasias - "asterisks", "2" - single varicose veins.
• "E". Encodes the cause of the disease. For example, hereditary predisposition, after surgical interventions or unknown etiology.
• "A". Indicates which sections of the veins are affected by varicose veins. For example, only superficial or together with deep ones.
• "P". Specifies other changes. For example, is there a reverse blood flow, blood clots.

Will the disease go away on its own after childbirth?

Some women believe that the signs of varicose veins during pregnancy will go away on their own after childbirth. However, one should not hope for the complete disappearance of the disease. Many provoking factors will go away (hormonal background, pregnant uterus), so the symptoms will become less noticeable. Varicose veins of the labia, vagina and groin (if any) will go away, but the disease itself will continue to progress if treatment is not done in time.

It is important to remember that varicose veins last for years. If you do not pay attention to it immediately after childbirth, after 10-15 years a “bouquet” of problems is already guaranteed.

What threatens varicose veins during pregnancy

It is not the varicose veins themselves that are dangerous during pregnancy, but the complications that can develop. Their probability increases closer to the 3rd trimester.

Thrombus formation

Stagnation of blood in altered veins provokes a change in its properties. The risk of blood clots increases, especially in the later stages. They can migrate to other organs, causing serious changes. All this can lead to PE (pulmonary embolism), infarction of brain structures.
The likelihood of such complications increases on the eve of childbirth and immediately after them. Therefore, at this time, it is especially necessary to pay attention to the prevention of the disease.

The resulting thrombus in the lower extremities may be accompanied by its inflammation - thrombophlebitis occurs. This often occurs during pregnancy. Main manifestations:

• the affected leg swells;
• the vein is painful to touch;
• the skin over it is red and hot;
• the vein itself is firm to the touch.

If these symptoms occur, seek immediate medical attention. This condition increases the risk of more serious thrombosis (pulmonary artery, femoral and inferior vena cava), which can have negative consequences for the fetus and mother.

Bleeding from knots

The skin over varicose veins is often thinner and more easily damaged. The walls of the vessels themselves are overstretched. Even the slightest injury leads to rupture of the veins and heavy bleeding.

With the localization of altered vessels in the genital area, the likelihood of such a complication increases in childbirth. In addition, bleeding from varicose veins is difficult to stop. The usual compression bandage does not always help, often you have to apply special sutures.

How to confirm the diagnosis

In order to find out if varicose veins during pregnancy are dangerous for a child and a woman, it is important not only to state the fact of the disease, but to establish all the accompanying disorders. Sometimes slightly pronounced varicose veins can be accompanied by thrombosis of the central vessels and pose a real threat. All pregnant women with varicose veins need more frequent blood clotting tests in order to monitor the likelihood of blood clots in time.

To clarify the stage of the disease, the following methods are used.

• functional tests. They were of relevance in diagnostics at a time when ultrasound was not yet so widely used. Today, they can be used for a preliminary assessment of the severity of the disease and confirm / refute the assumptions. The essence of one of the simple functional tests is as follows. In the supine position with raised legs, the large saphenous vein in the thigh area is clamped with a finger. Then, in a standing position, the blood filling of the superficial veins of the lower limb is studied. Normally, they should be collapsed within 15-20 seconds, after which they are filled with venous blood. If this happens faster, then there is a pathological shunt of blood and failure of the valvular system.
• Ultrasonography. Ultrasound of the veins helps not only to determine the functioning of the vessels, but also the presence of blood clots in them. For greater information content, various techniques are used, most often this is dopplerometry (the study of blood flow velocity).
• X-ray phlebography. The essence of the method is the introduction of contrast into the veins and taking x-rays to study the path of the substance. During gestation, it is not carried out due to a possible harmful effect on the fetus.

Principles of treatment

During gestation, the complex of all therapeutic measures is minimal. Surgical interventions are carried out only in extreme cases. The main treatment for varicose veins is carried out after pregnancy. The principles of therapy for the disease during gestation are as follows.

• Gymnastics for the legs. Without waiting for the progression of the disease, starting from the 1st trimester, physical activity should be dosed. Hiking, swimming in the pool, yoga classes - all this will improve blood flow in the legs. It is useful to perform special gymnastics, especially for women with an occupational threat of varicose veins. The exercises are simple but effective. For example, you need to rise on the toe and fall. At the same time, the calf muscles work, which do not allow blood to stagnate in deep veins.
• Body weight control. Each extra kilogram will increase the volume of circulating blood and the load on the vessels. Therefore, it is important for pregnant women not to exceed the figure of 12-15 kg for the entire period of gestation.
• Wearing comfortable shoes. Do not wear high heels during pregnancy. Optimally - no more than three to five centimeters.
• Use of compression underwear. Elastic compression is one of the important areas of treatment. There is special underwear (stockings, tights, stockings) for pregnant women, where special inserts have been developed for a growing belly. Compression underwear provides metered external pressure on the entire limb. Moreover, at the ankle it is maximum, at the hip - minimum. This stimulates the directed movement of blood. The choice of compression underwear should be taken seriously. It is best to purchase it in consultation with your doctor. Only a specialist can determine whether preventive or therapeutic products are needed. In such stockings or pantyhose, it is necessary to stay throughout the entire period of gestation and always in childbirth and the postpartum period. Reviews of doctors confirm the fact that compression underwear is the most effective means of preventing varicose veins during gestation.
• Preparations for improving the properties of blood. With severe varicose veins and a burdened history (for example, with thrombophlebitis in the past), venotonic agents, for example, Detralex, may be prescribed at the discretion of the doctor. Many remedies for varicose veins during pregnancy are prohibited. For example, "Trental", "Ginkor-forte".
• Local preparations for the prevention of complications. To reduce the symptoms of varicose veins during gestation, it is allowed to use gels and ointments. For example, Lyoton 1000, Heparin. You can start using them as early as possible.

When Surgery Is Necessary

The operation and subsequent rehabilitation for varicose veins during pregnancy is resorted to in extreme cases. This is due to many factors. But the main thing is that during the period of gestation it is impossible to carry out radical treatment, since pregnancy itself aggravates the condition and somewhat lubricates the clinical picture.

Surgical interventions are performed in cases where the life of the woman and the fetus is at risk. For example, in the formation of blood clots in the lower extremities with a high risk of separation and further migration. In such situations, it is recommended to install cava filters - special "mesh" in the inferior vena cava, which delay blood clots on the way.

Folk remedies

All folk remedies should be discussed with the doctor. Such treatment at home is best done against the background of basic recommendations.

• Apple vinegar. It is recommended to wipe the skin over varicose veins with an acetic solution.
• Nettle infusion. This herb has a complex effect. With varicose veins, it is recommended to use an infusion. For cooking, you need to take two tablespoons of chopped nettle leaves, pour hot water and then steam in a water bath for 30-40 minutes. Store the prepared solution in the refrigerator for no more than a day. Take half a cup twice a day.
• Green tomatoes. Unripe homemade tomatoes are recommended to be applied to the sites of altered veins overnight in courses of 10-14 days.
• Spoiled milk. Homemade sour milk should be lubricated with lower limbs and wrapped with a bandage for the night. Helps relieve fatigue and puffiness.

Prevention measures

Every woman who has a disease or a tendency to it should know how to avoid the progression of varicose veins during pregnancy. Recommendations are as follows:

• move more;
• perform self-massage of the legs;
• wear compression stockings or tights;
• sleep with a raised foot end;
• use ointments with heparin, horse chestnut ("Lyoton 1000").

Varicose veins of the lower extremities often occur during gestation, especially in women prone to the disease. Surgical treatment of varicose veins during pregnancy is carried out only for health reasons. The main measures are the prevention of the progression of varicose veins, which is expressed in taking medications (pills, ointments) allowed during pregnancy, wearing compression underwear and maintaining physical activity.

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