Venous varicose veins during pregnancy treatment. Varicose veins, varicose veins during pregnancy, causes, symptoms, treatment. What is dangerous varicose veins during pregnancy

Varicose veins is a disease in which there is an expansion of the veins and a violation of blood flow. Most of all, the vessels of the lower extremities, pelvis and genital organs are subject to changes. One of the factors that provoke the disease is pregnancy. Almost every third woman is faced with pathology during childbearing and after childbirth. In some of them, the disease is diagnosed for the first time, but most often pregnancy causes the progression of existing disorders. With the birth of each subsequent baby, the risk of irreversible vascular changes increases.

Why does varicose veins appear during pregnancy, how to treat it, are there effective methods prevention? You will find answers to these and other questions below.

Causes of pathology

In addition to common causes (wearing shoes with high heels, excessive physical exercise, genetic predisposition) in women carrying a baby, additional risk factors appear associated with natural changes in the body during pregnancy:

Forms and types of varicose veins in pregnant women

Varicose veins veins can be simple or complicated. The simple form is characterized by the appearance of vascular networks and asterisks on the lower extremities. Such a change in small vessels will pass on its own after childbirth. A much greater danger to a woman's health is complicated varicose veins, in which blood clots form in the vein cavity.

The development of the disease takes place in several stages. In the first stage, there are practically no symptoms, manifested by small cosmetic defects on the skin.

In the future, the following symptoms may appear:

• in the evening there is swelling of the legs;
• there is pain, heaviness and burning in the lower extremities;
• feeling tired after a long walk.

Initially, the symptoms disappear after a long rest or a night's sleep. In later stages, they are constantly present. If there is a rapid progression of the disease, urgent treatment may be needed, which must be carried out surgically.
Depending on the localization, varicose veins during pregnancy are divided into several types.

The following vein changes are most often diagnosed:

1. In the groin. Manifestations are noted in the perineum and are characterized by a feeling of fullness, pain when walking, swelling.
2. In the uterus. Expansion of the veins of the uterus is observed in women who have undergone numerous inflammatory processes in the genital organs, abortions, menstrual irregularities, and also have a genetic predisposition.
3. Into the vagina. One of the most common forms of pathology. The main symptoms are discomfort and soreness during urination, defecation, and sexual intercourse.
4. On foot. Manifested by a change in the veins of the lower extremities. Vessels increase in thickness, protrude under the skin, knots and seals appear. At the initial stage, the walls change shape with pressure, later some soreness is felt.

Diagnostic methods

If you suspect varicose veins, a woman should be examined by a phlebologist and gynecologist. In most cases, a visual examination is sufficient, since the disease has visible manifestations. If it is necessary to clarify the diagnosis, the pregnant woman is sent for an additional examination.

Before prescribing treatment, the patient is advised to go for ultrasound scanning of blood vessels, doplerometry and angioscanning. The results obtained make it possible to determine the degree of damage to the veins, as well as its danger to the woman and the fetus.

Ways to treat varicose veins

Treatment of varicose veins after childbirth and during pregnancy has its own characteristics. What should be done when the first symptoms appear? At the slightest suspicion, you should consult a doctor. The treatment itself takes place under the constant supervision of a vascular surgeon and a gynecologist.

Before you start taking drugs for varicose veins during pregnancy, you need to reconsider your lifestyle. The daily diet should contain foods that can provide the body with all the necessary vitamins and microorganisms. It is also necessary to monitor digestion, to prevent constipation, which provoke a deterioration in the condition of the vascular walls. The drinking regimen is very important: about two liters of water should be consumed per day, while it is better to evenly distribute it throughout the day.

Should be done during pregnancy special exercises, contributing to the activation of blood flow in the pelvic area. Swimming and daily walks in the fresh air are very useful for pregnant women. Nutrition and physical activity will make it possible to more effectively fight the disease.

Another non-drug method that will speed up the treatment of leg varicose veins is wearing compression stockings. Stockings and tights increase pressure on the veins and prevent them from further stretching.

In the traditional treatment of such a disease as varicose veins, pregnancy makes its own adjustments. Some drugs are not recommended at all, others - only during the second and third trimester or after the birth of the baby.

What medications can be taken for varicose veins during pregnancy? In order to increase the tone of the vascular walls, the following drugs can be prescribed: Glivenol, Detralex, Troxevasin. They are able to have an angioprotective effect, reduce swelling, reduce pain. Treatment with these drugs allows you to get rid of convulsions, improve tissue trophism and avoid such a dangerous complication as trophic ulcers. During and after pregnancy, special vitamin complexes help restore blood vessels.

After 3-4 months, Venoruton gel can be used. It increases the tone of the veins and prevents their further deformation. Also suitable are such products for external use as Lyoton, Essaven.

Any drugs should be used only after consultation with a specialist.

With a high risk of dangerous complications, it is necessary to treat varicose veins by the most cardinal method - by surgical intervention. Surgery is the only way out for severe thrombophlebitis.

Surgery is recommended during the first 5-6 months of pregnancy. The most safe method carrying out the intervention. Scraping is usually used - removal of the affected area of ​​the vessel using a special microprobe. Recovery after this surgical procedure occurs quite quickly and without discomfort and severe pain.

How is childbirth

The way the child is born depends on the condition of the pregnant woman. If a woman has simple form varicose veins, and there are no complications, childbirth can take place naturally. During the birth of the baby, it is recommended to wear compression underwear. You may first need to take a blood test to determine the clotting index.

In the presence of dangerous complications, the woman will be asked to do a caesarean section.

Effective prevention

It is better to prevent the disease than to treat it later.

To do this, you need to follow a few rules:

If the disease manifested itself during pregnancy and proceeds in a mild form, there is a high probability that after a certain time after childbirth, the symptoms will disappear without outside help. In cases where the manifestations of varicose veins remain and continue to worsen, appropriate treatment will be required.

A wonderful time - pregnancy - can provoke a very unpleasant disease - varicose veins (chronic venous insufficiency). According to statistics, 20-30% of women appear after their first pregnancy. In subsequent pregnancies, this percentage grows inexorably and reaches 40-60% in the second pregnancy, as well as up to 80% in the third. As a rule, varicose veins due to pregnancy most often occur in people who are predisposed to the disease. In many women, the first manifestations of varicose veins are visible even before the onset of " interesting position».

Visually, problems with veins can look like "spider veins" and "worms". In the first case, we are talking about translucent small vessels, similar to a cobweb. They are blue or purple in color, but do not rise above the surface of the skin. "Worms" are, on the contrary, an expansion of the main veins. As a rule, at the same time their bulging, swelling is observed. These veins, sometimes the size of a finger, are blue-green in color. But varicose veins are not only a cosmetic defect. This is a disease that is extremely dangerous for its complications. Among them, the most common: thrombophlebitis, trophic ulcers, bleeding. The most dangerous is the formation of a blood clot, which can come off and create an immediate threat to the life of the mother and child.

What is varicose veins? Symptoms of the disease

The mechanism of formation of varicose veins during pregnancy is as follows: the blood is "pumped" into the lower extremities through the arteries, but lingers there, since the veins are partially clamped and cannot provide sufficient blood flow. As a result, there is a stagnation of venous blood, which bursts the veins from the inside.

The initial stages of varicose veins are almost asymptomatic for a woman - only a slight deformation of the veins is externally detected. In this case, by the end of the day, it is possible that by morning they completely disappear. As a rule, swelling is accompanied by a feeling of heaviness, "fullness" of the legs, fatigue.

With a more neglected condition, calf muscles may occur. Basically, they disturb the pregnant woman at night. Further, the disease is aggravated by severe pain in the legs and itching of the skin, also aggravated at night.

The next stage in the development of varicose veins is a significant deformation of the veins. In this case, the veins protrude above the skin, they are dilated, sometimes intricately curved. It is worth noting that in some cases (even with severe deformation of the veins), a woman may not have unpleasant or painful sensations. At the same time, subtle changes to the eye can often be combined with serious pain symptoms.

As a rule, the causes of the onset or aggravation of this disease during pregnancy are: hormonal changes in the body (which leads to a weakening of the venous wall), increased blood volume in the veins (as a result of which the load on the veins increases significantly), pressure from the growing uterus and fetus, increasing weight pregnant woman. In addition, the individual characteristics of the woman's body also affect, in particular the elasticity of the walls of blood vessels, underdevelopment or even the complete absence of venous valves.

Often during pregnancy, not only varicose veins of the lower extremities are observed, but also varicose veins of the labia, vulva, anus (hemorrhoids). If not treated in time, extensive vulvar varicose veins can lead to rupture of the vein, thereby provoking fatal bleeding.

Prevention of varicose veins during pregnancy

Preventive measures must be taken both for those women whose disease has only “appeared on the horizon”, and for those who do not have its obvious manifestations. During pregnancy, for this purpose, it is necessary to wear compression stockings(anti-varicose tights are not used during pregnancy) or wrap your legs tightly with elastic bandages. The first option is the most convenient because it does not require training. special equipment bandaging, necessary in the case of bandages. But you should know that it is unacceptable to pick up stockings on your own, this should be done by a phlebologist. He will take into account the degree of compression you need, teach you how to use this product correctly. For example, the doctor will tell you that you need to put on stockings in the morning in a supine position, without getting out of bed. In addition, you should not wear clothes that interfere with the free circulation of blood in the thighs and knees. Choose shoes with a heel of 3-5 cm.

The next steps to take are to improve circulation in the legs with help and positioning. This means that it is necessary to give the legs a rest and unload them as often as possible. From time to time you should lie down, and so that your legs are on a hill (the option of throwing your legs on the table in the American style is quite suitable). It is also important to perform special simple exercises: circular motions feet, “bike”, lifting on toes, rolls “toe-heel”. You can lie on your back, raise your legs at a 90-degree angle (or straighten them) and shake.

During sleep, try to lie on your left side to improve blood flow. Do not cross your legs when sitting and do not stand for long periods of time. If you have to stand for a long time, periodically rise on your toes. Pool visits are helpful.

Make sure that the weight gain is not very significant, that is, in excess of the norm, since this has a very negative effect on the condition of the veins.

Treatment of varicose veins during pregnancy

Treatment of varicose veins during pregnancy, like other diseases, is unacceptable on its own. This should be done by a specialist.

In most cases, the treatment of this disease in pregnant women should be limited to conservative methods aimed at improving venous outflow. For treatment, all the measures that we described in previous section: wearing special stockings, physiotherapy. This can also be attributed to the fresh air, climbing and descending the stairs. The basis of nutrition for a pregnant woman suffering from varicose veins should be vegetables, lean meat, fish, cottage cheese, eggs.

Most often, in the treatment of varicose veins during pregnancy, local preparations are used: gels, ointments. True, it must be taken into account that not any remedy is now suitable, since active substance penetrates into the blood and can be dangerous for the child. The most famous of them are: ESSAVEN-GEL, LYOTON 1000-GEL, DICLOFENAC-GEL, FASTUM-GEL, VENORUTON-GEL, GINKOR-GEL. The doctor will choose the one

Today, the pharmaceutical market presents a lot of medicines, the action of which is aimed at the treatment of varicose veins. But DETRALEX is recognized as the most preferable during the period of bearing a child. There is another drug - VENORUTON, which is contraindicated for use in the first three months, but is allowed after, as well as during breastfeeding. At the same time, treatment with ENDOTELON, ESCUZAN and DOXIUM is unacceptable. Along with phlebotropic medicines use drugs of other pharmaceutical groups: IBUPROFEN, DICLOFENAC, WOBENZYM, FLOGENZYM, PENTOXYFYLIN, ASPIRIN, DIPYRIDAMOL. True, their use is limited and is possible only in accordance with the strict indications of the attending physician.

In particularly difficult cases, with the rapid progression of the disease (or complications such as ascending thrombophlebitis, trophic ulcer) undergo surgical treatment. If there really is a real threat, then doctors decide on surgery, which is usually performed in the first six months of pregnancy. A method of sclerotherapy of veins with special solutions is also possible.

Especially for- Olga Pavlova

Pregnancy is a special period in a woman's life, when there is a cardinal restructuring of the body, aimed at preserving and bearing the fetus. The hormonal background changes, the amount of some hormones increases and the number of others increases, which causes relaxation of the muscle walls of the veins. In addition, the growing uterus puts pressure on the pelvis, slowing down blood flow in the lower extremities and provoking venous insufficiency. How to be with it and whether it is possible to struggle?

Signs of varicose veins

About 40–60% of women associate their appearance on their feet with their interesting position. Of great importance is the hereditary factor and how quickly a woman gains weight. Improper nutrition can also contribute to the appearance of spider veins and with each new pregnancy the situation will only get worse.

Symptoms and stages of the disease:

• Expansion of the veins during pregnancy begins with the appearance of small veins of blue or blue veins. purple. This is the first stage of compensation, characterized by varicose veins and the appearance of varicose veins. In addition to the unaesthetic appearance a woman may be bothered by fatigue and a feeling of heaviness in her legs;
• Varicose veins in pregnant women of the second stage are characterized by the appearance of edema, which increases towards the end of the day. The feeling of heaviness in the legs grows, pain appears. At night, the legs begin to cramp;
• In the third stage, the venous nodes expand very strongly and clearly appear under the skin. Legs swell around the clock and even sleep does not bring relief. Painful sensations accompany a woman even if she moves little and sits or lies more. This stage of decompensation is dangerous because it can lead to thrombosis.

Treatment of varicose veins during pregnancy

It is possible to completely get rid of this problem only through surgical intervention, but this method is not suitable for women in position. Yes, and drug therapy should take into account the presence of the fetus and alleviate the condition of the woman without compromising the health of the baby. First of all, varicose veins during pregnancy require compliance with the regime of work and rest. Doctors recommend that their patients perform therapeutic exercises and massage themselves. It is possible to increase vascular tone with the help of such drugs for local treatment as Troxevasin, Aescusan, Ginkor Forte, Detralex, Glivenol, etc. They allow you to normalize capillary permeability, reduce platelet aggregation, minimize pain and normalize sensitivity.

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But in any case, you must first consult with your doctor, since some drugs are not allowed to be used in the 1st trimester of pregnancy, and only a specialist will be able to assess all the risks to the fetus and the benefits to the woman. Varicose veins during pregnancy on the legs are treated with vitamins, especially C and PP, as well as calcium preparations.

Folk methods of treatment:

All kinds of lotions, compresses and baths from herbal infusions can alleviate the symptoms of the disease, but they cannot bring harm to health, so you can use these methods of treatment without consulting a doctor. Here are some of them:

• Dry grass and wormwood flowers in the amount of 3 tbsp. l. mix with 0.5 l of curdled milk. Moisten gauze in this solution and wrap sore limbs. Top with cellophane. Lie down quietly for about 20 minutes, put your feet on the pillow. Compresses from a cabbage leaf scalded with boiling water will help get rid of pain at night;
• Hop cones in the amount of 1 tbsp. l. pour a glass of boiling water and put in a water bath for 15 minutes. Strain and squeeze the raw materials, and use the liquid to make compresses. In the same way, you can prepare an infusion of horse chestnut, but it is not recommended to cover the compress with a film: it is better to use parchment paper for this;
• Calendula flowers in the amount of 1 tbsp. l. brew a glass of boiling water in a thermos. Close the lid and leave for 1 hour. Then strain and add the infusion to the melted lanolin in the amount of 200 g. Rub the ointment into the skin up to 3 times a day.

Prevention of varicose veins during pregnancy

Preventive measures taken in time can largely reduce the manifestations of spider veins and minimize unpleasant consequences. Every woman in position

Almost a third of women during pregnancy experience such an unpleasant phenomenon as.

The appearance of swollen veins on the legs not only causes a lot of inconvenience, but can also cause serious health problems.

That is why you should not start this condition: What to do if varicose veins appear on the legs during pregnancy?

Most women experience varicose veins for the first time during pregnancy. This is facilitated by the constant growth of the uterus, which compresses the iliac veins, causing blood vessels to suffer: their tone decreases, the walls become less elastic and blood circulation worsens.

Most often, varicose veins affect the lower extremities, but the disease may well appear in the pelvic organs, and in some cases even affect the uterus and vagina.

There are several reasons that can increase the risk of varicose veins in the legs during pregnancy:

• change in general hormonal background pregnant woman;
• hereditary factor (very often the weakness of the venous vessels is congenital and is inherited through the female line);
• wearing shoes on high heels(during pregnancy, such models should be completely abandoned);
• heavy physical activity;
• work that does not allow frequent changes in body position (sitting or, conversely, requiring prolonged standing);
• excessive consumption of sugar and refined foods;
• and obesity;
• the pregnant woman has chronic diseases.

It is also necessary to take into account the fact that each subsequent pregnancy increases the risk of varicose veins by almost half.

Also, this disease often accompanies women with hepatitis or cirrhosis of the liver.

signs

Varicose veins occur as a result of impaired blood circulation and a decrease in the tone of the venous network.

Often this condition is accompanied by pain in the lower extremities, fatigue and the appearance of edema.

Women with this disease cannot stay on their feet for a long time, sometimes even a simple walk becomes a very difficult test. To avoid such a problem, it is necessary to start the treatment of varicose veins on time and follow the measures recommended for the prevention of this disease.

It is necessary to consult a doctor if the following symptoms appear:

• pain in the legs (not only in the area of ​​​​the feet);
• heaviness and increased fatigue when walking or standing for a long time;
• the presence of swollen veins, clearly visible under the skin;
• (especially in the evening);
• red or blue-violet streaks on the legs;
• vascular "asterisks";
• during night sleep.

All these symptoms are quite conditional and can mean not only the appearance of varicose veins, but also the occurrence of other pathologies of pregnancy that require medical care. In any case, only a doctor can assess the severity of the symptoms and make an accurate diagnosis.

Stages of the disease

• First (initial) stage.

This is the period when the disease is just beginning to manifest itself, however, it already delivers a lot of discomfort to a pregnant woman.

The initial stage is characterized by the appearance of a slight swelling, a feeling of heaviness and pain in the legs.

The woman begins to notice that it is difficult for her to stand on her feet for a long time and walk for long distances. Of the visual signs, expectant mothers note:

• slight blueing of the venous vessels;
• the appearance of barely noticeable stars;
• enlarged veins in the legs.

Rarely, in the first stage, there may be a burning sensation in the calves and feet.

• Second stage.

At this stage, all the signs characteristic of the initial stage of the disease are preserved.

In addition to all these symptoms, the expectant mother for the first time may notice the appearance of leg cramps, which can be quite painful. Also, pain can now appear directly in the veins, which practically does not occur in the initial stage of varicose veins.

• Third (final) stage.

Severe varicose veins on the legs, brought to stage 3, almost always require surgical intervention, and can lead to very serious consequences for the health of a pregnant woman.

Distinctive features of the disease at 3 stages:

• appearance age spots on foot;
• change in the color and structure of the skin;
• cracks in the legs;
• very strong protrusion of the venous nodes.

Varicose veins in the legs at this stage are dangerous because any mechanical damage (trauma, pinching of the skin) can cause the venous nodes to burst, forming ulcers.

Successful medical treatment of varicose veins is possible only at stages 1 and 2 - the final stage of the disease often ends with an operation to remove diseased veins.

Varicose veins are quite dangerous for a woman's health, as they can cause thrombophlebitis and bleeding - both during childbirth and in the postpartum period.

In addition, due to blood flow disorders, the contractility of the uterus may worsen - this is fraught with a violation of labor activity and the use of stimulant drugs. Therefore, it is extremely important not to start the course of the disease and adhere to the following recommendations:

• Eliminate high-calorie foods containing a large number of fats and simple carbohydrates.

This measure is necessary to control the weight of a pregnant woman, since it is excess kilograms that provoke the strengthening and development of varicose veins.

• Limit the use of salt, spices, spices and marinades.

These products contribute to the retention of fluid in the tissues, as a result of which edema may appear or increase.

• During the day, it is recommended to do special therapeutic exercises several times.

A set of exercises is selected individually by a phlebologist, taking into account the severity of the disease and the health of the pregnant woman.

• Also, expectant mothers with varicose veins are shown swimming.

It is advisable to visit the pool at least twice a week. This will help improve blood circulation and avoid stagnant processes.

• Mandatory use.

Medical jersey can be purchased at pharmacies or orthopedic salons. These can be socks, stockings, stockings or tights (depending on the location of diseased veins). This underwear will have to be worn not only during pregnancy, but also during childbirth.

• Be sure to change the position of the body as often as possible during the day and lie with your legs high (at least for 10 minutes).

Treatment of the disease in pregnant women

The main principle when choosing a drug for the treatment of any disease in pregnant women is the absence negative impact to the fruit.

Any medicines to get rid of varicose veins are prohibited for use in the 1st trimester, as the most important body systems of the unborn baby are being actively formed.

Starting from the 2nd trimester, the doctor may prescribe treatment for varicose veins in the legs, if the woman's condition requires it.

Usually this is done by a phlebologist who specializes in diseases of the venous vessels, but if there is no such doctor in the city (for example, in a small town), an obstetrician-gynecologist and a local therapist are watching a pregnant woman.

Pills used for varicose veins

Preparations in the form of tablets (phlebotonics), prescribed to pregnant women with a diagnosis of varicose veins, have a tonic effect on the veins, and also strengthen the venous walls and improve blood circulation.

The most famous of them:

• "Detralex";
• "Venoruton";
• Ginkor Fort.

Ointments for varicose veins of the lower extremities

Ointments and gels for the treatment of varicose veins are topical agents. They are divided into three groups, each of which has a different degree of impact and the result obtained from the application.

Ointments based on heparin

Medicines for varicose veins, which include heparin, have a complex effect on the affected areas:

• relieve puffiness;
• prevent the formation of clots and the appearance of blood clots;
• reduce blood clotting.

Heparin-based ointments are the best choice for the treatment of varicose veins during pregnancy. Most often, expectant mothers are prescribed the following drugs:

• Heparin ointment;
• Lyoton 1000;
• "Dolobene";
• "Hepatrombin-C".

Gels and ointments containing herbal substances

They are more gentle compared to heparin-based drugs; Despite this, they are quite effective in the fight against varicose veins. Can be used for a long time.

The effect of their use comes quickly enough, which makes these funds very popular among pregnant patients.

The main action of such drugs:

• reduce the permeability of the walls of venous vessels;
• improve the elasticity of blood vessels;
• repair damaged areas.

• "Venitan";
• "Cycloven";
• "Girudoven".

Anti-inflammatory nonsteroidal drugs

They are used as part of the complex therapy of the disease, relieve pain and inflammation in the affected areas. They have a partial antihistamine effect. These agents include topical gel "Diclofenac" based on menthol. It quickly relieves inflammation, relieves itching and burning, and helps reduce the intensity of pain.

Indomethacin ointment, which is also often prescribed to women during pregnancy, has similar properties.

What drugs should not be taken during pregnancy

Pregnant women are contraindicated in glucocorticoid hormonal drugs, which are very effective in the treatment of varicose veins in the legs.

They have a powerful effect and are able to quickly cope with the problem. However, such drugs have a large number of contraindications for use during the period of bearing a child, as they have a negative effect on the fetus and may affect the course of pregnancy. Among them are tools such as:

• "Flucinar";
• "Sinaflan";
• "Lorinden";
• "Celestoderm".

Treatment of varicose veins on the legs with folk methods

Quite effective in the fight against varicose veins can be foot baths with medicinal herbs.

• It is necessary to prepare a herbal decoction of chamomile, calendula, thyme or sage.

To do this, brew a handful of herbs with boiling water, let it brew for about 10 minutes and strain through a sieve. Add the resulting broth to a basin with warm water (about 35-36 degrees). Keep your feet in the resulting composition for 15 minutes, then do a light massage. To improve the result, you can lie down after the procedure with your legs up.

• You can also use compresses from hop cones.

Gauze or a piece fine fabric, folded in several layers, moisten with infusion of hop cones. You can cook it yourself or buy it ready-made at the pharmacy. Apply a compress to the affected area for 20 minutes.

When convulsions appear, you can prepare a tincture of horse chestnut. 50 g of chestnut must be poured with 250 ml of vodka, insist for three days. Rub your feet with tincture every day before going to bed.

Some women are helped by applying gruel from apples (preferably sweet and sour) or tomatoes to the affected areas. To repeat this procedure recommended every day for at least a week.

Prevention: what to do to prevent the onset of the disease?

The most important rule that must be followed in order to prevent the development of varicose veins is to reduce the load on the legs.

This will help preventive measures, because it is much easier to prevent the disease. Pregnant women should:

• give up uncomfortable or tight shoes, as well as models with high heels;
• control weight;
• remove from the wardrobe during pregnancy stockings, stockings and tights with tight elastic bands that tighten the lower limbs;
• it is desirable to accompany each shower with contrasting douches;
• during a night's sleep, it is advisable to lie on your left side to relieve the pressure of the uterus on the vena cava;
• periodically change the position of the body during the day;
• avoid chairs and armchairs with low seats;
• do not sit in a cross-legged position;
• monitor proper digestion, avoid constipation.

Varicose veins do not pose a danger to the baby, but can cost serious health problems to a pregnant woman. Therefore, in no case should you let the course of this disease take its course. If it so happened that the disease made itself felt during pregnancy, you should immediately contact your doctor, because the successful outcome of therapy largely depends on the time the treatment was started.

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 strongly put 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, the woman should pay attention Special attention on 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 disappear on their own after childbirth - this happens when, before conception, the woman's veins were in good condition. But in most cases, the problem begins to worsen, delivering expectant mother serious discomfort. 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 for 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. To use for the preparation of compresses: apply to the flap natural fabric, 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 preparations 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. One more good remedy against varicose veins - 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.