Varicose veins during pregnancy on the legs - what to do?

Pregnancy - this is a very difficult test for the female body. At the beginning of this difficult period, many women suffer from toxicosis, they are constantly nauseous, I want to vomit. Mid-pregnancy is the time when you can get some rest from toxicosis and prepare for the third trimester, which is considered the most difficult. A woman's weight is growing rapidly, it becomes difficult for her to walk, her hormones are constantly changing. It is not surprising that in such conditions, many women develop varicose veins, even if the expectant mother has never before encountered a similar problem.

Varicose veins are a deterioration of the elasticity of the valves in the blood vessels and veins. Normal blood swings through the body. Valves allow it to pass in one direction only - they open when blood flows in one direction and closes so that blood does not flow back.If these valves for some reason stop working or do it badly, the blood stagnates, lingers in some organs. During pregnancy, there may be varicose veins of the uterus, vagina, groin. But most often the problem is connected with the legs, because it is the legs that are under tremendous pressure. In this article you will learn about the causes and symptoms of varicose veins, as well as get acquainted with the main ways to combat this disease.

Causes and symptoms of varicose veins during pregnancy

Varicose veins are in themselves a very unpleasant disease, for the treatment of which it is necessary to constantly observe a set of specific measures. But why the disease is activated during pregnancy? What serves as a trigger for the development of the disease?

1. Weight. The most objective reason is a sharp increase in the weight of a woman. The legs of any person are experiencing a certain load. If the weight is growing rapidly, the blood vessels and valves simply cannot get used to the increased load. And the weight, indeed, greatly increases - it is not only the weight of the fetus itself, but also the amniotic fluid, the increased amount of blood, increased appetite, etc.
2. Hormones. Pregnancy is a serious test for a hormonal background. In the later periods, the woman's body begins to produce special hormones that make the uterine muscle tissue more elastic and soft - preparation for childbirth is underway. At the same time, the blood vessels relax, which is why they cannot adequately carry out the outflow of blood. Because of this, stagnation occurs.
3. Blood. With the advent of the new life in the body, the woman’s circulatory system is actively increasing. After all, now the blood must “serve” not one but two (in some cases even three) of the organism. It becomes very difficult for the heart to pump such volumes. An increased amount of blood can be considered another reason for the development of varicose veins during pregnancy. In addition, the pressure in the vessels increases - so the body wants blood to flow to the fetus. As a result, the blood vessels dilate.
4. Protein. Nature prepares the woman's body for childbirth and at the end of the term releases a large amount of protein into the blood. It is necessary to prevent heavy bleeding. However, high blood clotting leads to the fact that blood clots can appear in the blood vessels of the legs.
5. Low physical activity. Many pregnant women try to move less, constantly lie, which is not always justified. Pregnancy is not a disease and you do not need to give up physical activity. Moderate exercise and sensible sports improve blood circulation in the body. Everything is aggravated if the pregnant woman is forced to work, and the work is sedentary. In this case, the risk of developing varicose veins increases several times.
6. Heredity. The elasticity of the blood vessels, as well as their susceptibility to varicose veins, is transmitted genetically through the female line. If your mother has problems with the veins, then in 80% you will have some signs of varicose veins during pregnancy. In this case, you need to treat the body more closely.

The risk of developing varicose veins increases with each subsequent pregnancy. In addition, pregnant women can not sunbathe in direct sunlight - this can also trigger the activation of varicose veins.

At the beginning, varicose veins seem only a cosmetic problem - spider veins appear on the skin, a blue mesh. Then edemas appear on the legs (as a rule, in the evening), the legs hurt even after a short walk. Subsequently, the veins swell, become prominent.In rare cases, cramps appear in the legs. But convulsions are a common occurrence during pregnancy and may indicate calcium deficiency. If you observe at least some of these symptoms in yourself - immediately consult a doctor.

Varicose veins during pregnancy - what to do?

If you have been diagnosed with varicose veins during pregnancy, you need to follow some guidelines.

1. The first thing to do is to consult with your doctor about taking phlebotonics - drugs to improve blood circulation. Among the means allowable for admission during pregnancy include Detraleks, Eskuzan, Ginkor Forte. Self-medication during pregnancy is strictly contraindicated, otherwise you can harm the fetus. Long-term use of phlebotonics will strengthen the walls of blood vessels, restore damaged areas of the veins.
2. In some cases, it is decided to take anticoagulants - drugs that contribute to blood thinning. On the one hand, this type of medicine protects the body from the formation of blood clots, and on the other hand, anticoagulants can be very dangerous - sometimes lead to bleeding andplacental abruption. That is why the prescription should be under the strict supervision of a gynecologist and a phlebologist.
3. In addition to internal treatment, local application of ointments and gels is also effective. Before using any medication, read the instructions and make sure that this tool can be used during pregnancy. Among the acceptable and effective drugs include Lioton, Heparin, Troxevasin, etc.
4. Be sure to wear compression underwear - the thicker the medical tights and stockings, the more powerful effect they have. Pay attention to the fact that socks and stockings should not be too tight and hard rubber bands - they interfere with blood flow.
5. Before childbirth, it is imperative to inform the medical staff about their problem, it may be necessary to put on compression underwear before the generic process so that strong attempts do not lead to poor blood flow or tearing of a blood clot.
6. Rest more, move. If you are forced to work in a sitting position, try to walk and walk more. If you work while standing, on the contrary, go to rest more often.
7. Every day, keep your legs raised above the body for at least half an hour.
8. Give up high heels if you haven't done it yet.
9. Do a workout for the legs - move your feet from one side to the other, make circular movements with your toes, sitting on a chair. It is effective to tiptoe, on the inner and outer sides of the feet. When doing the exercise, you can hold on to the walls for insurance - only falling is not enough for you right now.
10. With advanced forms of the disease, the doctor may prescribe physiotherapy. To improve blood circulation in the veins will help Dorsonval, Laser, phototherapy.
11. It is very useful to make a massage. Every day, independently or with the help of a husband, you need to knead the feet and legs up to the knees - this perfectly improves blood circulation in the tissues.
12. During pregnancy it is very useful to swim - in the water the load on the legs and the spine decreases, and the muscles become stronger.
13. You need to do a contrast shower to improve the elasticity of the blood valves. Alternately water your feet with warm, then cold water. But the warming procedures are prohibited - it is impossible to go to the bath and sauna, steaming the feet is strictly contraindicated.
14. You need to sleep on the left side - so you do not pinch the important artery, which is on the right in the area of ​​the uterus.
15. You can not sit with your legs crossed.
16. Do not overeat - watch the weight. No need to eat for two - the food should not be much, but it should be nutritious.
17. You can not lift weights - it contributes to the expansion of veins and generally strictly contraindicated in pregnancy. Allowable maximum - 2-3 kg.

These simple tips will help you avoid developing the disease during pregnancy. But there are some more recommendations for restoring the elasticity of the veins.

Folk remedies in the fight against varicose veins

Folk remedies for the treatment of varicose veins are really justified - after all, there is no chemistry in them, they are absolutely natural and safe, which is the main factor during pregnancy. It is very effective to treat varicose and apple cider vinegar. In general, it is taken orally and applied to the affected skin. Of course, you can lubricate your feet with apple cider vinegar, but you should give up drinking inside, at least for the period until you give birth.

To remove swelling and pain from the legs will help starch. Fresh potatoes should be chopped on a grater or in a blender, and then put a lot on spider veins.To fix a film and to leave for several hours, and it is better for the night. Instead of potatoes, you can use green or ripe tomatoes, nettle pulp.

Very effectively struggling with varicose tincture of horse chestnut. Fruits should be scrolled through a meat grinder, and then pour with alcohol or vodka so that the liquid covered chestnut pulp. Leave in a dark cool place for 3 weeks, stirring the contents periodically. Typically, the infusion is taken orally and topically - in the case of pregnancy, alcohol, of course, is contraindicated, so this tool can only be used externally. Apply the composition daily to the affected skin, morning and evening. This tool will help you not only to relieve pain and swelling, and will have a therapeutic effect - spider veins will become much less noticeable. Instead of chestnut, you can use the leaves of Kalanchoe - in a similar way, the tincture is very effective in fighting varicose veins.

Remember that varicose veins is an insidious disease that may not appear at first. All the measures described above should be used during pregnancy to prevent the development of the disease, that is, as a preventive measure.When detecting spider veins, be sure to consult a doctor. After all, the disease is much easier to treat at an early stage of development. Watch your body so that only warm and pleasant memories remain of the gestation period.

Video: how to prevent varicose veins during pregnancy