Varicose veins - livid, cystic thickenings appearing along the vein line - disfigure the calves, and what is worse, they itch, hurt, and can even lead to venous thrombosis. Varicose veins is a problem that affects approx. 40 percent. pregnant women. These are pathologically dilated veins visible under the skin, which form when blood from the lower extremities has difficulty flowing to the heart and remains in the veins, pushing them apart.

The risk of varicose veins increases in pregnancy

Varicose veinsmay appear at the beginningof pregnancy . This is especially true for women who:

  • they have a genetic predisposition to do so (if your mother has varicose veins, the risk that you will develop varicose veins increases)
  • had such problems before pregnancy
  • they are pregnant
  • are overweight
  • spend a lot of time upright, standing or sitting
  • they lead a less active lifestyle, with no place for sport and exercise.

How do varicose veins develop

Normal he althyveinstransport peripheral blood towards the heart. Since blood has to counteract the force of gravity in the lower body (in other words, it goes uphill), there are valves in the veins that prevent the blood from flowing back. If the valves do not close properly, the blood flows into the venous plexuses (in the legs, anus, vulva) and creates distension there. Pregnancy promotes this for several reasons. The relaxing effect of progesterone on the muscles reduces the tension in the walls of the veins, making them prone to dilatation. In addition, much more blood flows in the veins - from some point up by up to 50 percent. more than before pregnancy! This causes the veins to dilate and the valves cannot close properly. This creates reflux, or back flow of blood (the blood, instead of flowing to the heart, moves back down and widens the veins). At the end of pregnancy, an additionally enlarged uterus acts as a blockage: it presses the inferior vena cava against the spine and lumbar muscles, preventing blood from returning to the heart. This is especially true when lying down. The effect is that, compared with the period before pregnancy, the blood pressure in the legs increases several times. This leads to dilatation and even twisting of the veins in the lower extremities.

Important

The best way to prevent problems with blood circulation in the legs is to move, so walk, swim and exercise regularly.

Symptoms of varicose veins

Varicose veins may appear in the form of purple spots, the so-called spider veins, and finally bluish, thick protrusions protruding above the surface of the skin. Varicose veins are accompanied by slight or sharp pain in the legs, a feeling of heaviness and swelling, calf cramps, and numbness. Sometimes the skin becomes dry and sensitive and itches. Very rarely, thrombophlebitis may develop (see box opposite).

Prevention of varicose veins

The occurrence of varicose veins can be prevented. If you belong to a risk group or you notice the first symptoms of the disease (heavy, swollen legs, calf cramps, numbness), take the following recommendations seriously.

  • Control your weight - try not to gain more than 12 kg.
  • Avoid standing and sitting for long periods. When sitting, keep your legs at least at hip level. If you have to stand or sit for a long time, walk every 30-40 minutes or at least stretch your ankles, and in the evening every hour lie down for 15 minutes with your legs raised above your body; do not cross your legs while sitting. When you are lying down, place a pillow under your feet to lift them up.
  • Swim regularly, or at least walk for half an hour a day.
  • Take care of the foot and calf massage - it should always be performed towards the heart, i.e. from the feet up.
  • Don't bear heavy loads.
  • Wear shoes with wide toes and with low or flat heels.
  • Do not wear tight, embarrassing clothing - forget about tight belts, do not wear tight panties, stockings, socks.
  • Avoid high temperatures - hot baths, saunas, solariums, long sunbathing - they cause the vessels to expand rapidly.
  • Take medications containing routine (eg rutinoscorbin, cerutin) prophylactically, which strengthens the walls of blood vessels. Drinking horse chestnut and horsetail is similar.
  • Limit s alt intake.

Anti-varicose tights

A very good way to prevent varicose veins or relieve pain once it has arisen is to wear special anti-varicose tights or stockings that massage the residual blood. These tights must be put on in the morning, before getting out of bed (before the blood is drained to the feet). However, for their wearing to be really effective, it is not enough to buy such tights on your own in a hosiery store. You need to consult a gynecologist or phlebologist (specialist in the treatment of varicose veins). Good tights must have the right pressure - not too much and not too little. They should be made to measure, by a professional company, on the basis of a doctor's prescription. Products of renowned brands cost from PLN 150 upwards, but forgood quality is worth paying for. Unfortunately, these products are not reimbursed by the National He alth Fund.

Creams, tablets for varicose veins

In the beginning of the disease, when the legs are sore and swollen, it will be easier to rub them with creams and gels containing horse chestnut extract (escin), which increases the tension of blood vessel walls, relieves swelling and has anti-inflammatory properties. Tablets often recommended by doctors work in a similar way. Anti-swelling and anti-inflammatory ointments and gels can also help. Remember that the use of medications should, however, be preceded by a consultation with a doctor. It must also be clearly said that ointments and gels can relieve pain, but will not remove already existing varicose veins. When varicose veins appear, treatment must be carried out under the supervision of a specialist, because many anti-varicose drugs have not been tested in pregnancy and their effects on the fetus are unknown. The vast majority, as much as 80 percent. cases, varicose veins disappear spontaneously after childbirth. Unfortunately, they usually come back in each subsequent pregnancy, and their symptoms are more and more severe. The most effective method of getting rid of them is surgery or sclerotherapy, i.e. injecting the changed vessel with drugs, but both of these methods are usually only used after delivery.

You must do it

Go to the doctor quickly

Whenever a leg with varicose veins suddenly swells suddenly and hurts or turns blue. This could be due to a dangerous clot in a vein (thrombosis) or inflammation of the veins. Venous thrombosis can take three forms, the most dangerous is deep vein thrombosis. Symptoms include pain in the limb, especially in the calf, which increases when the toes are raised, often accompanied by swelling; sometimes cyanosis or breathing disorders appear.

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