Spider veins, leg varicose veins and hemorrhoids often appear for the first time in pregnancy. Varicose veins are favored by hormones secreted during pregnancy and an enlarged uterus. Varicose veins and hemorrhoids are not only an aesthetic problem, so they should be prevented.
Varicose veinsinpregnancypromotes excessive weight gain and genetic factors. If you often choose the couch over a walk and indulge in snacking, and women in your family suffered from varicose veins, you may have problems withveins .
Where do varicose veins come from in pregnancy?
Veins are the vessels through which blood returns to the heart. The veins from the legs do the job uphill - literally and figuratively, because from the area around the feet they have to push the blood to the heart located more than a meter above the ground! Hormonal changes occurring during pregnancy cause the relaxation of blood vessels and, consequently, their widening. In addition, there is more circulating blood during pregnancy (even 1.5 liters!), Which additionally stretches the veins. As if that were not enough, the force of gravity makes it difficult for the blood to return to the heart. And the enlarging uterus compresses the veins in the abdominal cavity and pelvis, causing the pressure in the leg vessels to increase (even three times in the second trimester!), Which further complicates the outflow of blood from the lower parts of the body. As a result, blood remains in the dilated vessels and inflates them, leading to the formation of varicose veins in the legs or hemorrhoids in the anus. The only ally of the veins are the muscles of the legs, which squeeze blood up during movements, e.g. walking, and the vein valves that open like umbrellas do not allow blood to flow back.
Spider veins and heavy legs are the first symptom of varicose veins
The first disturbing signal is the feeling of heavy legs - they seem to be made of lead. They often swell and hurt a bit, especially at the end of the day. There is tingling, burning, itching and sometimes cramps. Purple spiders are tiny dilated veins or broken little vessels. At this stage, the problem is more aesthetic than he alth-related, but the next stage is varicose veins. When the veins cannot withstand the pressure of the residual blood, they widen, lengthen and begin to resemble a blue tube or ribbon curled just under the skin.
ImportantSee a doctor as soon as possible if:
- leg with varicose veins swollen, hurt, red or blue
- noticing blood while you were piling up
- varicose veins bother you a lot, legs hurt and seem heavy
Then it is no longer just a beauty defect, but a medical problem. Fortunately, after childbirth, when everything returns to balance, varicose veins often become less visible and sometimes even disappear without a trace. But they can appear in your next pregnancy, especially if it has not been long since your last childbirth.
Thrombosis - a serious complication of varicose veins
Widened veins can cause not only pain, but also a serious complication of venous thrombosis. As a result of blood stagnation in the vessels, a blood clot can form which, like a stopper, clogs the vessel, preventing the free flow of blood. Thrombosis is additionally favored by an increase in blood viscosity during pregnancy. The disease is manifested by severe pain, swelling of the leg, redness along the vein, and sometimes a palpable ligamentous thickening at the site of the blood clot. If you notice such ailments, do not delay the visit to the doctor. Injections to reduce blood clotting will be necessary.
Do not blame your symptoms on leg fatigue or temporary deterioration of the condition of the veins. If a fragment of the clot breaks loose, it could flow downstream and block important blood vessels.
What can you do?
In order to avoid varicose veins or alleviate the discomfort associated with the existing ones, it is worth remembering a few rules.
» Do not wear tight underwear or clothes. No socks with a strong ribbing or self-supporting stockings.
» Rest with your legs raised above the level of your heart.
» When you have to spend long periods at a desk or standing, take a walk every half hour, flex your calf muscles, move your legs.»
Avoid standing still. » Do not gain too much weight - extra kilos overload the venous system.
»Do not cross your feet. The pressure causes the blood to remain in the vessels, promoting the formation of spider veins and varicose veins.
» Give up high heels and slippers with narrow tips - they disturb the work of the muscle pump and impede blood circulation in your legs.
» Don't forget to move. Physical activity improves circulation and strengthens muscles. Walk, exercise, swim.
» Give up hot baths, sunbathing, hot waxing. The heat causes the vessels to expand, increasing the volume of blood residing in the vessels.
» Massage your feet and calves with a cooling gel, use cool compresses or lukewarm water baths. While showering, massage with a cold stream of water, directing it from the ankles uplegs. Finish the shower with a vigorous massage of the feet, calves and thighs with a rough washcloth.
» If you already have varicose veins, use anti-varicose tights or knee socks. Don't buy them by yourself. First, ask your doctor to measure your legs and then decide to buy. Remember that you have to put them in before getting out of bed, while the veins are still "empty".
»
Harden the veins - pour cool water on your feet, walk on the water.
Hemorrhoids - haemorrhoids
Pains during defecation and blood on the stool or on toilet paper may be evidence of hemorrhoids, i.e. anal varicose veins. Their formation - apart from vascular changes typical for pregnancy - is fostered by constipation, which is a nuisance for many pregnant women. Hemorrhoids can be felt as cushion-shaped, soft bumps at the anus. Saps over a decoction of oak bark and the use of topical creams or suppositories are helpful. It is also important to fight constipation through a proper diet (rich in vegetables and fiber) and physical activity.
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