Varicose veins and pregnancy | vascularte.ro

Varicose veins and pregnancy

Varicose veins and pregnancy

Most pregnant women develop varicose veins in the first trimester of pregnancy as a result of increased blood volume, which implicitly leads to dilated veins. During the 9 months, the varicose veins also increase in volume, with the transformations of the pregnant woman's body. Is there a treatment for varicose veins and what can be done to prevent it?

Normally, the appearance of varicose veins in pregnancy is not a cause of concern for expectant mothers, this being an effect of the changes that occur during pregnancy. Several factors lead to the onset of this condition, which can make it worse in some cases.

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What causes varicose veins in pregnancy?

Pregnancy hormones

They are the main cause of varicose veins in pregnancy. Generally, varicose veins appear in the first trimester of pregnancy, due to the increase in the amount of progesterone which leads to the dilation of the veins. As the pregnancy progresses, the varicose veins enlarge and become more and more visible.

Progesterone is also responsible for the rupture of the veins during the 3 trimesters of pregnancy, as well as the appearance of those unsightly veins in the shape of a spider web.

If the patient suffered from varicose veins even before pregnancy, there is a very good chance that the pregnancy will exacerbate this condition and complications such as edema, venous thrombosis and even venous ulcers will occur.

The hereditary factor

If the pregnant woman has a family history of varicose veins, the chances of her developing varicose veins during pregnancy are high. The chances of the condition worsening increase with each pregnancy of the woman. The good news is that varicose veins are likely to shrink significantly after birth.

Enlargement of the uterus

As the uterus grows in volume, so does the pressure on the major blood vessels in the pelvic area. The main affected veins are the inferior vena cava and the iliac veins.

Overweight / Obesity

The extra pounds can be a major cause of varicose veins, due to the pressure it exerts on the circulation and lower limbs. Therefore, it is always recommended that patients who are overweight or obese constantly monitor the progression of varicose veins, to eliminate the risk of complications.

Another possible cause of varicose veins is standing for long periods.

Are there any treatment methods for varicose veins in pregnancy?

Surgical treatment of varicose veins is totally contraindicated during pregnancy because it can affect both mother and fetus.

After birth, these options become valid and can help new mothers get rid of the unpleasant aesthetic appearance of varicose veins, as well as the pain caused by them through minimally invasive interventions. These are intravenous ablation, microphlebectomy or sclerotherapy.

Sclerotherapy is a complementary method of treatment, with the role of closing the venous collaterals of medium calibre and the remaining varicose veins after saphenectomy (removal of the saphenous vein by vascular stripping) or phlebectomy (removal of the obstructed vein).

Sclerotherapy uses a light imaging device to mark the telangiectasias to be treated.

After sclerotherapy, it is recommended to wear elastic compression stockings during the day, for a period of up to 3 weeks. They can be taken out at night. Also, high temperatures should be avoided and walking for 30-40 minutes is recommended.

Following the sclerotherapy procedure, patients can return to normal activities on the same day.

The most effective methods of preventing varicose veins in pregnancy

There are some steps you can take to reduce the risk of getting varicose veins during pregnancy. They can also help slow down the deterioration of existing varicose veins.

  • Move as much as possible. This will help improve blood circulation.
  • Avoid standing for too long, as this will only promote varicose veins, putting extra pressure on the lower limbs.
  • Maintain a normal weight
  • Wear compression stockings
  • Sleep on the left side of your body
  • When standing in a horizontal position, lift your legs on a pillow.
  • Avoid crossing your legs
  • Avoid wearing heeled shoes.