Varicose veins problem during pregnancy

Elements of the subject

1_ Varicose veins

2_ Pregnancy and varicose veins

1_ Varicose veins

Varicose veins are swollen blue threads that form under the surface of the skin, and the feet and legs are the most affected areas. Varicose veins are a common health problem in the United States, affecting 23% of the population.
It should be noted that varicose veins are generally painless, but may be uncomfortable at times, despite the swelling and inflammation of the affected extremities.
In fact, varicose veins occur as a result of a defect in the venous valve, which leads to the pooling of blood in the vein and the loss of the muscles lining its walls and their ability to secrete blood, which leads to an increase in pressure. in the vein. Phlebitis, which may explain swelling in a vein.

2_ Pregnancy and varicose veins

The appearance of varicose veins during pregnancy is a worrisome condition, especially in the second trimester.
In fact, varicose veins are more common in the calf and groin areas, but this does not exclude the possibility of their appearance in other parts of the body.

the reasons?

In fact, a variety of factors can contribute to the development of varicose veins during pregnancy, including drastic changes in the levels of hormones in the body of a pregnant woman. This hormone causes the veins to relax during pregnancy, causing blood to pool and the veins to swell. The occurrence of varicose veins is explained by the fetus generating additional pressure in the uterus, which leads to an increase in weight on the veins in the pelvis, which in turn leads to pressure on the main vein that feeds the right side of the body, which is known as the inferior vena cava and thus presses on the leg veins, leading to The appearance of varicose veins in the patient.

In addition to the above factors, the increase in blood volume during pregnancy contributes to the growth of varicose veins, and it must be emphasized that women who had varicose veins before pregnancy are more likely to develop it during pregnancy, that is, if a woman is pregnant, her infection with varicose veins during pregnancy increases the likelihood of her infection . The same is true in subsequent pregnancies, and the severity of the disease increases.

Varicose veins and the risks they pose during pregnancy

Often the problem of varicose veins is the unsightly appearance of the visible veins, but this does not exclude the possibility that the problem will develop to the point where the patient will have more serious problems, such as constant itching in the affected area, the appearance of pigmentation around the ankles, and the possibility of sores around the ankles during pregnancy. Women with varicose veins have mild swelling of the feet, as well as the appearance of blood clots or clots in the affected veins, as well as a risk of infection in the affected vein.

Prevention of varicose veins during pregnancy.

Varicose veins can be avoided or at least reduced during pregnancy by following some guidelines, some of which are as follows:
Regular exercise is recommended, and short walks may be enough to reduce the incidence of varicose veins during pregnancy.

Maintaining weight within target ranges is important because each stage of pregnancy has a specific range in which a pregnant woman must maintain her weight, thus reducing the risk of varicose veins.

Avoid placing one leg on top of the other or even cutting the ankles while sitting.
A pregnant woman should avoid staying in one position for long periods of time, such as standing or sitting for long periods of time. However, a pregnant woman should change positions and move her body as needed.

Elevate the legs and feet as close to the level of the heart as possible.

Avoid wearing clothes that are too tight around the waist or thighs.

Eat meals with low concentrations of salt because foods with high concentrations of salt can stimulate water retention in the body, which may increase the chance of developing varicose veins during pregnancy.

Varicose vein treatment during pregnancy

In fact, varicose veins usually disappear three to four months after the birth of the child, but this does not exclude the possibility that the mother will continue to suffer from them until the infant enters his first year of life.

On the other hand, there are a number of treatment options that some people believe can help control varicose veins if they persist, but no studies have been conducted to prove their effectiveness. These include compression stockings, some types of liposuction, physical therapy, as well as resorting to surgery when it comes to using certain medications, but doctors rarely resort to surgery unless the woman still has varicose veins a year after the birth of her baby.

In this topic, we have provided an overview of the problem of varicose veins in pregnant women and the proposed treatments.

mohamed kadi 11 dec 2021