Varicose veins during pregnancy are caused by an increase in the load on the legsPhoto: Getty
Causes and symptoms of varicose veins during pregnancy
The reasons for the development of pathology can be different.
- Venous insufficiency is the main cause of the disease and can be transmitted genetically. In this case, pregnancy is the first impetus to the development of the problem.
- Hormonal changes in the body lead to a weakening of the vascular walls and, as a consequence, varicose veins.
- Sedentary lifestyle as well as swiftweight gain future mothers can cause deterioration of blood flow. Additional kilograms create a serious load on the lower limbs, thereby leading to the progression of the disease.
- The uterus, which increases in volume duringfetal growth, creates pressure on the pelvic area and increases intravenous pressure. This can provoke varicose veins of the pelvis during pregnancy. The consequence of this form of the disease is hemorrhoids, varicose vulva, labia.
It is important to recognize the problem in time so that it does not progress to a dangerous stage.
Symptoms and prevention of varicose veins
In the first trimester, nothing bothers the woman except for the appearance of nets and capillaries on the skin. But during the second and third trimesters, the first signs may appear:
- pain in the lower limbs or pelvic area;
- feeling of increased tone and heaviness in the muscles;
- convulsions;
- swelling;
- increased fatigue when walking.
Varicose veins and pregnancy oftengo hand in hand, it is easier to prevent varicose veins than to treat it. Women from the first days of pregnancy should be safe and make every effort to improve blood circulation and reduce the load on the lower extremities. It is necessary to move a lot, often rotate hands, bend elbows and legs at the knees, go up on socks, often lie on your side. It is important to reconsider the diet of the future mother: exclude dishes that contribute to blood thickening: fatty, smoked and spicy. It is also worth refusing from high-heeled shoes, replacing it with comfortable sports models. The phlebologist is engaged in treating varicose veins, which will offer you the best solutions to the problem: surgical, medical, or sclerotherapy.