Almost every woman has heard of varicose veins. Even twenty-year-old girls are susceptible to this disease. But most face this problem during pregnancy, especially women with hereditary predisposition.
At first the defect is only cosmetic, but over time pains appear. In advanced conditions, the disease can progress to thrombophlebitis (a common complication of varicose veins), harming the mother and the unborn child. How to avoid such consequences, the best recipes for treating varicose veins, as well as for preventing the disease - you will learn all this from the following material.
Causes of occurrence
Having a baby is difficult for a woman, especially in the second half of pregnancy. During this period, the lower torso is in constant tension, resisting considerable loads. The blood vessels cannot cope with the stacked labor and burst, this is the main cause of varicose veins on the legs of pregnant women.
In addition, blood flow increases in order to nourish not one organism, but two at a time, in some cases three! The uterus increases in size, the pressure increases, which interferes with the natural blood flow, this is another important factor that causes this disease.
There are other reasons for the development of the disease:
- rapid weight gain, overweight;
- repeated pregnancy;
- physical inactivity, sedentary work;
- changes in the hormonal background;
- hereditary predisposition;
- bad habits;
- taking long sunbaths.
In addition, during pregnancy, all latent or chronic diseases are exacerbated, so resort to disease prevention. If the problem persists, use the treatment recipes.
First signs and symptoms
This disease does not manifest itself at first, but over time you will certainly experience discomfort and other signs:
- the veins
- swell, visible to the naked eye;
- various types of mesh are formed - this is the result of the rupture of blood vessels;
- in the evening, there is severe fatigue in the legs, swelling;
- the pain does not go away in the morning, the situation is aggravated;
- Varicose veins occur not only on the legs, but also in the pelvic region (uterus, lips). In such a situation, only a doctor will identify this disease, but if you experience itching, pain in the groin, inability to sit still for a long time, immediately consult a gynecologist;
- In advanced cases, patients have lower extremity cramps.
If you find any of the above symptoms, you should tell your doctor, he will clarify the diagnosis, prescribe competent treatment.
Classification of the disease
Pregnant women have the following types of varicose veins:
- lower limbs. This type is the most common, clothed legs are a support for the whole organism, they have to cope with the load that arises;
- vagina. It is most often diagnosed during the second pregnancy, it is worth the immediate intervention of doctors, because such a pathology can complicate childbirth;
- uterus. Women who have had an abortion, had sexually transmitted infections or are due to a genetic predisposition face such a problem;
- in the groin. It is accompanied by severe pain in this area, interferes with normal walking.
Avoid self-diagnosis and self-medication, think about the future baby, only the doctor will accurately determine the type and course of future actions.
Effective exercises and treatments
Consult your gynecologist, the best option would be if he drafts a referral to a narrow specialist - phlebologist (a doctor dealing with the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency or CVI).
Such a doctor, depending on the stage of development, the location of the pathology, will prescribe the following drugs:
- topical application of ointments and gels;
- take special pills (phlebotonic), which strengthen the walls of blood vessels from the inside, help to recover already damaged;
- anticoagulants. These drugs help to thin the blood, prevent blood clots from forming, which clog blood vessels, which over time burst. They are used in extreme cases, as this can lead to detachment of the placenta, bleeding;
- special underwear. The doctor will select for you compression tights, stockings, with a supportive effect. They can be worn for prophylaxis (70 denier) or for treatment (100-280 denier);
- all kinds of folk medicine will help the expansion of the veins in the legs, read the recipes below.
Important!If you notice severe edema, redness of the venous swelling, sharp pain, fever, don't hesitate, but call an ambulance!
When you arrive at the hospital, inform the staff of your problem, also do not start this process after the birth of your baby.
Useful gymnastics for pregnant women, these exercises will help relieve fatigue, reduce pain and swelling:
- Sit on a chair, move your feet in a circle, do not lift your heels off the floor;
- Stand up straight, stretch your left leg forward, turn first with your foot, then with your whole leg, alternate legs;
- It helps to tiptoe, walk 3-4 times throughout the apartment, then walk outside and inside the foot;
- Sit on a comfortable surface for you, lift your heels off the floor, the socks should stay pressed against the floor, then return to the starting position.
Do each of these exercises 10 times, preferably 3 sets. Take into account your state of health and the length of the pregnancy, you should not overwork yourself.
Varicose veins can be treated with surgery, but in extreme cases. Such manipulations are strictly prohibited for pregnant women.
Treatment with traditional medicine
Some women only trust doctors, but there are methods that our mothers and grandmothers have tested. These recipes do not contain chemicals, everything is only natural, so there are no special contraindications for pregnant women, except for individual intolerance of certain components.
List of the most effective remedies for varicose veins:
- apple cider vinegar.It can be used externally and taken internally. Rub some of this product into your skin every night, to enhance the effect, drink 1 glass of water with 1 teaspoon of vinegar after meals. Do not expect a quick effect, such a disease requires long-term treatment. You will see the first positive results no earlier than a month;
- green tomatoes.Cut this fruit into circles, tie it to the swollen veins, wrap it with an elastic bandage. Do such manipulations every night, wash off the compress with water in the morning. The treatment lasts about 5-6 months, but the result is worth it;
- potatoes.This product can be found in all kitchens, grate 5 fresh potatoes, apply on the feet, wrap with cling film, keep for about 4 hours. Such a compress will immediately relieve pain, over time the veins will shrink;
- horse chestnut.Prepare a tincture from this ingredient: pour the inflorescences (50 g) with vodka (1 liter), infuse for 2-3 weeks in a cool place. Filter before use, take 2 tablespoons per day, the treatment lasts ten days, then take a break for 5 days. After 3-4 courses you will notice a significant improvement in the condition of your veins;
- lilac tincture.Soak 200 g of plant leaves in 800 ml of vodka, leave to stand for about a week. After the expiration of the period, filter, rub the legs with the resulting solution. Do such manipulations every night until complete recovery;
- nettle.This method of treatment is long (about a year), but absolutely safe. Drink a decoction of nettle daily for 1 glass (breaking the reception 3-4 times). Potion recipe: 2 tbsp. pour tablespoons of the dried plant with 1 cup of boiling water, leave for 25 minutes. Drink the broth for 1 month, then take a break for 14 days, then repeat the treatment;
- apples.Everyone knows such a variety as Antonovka. Take 3 of these fruits, throw in 1 liter of boiling water, wait 30 minutes, mash the apples into porridge, strain the broth. Mix the resulting infusion with vodka, honey (1: 1: 1). Take 1 tablespoon on an empty stomach. spoon in the morning and before bed at night. This treatment lasts about a month, you will notice an excellent result;
- silver wormwood.Carefully grind the fresh flowers of this herb into a homogeneous mass + the same amount of sour milk, stir the mixture. Lubricate your feet with the resulting oatmeal, cover with gauze. Perform this procedure for a maximum of 5 days, take a break for 3-4 days, then you can repeat the treatment 2-3 times more;
- Kalanchoe.Mix the dry leaves of this plant with vodka (1: 1), leave for 1 week, periodically shake the contents. Rub the tincture on the skin of the legs, the pain will disappear, a feeling of lightness will appear, the veins will become less noticeable. This type of treatment also takes a long time (3-4 months).
Only use these products after consulting your doctor. You can combine drugs with home therapy. You have to remember to follow the diet (eat grains, vegetables, not fatty meat), in order to help the body cope with the disease.
Preventive measures
If you did not have varicose veins before pregnancy, there is no hereditary predisposition and you are not overweight, then it will not be difficult for you to take all preventive measures.
Tips for avoiding chronic venous insufficiency during pregnancy:
- choose shoes, low heels, listen to your feelings, you must be comfortable;
- go swimming, it will not only help prevent varicose veins, but also other diseases. Water treatments are also beneficial for the fetus;
- sleep on your left side after the 1st trimester. This will reduce the pressure on the vein on the right side;
- do not cross one leg over the other while sitting, this will compress the vessels;
- do not stay in one position for too long, keep moving constantly, it is very useful for the baby. Of course, if there are no special contraindications;
- do not wear tight elastic bands, give up stockings, tight elastic bands and other pressing wardrobe items for a while;
- watch your diet, avoid sugary, salty and fatty foods. Leave the crisps and sodas in the past too.
It will be good if a qualified specialist examines you during pregnancy planning, so it will be much easier to prevent or cure small deviations from the norm, since most drugs cannot be used duringcarrying a baby.
Monitor the condition of your body, if you find any unpleasant symptoms, immediately contact your doctor. Then you and your baby will be perfectly healthy.