Almost all women have heard of varicose veins. Even twenty-year-old girls are susceptible to this disease. But most face this problem during pregnancy, especially women with a hereditary predisposition.
At first the disadvantage is only cosmetic, but over time the pain appears. In advanced conditions, the disease can develop into thrombophlebitis (a common complication of varicose veins), harming the mother and the unborn child. How to avoid such consequences, the best recipes for the treatment of varicose veins, as well as disease prevention - you will learn all this from the following material.
Causes
The birth of a child is a difficult temptation for a woman, especially in the second half of pregnancy. During this period, the lower part of the body is in constant tension, withstanding significant loads. Blood vessels cannot cope with the accumulated work and rupture, it is the main cause of varicose veins on the legs of future mothers.
In addition, blood flow is increased to feed not one organism, but two at once, in some cases three! The uterus increases in volume, the pressure increases, which interferes with the natural flow of blood, 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 hormonal background;
- hereditary predisposition;
- bad habits;
- long sunbathing.
Also, all latent or chronic diseases get worse during pregnancy, so resort to disease prevention. If the problem persists, use prescriptions for treatment.
First signs and symptoms
This disease does not manifest itself at first, but over time you will certainly feel discomfort and other signs:
- veins swell, visible to the naked eye;
- various types of nets are formed - this is the result of rupture of blood vessels;
- in the evening there is severe fatigue in the legs, swelling;
- the pain does not pass until morning, the situation is aggravated;
- Varicose veins occur not only on the legs, but also in the pelvic area (uterus, lips). In such a situation, only a doctor will recognize this disease, but if you feel itching, pain in the groin, the inability to sit for a long time, consult a gynecologist immediately;
- In advanced cases, patients have cramps in the lower limbs.
If you find any of the above symptoms, you should inform your doctor, he will clarify the diagnosis and prescribe competent treatment.
Classification of diseases
Pregnant women have the following types of varicose veins:
- lower limbs. This type is the most common, the legs are the support of the whole organism, they have to cope with the burden that has appeared;
- vagina. It is most often diagnosed during the second pregnancy, it is worth the urgent intervention of a doctor, because such pathology can complicate childbirth;
- uterus. Such a problem is faced by women who have had miscarriages, had sexually transmitted infections, or are the result of a genetic predisposition;
- in the crotch. It is accompanied by severe pain in this area, interferes with normal walking.
Avoid self-diagnosis and self-treatment, think about the future baby, only the doctor will precisely determine the type and course of further actions.
Effective exercises and treatments
Consult your gynecologist, the best option would be if he writes a referral to a narrow specialist - a phlebologist (a doctor who treats chronic venous insufficiency or CVI).
Such a doctor will, depending on the stage of development, the site of pathology, prescribe the following drugs:
- topical application of ointments and gels;
- taking special tablets (phlebotonics), which strengthen the walls of blood vessels from the inside, help in the recovery of the already damaged;
- anticoagulants. These drugs help to thin the blood, preventing the formation of blood clots that clog blood vessels that burst over time. They are used in extreme cases, because it can lead to separation of the placenta, bleeding;
- special underwear. Your doctor will choose compression leggings, socks with a supportive effect. They can be worn for prophylaxis (70 den) or for treatment (100-280 den);
- all types of traditional medicine will help with varicose veins on the legs, read the recipes below.
Important!If you find severe edema, redness in the area of swollen veins, sharp pain, fever, do not hesitate, but call an ambulance!
When you arrive at the hospital, inform the staff about your problem, and also do not start this procedure after the baby is born.
Useful gymnastics for expectant mothers, 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 upright, extend your left leg forward, rotate first with your foot and then with your whole leg, alternate legs;
- It is useful to walk on your toes, go around the whole apartment 3-4 times, and then walk on the outside and inside of your feet;
- Sit on a comfortable surface for you, lift your heels off the floor, your socks should remain pressed to the floor, and then return to the starting position.
Do each such exercise 10 times, preferably 3 sets. Take into account your health condition and the duration of the pregnancy, you should not exert yourself too much.
Varicose veins can be treated with surgery, but in extreme cases. Such manipulations are strictly forbidden to pregnant women.
Traditional medicine treatment
Some ladies only trust doctors, but there are methods that have been tested by our mothers and grandmothers. These recipes do not contain chemicals, everything is only natural, so there are no special contraindications for pregnant women, except for individual intolerance to some components.
List of the most effective drugs against varicose veins:
- apple cider vinegar.Can be used externally and taken internally. Rub a little of this product into the 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 in a month at the earliest;
- green tomatoes.Cut this fruit into circles, attach to swollen veins, wrap with an elastic bandage. Do such manipulations every night, rinse the compress with water in the morning. The course of treatment is about 5-6 months, but the result pays off;
- potatoes.This product is in every kitchen, grate 5 fresh potatoes, apply on legs, wrap in cling film and keep for about four hours. Such a compress will immediately relieve the pain, and over time the veins will shrink;
- horse chestnut.Prepare a tincture of this ingredient: infuse inflorescences (50 g) with vodka (1 liter), let it cook for 2-3 weeks in a cool place. Strain before use, take 2 tablespoons a day, the course is ten days, and then take a break of 5 days. After 3-4 courses you will notice a significant improvement in the condition of the veins;
- lilac tincture.Soak 200 g of plant leaves in 800 ml of vodka, leave for about a week. At the end of the period, strain, rub your feet 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 every day for 1 cup (stop taking 3-4 times). Drink recipe: 2 tbsp. pour spoons of dried herbs with 1 cup of boiling water, leave for 25 minutes. Drink the soup for a month, then take a break of 14 days, and then repeat the course of treatment;
- apples.Everyone knows such a variety as Antonovka. Take 3 of this fruit, throw 1 liter of boiling water, wait 30 minutes, crush the apples into a porridge, strain the soup. Mix the resulting infusion with vodka, honey (1: 1: 1). Take 1 tablespoon on an empty stomach. spoon in the morning and at bedtime in the evening. This treatment lasts about a month, you will notice an excellent result;
- silver wormwood.Grind the fresh flowers of this plant thoroughly into a homogeneous mass + the same amount of sour milk, stir the mixture. Lubricate the feet with the resulting porridge, cover with gauze. Perform this procedure for no more than 5 days, take a break for 3-4 days, and then you can repeat the course of treatment 2-3 more times;
- Kalanchoe.Mix the dry leaves of this plant with vodka (1: 1), leave for 1 week, shake the contents occasionally. Rub the tincture into the skin of the feet, the pain will disappear, a feeling of lightness will appear, the veins will become less noticeable. This type of treatment also takes a lot of time (3-4 months).
Use these products only after consulting a doctor. You can combine medications with home therapy. Remember to follow a diet (eat grains, vegetables, not fatty meats), so you will 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, it will not be difficult for you to take all preventive measures.
Tips for avoiding chronic venous insufficiency during pregnancy:
- give preference to shoes, on low heels, listen to your feelings, you should be comfortable;
- practice swimming, it will help not only in the prevention of varicose veins, but also in other diseases. Water treatments are also beneficial for the fetus;
- sleep on the left side after the 1st trimester. This will reduce the pressure on the vein on the right side;
- don’t cross one leg over the other while sitting, it will squeeze the vessels;
- do not stay in one position for too long, they are constantly on the move, this is very useful for the baby. Of course, if there are no special contraindications;
- do not wear narrow elastic bands, give up socks, narrow elastic bands and other pressing items in the closet for a while;
- watch your diet, avoid sweet, salty, fatty foods. Leave the chips, soda in the past as well.
It would be good if you are examined by a qualified specialist during pregnancy planning, so it will be much easier to prevent or cure small deviations from the norm, because most medications cannot be used during childbirth.
Monitor the condition of your body, if you find any unpleasant symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. Then you and your baby will be completely healthy.