Pregnancy is a very delicate situation, during which a woman must provide everything for the normal growth and development of the fetus, while maintaining her health.
It does not always proceed smoothly and can be accompanied by many associated complications that can harm intrauterine development, one of which is vaginal varicose veins.
In this article we will talk specifically about this disease.
This is one of the most dangerous diseases during pregnancy, which affects about thirty percent of expectant mothers. Risk factors for the occurrence of this disease are excess weight, a sedentary lifestyle and heredity. The latter plays a decisive role.
If your mother, grandmother or other relative had varicose veins, then most likely it will not be possible to avoid it during pregnancy. If timely measures are not taken to treat vaginal varicose veins during pregnancy, then soon after childbirth it is highly likely that this disease will manifest itself on the legs.
Varicose veins arise as a result of increased blood pressure on weakened or thinned vessel walls . As a result, the veins protrude, they protrude outward and appear in the form of small compactions like hematomas.
In order to find out how to treat varicose veins during pregnancy, you need to contact a gynecologist who will tell you everything about this disease. It would also be a good idea to contact a phlebologist in order to avoid problems of a similar nature in other parts of the body in the future.
Varicose veins of the uterus are detected by ultrasound examination and are often accompanied by dilation of the pelvic veins associated with increased fetal pressure. As a result, various nodes can be detected. And if varicose veins of the small pelvis are discovered, then this is to some extent a manifestation of varicose veins.
Immediately before giving birth , if such problems do arise, you should definitely attend to their resolution. There are many ways to avoid this disease; they are selected on an individual basis.
It is necessary to remind that timely contact with a specialist will help to avoid possible, often irreversible, consequences for the child!
The main causes of varicose veins during pregnancy in the perineum:
How do varicose veins of the genital organs manifest during pregnancy? Pay attention to these symptoms of varicose veins during pregnancy in the groin:
Varicose veins in the groin during pregnancy - photo:
Varicose veins in the groin during pregnancy can cause the following complications in a woman : bleeding and rupture of veins, infertility, inflammation of the genital organs.
Enlarged veins during pregnancy in the groin can also lead to chronic abdominal syndrome, thrombosis, menstrual irregularities, and the development of ovarian hypofunction.
Since varicose veins in an intimate area during pregnancy do not have external or specific manifestations, its diagnosis is possible only with the help of hardware tests. The most commonly used is Doppler ultrasound . During the examination, the veins are visualized on a screen using ultrasound.
Vaginal varicose veins are not a gynecological disease, but a venous one. Treatment should be prescribed by a phlebologist and gynecologist. Treatment of varicose veins of the external sex organs in women during pregnancy takes a long time and requires patience .
In the early stages, treatment of varicose veins during pregnancy in the groin is conservative . It includes the correct organization of work and rest with limitation of static and physical activity. A diet high in fruits, vegetables, vegetable oil and taking multivitamin complexes are also prescribed.
A complete cessation of alcohol, smoking, and taking narcotic and psychotropic substances is mandatory!
Do not neglect sports activities , at the same time it is important to avoid excessive physical activity. Breathing exercises and exercises in a lying position are useful. To improve the condition of the veins, it is good to take a contrast shower, directing it to the perineal area. Be sure to wear therapeutic compression tights.
In advanced stages, surgical intervention is necessary to treat varicose veins during pregnancy in the groin.
Varicose veins of the vulva during pregnancy are a possible indication for cesarean section . The decision to undergo surgery depends on many aspects, such as the extent of the disease, the general condition of the patient, the presence of gynecological diseases or complications of varicose veins.
The patient makes the decision independently, after consulting with the doctor.
The prognosis for treatment of inguinal varicose veins during pregnancy is positive if the disease is not complicated. However, it is completely impossible to cure it.
It remains to wish health to all those who are going to give birth to children; to a greater extent, the appearance of this or that disease depends on you yourself rather than on injuries and unfavorable circumstances.
You can learn more about the causes and symptoms of varicose veins in the groin during pregnancy from the video below:
Varicose veins in the groin during pregnancy are a common phenomenon and, if they occur, require the necessary measures to be taken. Expectant mothers undergo a radical restructuring of the body, so there is nothing surprising in the appearance of varicose veins. However, pathology can be avoided, or, as a last resort, its further aggravation can be prevented. In advanced forms, ruptures of blood vessels and heavy blood loss that occur during childbirth are possible, for example.
As is known, with varicose veins, the vascular structures expand, become thinner, become denser, and characteristic nodularity is observed.
More specifically, this condition is accompanied by:
Varicose veins in intimate places are provoked by several factors:
The longer varicose veins progress, the more intense the symptoms will become.
The disease can be recognized by many signs:
If vein deformation during pregnancy occurs early in the pregnancy, its manifestations are usually moderate. This pathology develops slowly. But as the birth approaches, there is an increase in symptoms, which sometimes disappear on their own after the birth of the child.
Unfortunately, some women have to deal with a disease that is quite aggressive and causes complications in the form of bleeding, thrombosis, thrombophlebitis, varicose ulcers, and so on. No one can say with certainty how varicose veins will develop in pregnant women. It is better to get tested in advance.
If you have the following symptoms, you should seek help as soon as possible:
If any pathology occurs, of course, you want it to disappear as soon as possible. Varicose veins in the groin area in some women disappear on their own after delivery. But this does not mean that you should wait until the problem resolves itself. Basically, you have to resort to some methods through which you can weaken the existing symptoms.
Until a pregnant woman gives birth, serious treatment cannot begin. And even if it seems that the disease has subsided during the postpartum period, it is necessary to engage in therapy.
Expectant mothers should know that pathology can result in:
What to do if inguinal varicose veins were discovered during pregnancy? Naturally, the disease cannot be ignored under any circumstances. But at the same time, treatment methods must be selected in such a way that neither the mother’s body nor the child are harmed.
To restore blood flow in the pelvis, increase the elasticity and strength of blood vessels, as well as improve immunity, doctors prescribe treatment with:
Doctors say that when the pathology is mild, it is better to constantly monitor it without the use of medications or other methods that may be dangerous. Although you can use topical products or wear special compression garments.
It is not surprising that women who are preparing for future motherhood are very worried about how to give birth if they have varicose veins in the groin area. This issue will be resolved only by the attending physician. He will make the final decision based on examination data, the condition of the pregnant woman, the position of the fetus in the womb, and so on.
For many women, if varicose veins are at an early stage, natural childbirth is recommended. The main thing is that there are no contraindications for any other pathologies.
The patient will be prepared for a caesarean section if certain symptoms are present:
Prevention should never be forgotten. This is especially true for pregnant women. Naturally, everyone wants everything to be okay with the baby and for as few difficulties to arise during labor as possible.
Therefore, pregnant women should:
Summing up, we can say with almost certainty that although this disease is quite unpleasant in terms of symptoms, it can be dealt with quite successfully. Only timely detection of pathological changes guarantees effective treatment. Those who ignore the problem or use ineffective methods risk developing dangerous complications. Therefore, if a pregnant woman takes her health seriously, specialists will be able to help her overcome the difficulties that arise. Moreover, there are enough ways to eliminate the disease while carrying a baby.
Varicose veins are a disease that most often occurs in the lower extremities, where it is characterized by the appearance of thick, swollen veins under the skin and the formation of swelling in the legs. But this disease sometimes affects other parts of the body.
One of these common problems is varicose veins of the labia, which women suffer from during pregnancy.
What should you do if varicose veins appear in the groin, in the outer part of the vagina, or on the labia during pregnancy? What treatment methods will help to safely cope with the problem? And most importantly, is it possible to give birth?
This disease usually occurs in the third trimester of pregnancy , but it can appear much earlier - women often complain about this problem already at the beginning of the 2nd trimester. In most cases, varicose veins of the labia are formed against the background of varicose veins of the lower extremities.
This pathology may not be noticed immediately. In the first stages of development, a small soft nodule forms on the labia , which does not cause any inconvenience. Over time, it begins to grow, causing pain and other unpleasant sensations.
Often this disease goes away after the baby is born. But this does not mean that you can ignore it, especially if varicose veins continue to increase in size. If the disease is detected, it is necessary to consult a doctor , since in advanced cases, varicose veins of the labia during pregnancy can lead to varicose veins of the small pelvis and serious complications that threaten the health of the mother and the unborn baby.
This disease is typical specifically for pregnant women, since during this period the body is subjected to great stress. Body weight increases, and changes occur in the hormonal system. The level of the hormones progesterone and estrogen increases sharply , which negatively affects the structure of the veins. They weaken and become more extensible.
Other common causes of this disease are:
This disease in itself is not a contraindication to natural childbirth . Only if the pathology develops rapidly and the dilation of the veins has reached alarming proportions, can a caesarean section be indicated.
In any case, before giving birth you need to undergo the necessary examinations that will determine the possibility of a natural birth . If the disease is detected early, it can be treated before birth.
After the birth of a child, varicose veins often go away on their own, but if the disease was severe and advanced, it may continue into the postpartum period. Women are at the highest risk of recurrence of varicose veins in intimate areas during their next pregnancy. This is why it is so important to see a doctor, follow all his instructions and take preventive measures.
Varicose veins of the perineum are a dangerous condition during pregnancy, which can lead to rupture of altered veins during childbirth and heavy bleeding. Another complication of this disease is acute varicothrombophlebitis , which is characterized by inflammatory processes in the walls of blood vessels with the formation of a blood clot.
Before external signs of the disease appear, a pregnant woman begins to feel the following unpleasant changes :
Discomfort is most evident in the evenings , especially if during the day a woman spent many hours in the same position, or if she experienced heavy physical activity.
Gradually, nodules will begin to appear in the area of the labia . They look like small swellings, soft to the touch. Over time, these nodules expand under the influence of bulging veins, the symptoms become more pronounced, and the aesthetics of the genital organs deteriorate.
Unpleasant sensations in the intimate area cause a lot of inconvenience - it becomes difficult for a woman to move , she experiences pain while walking, prolonged sitting, and even at night while sleeping. Most expectant mothers are forced to completely abandon sexual contact. And the problem here is not only that they are embarrassed to demonstrate modified genitals, but also fear possible damage to the swollen veins during sexual intercourse.
You can detect the disease yourself by palpating the labia, but it is still recommended to consult a doctor to clarify the diagnosis .
At the first signs of varicose veins of the genital organs during pregnancy, you should visit a phlebologist who will conduct an examination and give the necessary recommendations to prevent the development of the disease. To make an accurate diagnosis, your doctor may order a duplex scan or ultrasound . Only after all these procedures is the course of suitable treatment determined.
Although this disease in most cases goes away on its own after the birth of the child , certain treatment methods can prevent a number of complications during childbirth and alleviate the patient’s condition.
The most common method of treating varicose veins in the groin during pregnancy is sclerotherapy . This procedure consists of injecting a special drug into the affected vein, as a result of which its condition is normalized. The injections are carried out in the hospital, the number of procedures depends on the severity of the disease.
In addition, various drugs are used to increase the tone of the veins:
Wearing special clothing, namely special compression stockings, helps restore the normal state of a swollen vein . Compression garments for varicose veins compress the affected areas, putting pressure on the veins, as a result of which they are in constant tone.
In parallel with wearing compression garments, to relieve pain and maintain blood vessels, it is recommended to carry out special gymnastic exercises . For example, you can bend your knees one at a time while lying down. Or get on all fours with your head on the pillow. In this case, the pelvic area will be higher than the head, which will improve the flow of blood from the affected areas and relieve pain.
Raising on your toes, bending your knees while lying on your left side, or simply walking in place can have a good effect . A specific set of exercises is prescribed by a specialist based on individual indications.
Preventing the appearance of varicose veins on the labia during pregnancy is not a very difficult task. It is enough to follow certain preventive measures:
Varicose veins of the labia in pregnant women are an unpleasant disease, but not very dangerous . Timely measures taken will help avoid its occurrence and prevent any other types of varicose veins. If the disease begins to manifest itself, you should not delay contacting a doctor. The sooner treatment begins, the less likely it is to develop dangerous complications.
You have probably heard about such a disease as varicose veins. It is associated with persistent irreversible dilation of the veins and, as a result, disruption of normal blood flow. Varicose veins are most often observed in the lower part of the body - on the legs, on the genitals, in the pelvis. One of the favorable factors for the occurrence of such changes is pregnancy. Of course, this does not mean that if you become pregnant, you will definitely encounter this disease: only half of women experience varicose veins during pregnancy. If a woman has suffered from it before, then while carrying a baby the disease will most likely begin to progress.
Varicose veins during pregnancy develop as a result of changes in the body of the expectant mother, the structure of her body and a change in the woman’s lifestyle. There are some specific factors that provoke the appearance of this disease:
By the way, varicose veins come in different types. Consider those that occur most often during pregnancy:
Not all methods used to treat varicose veins can be applied to women in an “interesting situation.” For example, sclerotherapy (injections of special drugs) and surgery - radical, but also the most effective methods - are strictly contraindicated for pregnant women. They should not be used even if a woman plans to become a mother within the next two years, because then a relapse of the disease is practically unavoidable.
Therefore, the only remedies for varicose veins during pregnancy that will certainly not harm either the expectant mother or the baby are wearing compression garments (special stockings and tights) and various topical products (creams, ointments). If we talk about the latter, then products based on heparin (“Lioton-gel”) and horse chestnut extract (preparations such as “Dr. Theiss”, “Venitan”, etc.) have proven themselves well. If your doctor recommends that you wear compression stockings or stockings, be prepared to wear them during childbirth - at this time the risk of developing thrombosis increases significantly.
Varicose veins are not at all a contraindication to bearing and giving birth to a baby. You just need to be more careful about your health. The doctor will suggest prevention of thrombosis and inflammation of the veins. The question will also arise about how to give birth - natural or by caesarean section. You will decide this together with your gynecologist and phlebologist. If possible, natural childbirth is always preferred. But before giving birth, you will definitely wear compression stockings or bandage your legs with elastic bandages to prevent the backflow of blood during labor.
By the way, many are interested: if during pregnancy the doctor diagnosed varicose veins, then what to expect after childbirth - recovery or, conversely, an aggravation of the situation? No one, not even your attending physician, will give you a definite answer to this question. It all depends on the characteristics of your body. Some women after giving birth forget about what varicose veins are (at least for a while), while others continue to suffer and look for ways to eliminate this problem. So, how are varicose veins treated after childbirth?
Today, medicine can offer 2 ways to treat varicose veins: conservative - with the help of medications and operative - through surgery.
After childbirth, women often develop, in addition to varicose veins, venous thrombophlebitis, inflammation of the vein walls, and venous thrombosis. The symptoms are usually the same: tension of the veins, painful sensations when palpated, redness of the skin on the affected area of the body, up to an increase in temperature. If you observe all these unpleasant phenomena in yourself, immediately contact your doctor and be prepared for him to prescribe hospitalization for you.
Now you need bed rest, and most of the time your legs should be in an elevated position. If we talk about drug treatment during this period, then in such cases sulfonamides, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs and, if necessary, painkillers are usually prescribed. Sometimes doctors fight the problem with the help of coagulants - drugs that prevent blood clotting. There is one peculiarity: they can be taken no earlier than 3 days after birth to avoid uterine bleeding.
As always, preventing a disease is much easier than treating it. Therefore, every woman needs to know about measures to prevent varicose veins during pregnancy, regardless of whether she has a predisposition to this disease.
If neither you nor your family have ever encountered such a problem, you do not spend all day on your feet and you are not overweight, preventing varicose veins will not be difficult. If all these “aggravating” factors are present, then preventive measures must be resorted to with double diligence: this really gives very good results.
By the way, remember that each subsequent pregnancy increases the risk of the occurrence and development of varicose veins.
If you notice that swollen venous “nodules” (even very small ones) have appeared on your legs, go to a phlebologist or surgeon: the doctor will monitor you throughout your pregnancy and for some time after childbirth.
Let long (at least 2 hours) walks around the city become your daily habit. This is a good warm-up for the calf muscles, and blood circulation improves significantly when walking. But in extreme heat it is better to stay home.
Another great option is swimming : this is both physical activity and a kind of water massage. It is also useful because it has a beneficial effect on the spine, which experiences increasing stress as your tummy grows.
A contrast shower will also be useful for you, but the temperature difference should not be too great, otherwise you may feel ill (not because of varicose veins, but simply because of an “interesting position”). Be guided by your feelings.
Be careful when choosing shoes. No high heels ! If there is a heel, then it should be low (no more than 3-5 cm) and stable. It should not have elastic bands, ties or laces that squeeze and tighten the leg - this interferes with blood circulation. The same goes for tight elastic socks.
During the day, try to periodically lie down for 15-20 minutes with your legs elevated . Have you seen in films how Americans sit with their feet on the table? We consider this unacceptable, but what an excellent prevention of varicose veins! Of course, you don’t have to put your legs on the table, but on a soft pillow is the way to go.
Learn to sleep only on your left side : this eases the pressure of the uterus on the vein that is on the right and reduces venous pressure in the legs. Try placing a small pillow under your stomach, it is very comfortable.
To prevent varicose veins during pregnancy, and simply for good health, try to distribute the time during the day that you spend in the “standing-sitting-lying” positions. Any extremes are unacceptable: you should neither walk to the point of exhaustion, nor lie on the couch for 10 hours straight.
Do not sit with your legs crossed, especially on a low seat.
Adjust your diet . Firstly, it is important to normalize the functioning of the intestines, and secondly, a special diet, which we will discuss below, has a beneficial effect on the condition of the veins.
Pay attention to the liquid: there should be a lot of it. This includes water, juices, soups, and vegetables contain a lot of water (cucumbers, for example, consist of 97% of it). Red grape juice is extremely beneficial for you: half a glass a day will reduce platelet activity by 75%.
Blood clotting is reduced by cranberries, celery, onions, garlic, kiwi, cherries, and tomatoes.
You also need iodine to reduce blood viscosity and increase the elasticity of vessel walls. It is found in seafood (in particular, seaweed) and iodized salt.
Varicose veins during pregnancy are not so scary if you know what to do and don’t worry about it again. Follow these recommendations and don’t get sick!
Often pregnant women encounter such a nuisance as varicose veins of the labia. The pathology is characterized by enlargement and deformation of the veins on the external genitalia. The phenomenon brings a lot of inconvenience to women. Many expectant mothers worry about whether it is possible to give birth with such a pathology and how this may affect labor. Causes, symptoms and treatment methods for varicose veins in the groin.
Varicose veins predominantly appear on the veins of the legs. The disease has characteristic symptoms. With pathology, patients note increased leg fatigue, swelling and bloating of the veins. However, when carrying a baby, varicose veins can affect the vessels and veins in the groin area. This occurs due to poor circulation in the pelvic area.
Varicose veins of the perineum during pregnancy give expectant mothers a lot of worries and discomfort. The woman is plagued by pain, which can intensify with any stress. In addition to pain, varicose veins of the labia cause serious psychological trauma, because outwardly the disease manifests itself as unsightly nodular blue seals in the most intimate area.
It is worth noting that varicose veins in the groin area are most often observed in those women who already suffer from leg vein disease. Often, pathology of the veins of the intimate area can go away on its own after the baby is born, but if varicose veins continue to grow and the pain does not go away, serious treatment is required.
Inguinal varicose veins in women appear as a result of pregnancy. During this period, constant hormonal changes occur in the woman’s body. The level of hormones responsible for the gestation and development of the baby increases.
As a result, a woman’s blood vessels and veins lose their elasticity.
In addition to hormonal reasons, there are others that can also provoke the development of this pathology, namely:
Varicose veins of the labia during pregnancy have pronounced symptoms that are difficult to miss:
Many girls, upon discovering these symptoms, may be seriously scared. Any changes in an intimate place make a woman nervous. Of course, if you experience any discomfort, you should consult a gynecologist, but you should not panic at all. The fact is that varicose veins in the groin during pregnancy are quite common; more than 20% of expectant mothers experience it.
The danger of the pathology lies in the possibility of rupture of the vein during childbirth.
Your doctor should prescribe treatment for you and the treatment plan directly depends on the degree of development of the pathology. If doctors are unable to improve the condition of the veins and they continue to dilate, you may be advised to give birth surgically.
Today there are a lot of drugs for the treatment of varicose veins in intimate places. However, you should not make any attempts to correct the situation on your own. Many medications for varicose veins are contraindicated during pregnancy, because they can damage the mucous layer of the vagina.
Varicose veins of the labia during pregnancy are treated mainly with sclerotherapy. If you have severe vein problems, this is the procedure you will be eligible for. Its essence is to administer a special medicine into the damaged vein, which prevents the stretching and expansion of the vein. If the situation is not so critical, you may be prescribed ointments and medications that improve the condition of blood vessels and make the veins more elastic.
Most often, pregnant women are prescribed:
In addition to local treatment of veins during pregnancy, women are usually prescribed a course of vitamin therapy. The vitamin complex must include vitamins C and E.
They are responsible for the strength and elasticity of the walls of blood vessels.
Traditional medicine can also offer several effective methods for treating varicose veins when carrying a child. However, before choosing a remedy, you should consult your doctor. Self-medication during pregnancy is strictly unacceptable!
Experts say that varicose veins in the groin in women are easier to prevent than to treat. At the slightest sign of swelling of the labia majora, measures must be taken to stop the development of the pathology. Preventive measures include the following actions of the patient:
Most often, varicose veins on the labia go away on their own after childbirth. However, if the disease progresses, the patient may be prescribed surgical treatment. What to do if after the birth of the baby the symptoms of the disease do not subside? First of all, you need to visit your gynecologist. He will give you a referral for examination.
If a phlebologist diagnoses progressive varicose veins, surgical therapy will be required.
Surgical treatment can be carried out using one of three methods:
Varicose veins in expectant mothers are quite common and rarely lead to serious consequences. However, at the slightest sign of illness, you should immediately consult a doctor. Most often, gynecologists do not prohibit natural childbirth; surgery is recommended only in severe cases, when the pathology threatens to rupture blood vessels. Today, doctors say that compliance with preventive measures from the first weeks of pregnancy can protect any woman from this pathology, even with risk factors.
Varicose veins of the perineum during pregnancy (labia, vulva, vagina) is one of the abnormalities that can occur in a woman’s body. It is a pathological expansion of the veins located in the groin area. The disease not only causes physical and emotional discomfort to the woman, but also threatens complications during pregnancy and the birth process. This is explained by the fact that varicose veins of the external genitalia are often associated with varicose changes in the pelvic vessels located around the pregnant uterus. If varicose veins are found in the groin during pregnancy, what should a woman do to avoid unpleasant consequences? Let's talk about this in more detail.
For the occurrence of perineal varicose veins during pregnancy, a number of prerequisites are created:
The listed factors collectively affect the wall of the veins, causing pathological dilation of blood vessels. First of all, the saphenous veins, which along their length do not have support in the form of a layer of muscle, undergo changes.
The influence of factors becomes pronounced in the second or third trimester of pregnancy, so symptoms of varicose veins of the labia usually appear by 18-20 weeks of pregnancy.
In most cases, pathology is not considered a contraindication to natural childbirth. After the birth of the child, the dilation of the veins in the groin area disappears by itself.
Varicose veins of the groin area are manifested by specific symptoms:
The clear clinical picture leaves no doubt about the diagnosis. Additionally, a study of the coagulation system (coagulogram) and vascular ultrasound are prescribed (to exclude the presence of blood clots in the inferior vena cava system).
It is possible to completely get rid of the symptoms of varicose veins in the groin only after the cessation of exposure to the factors that provoke its appearance, that is, after childbirth. During pregnancy, therapy is prescribed to help reduce the severity of symptoms of the disease and prevent its progression.
Pregnant women are given a number of general recommendations, compliance with which significantly alleviates the condition:
It is necessary to teach the patient the elements of therapeutic exercises, which significantly reduces pain with varicose veins of the labia. Postures are practiced that facilitate the outflow of venous blood from the lower part of the body, for example, standing on all fours with the head lowered to the floor and the pelvis raised.
A good effect is achieved when wearing compression garments. There is an acceleration of blood flow, a decrease in congestion and the severity of symptoms.
Drug therapy includes the use of venotonic agents (tablets, gels, ointments) - Detralex, Venoruton, Troxerutin, Lyoton. In case of a pronounced pathological process, the use of blood thinners (antiplatelet agents) is indicated: “Curantil”, “Trental”, “Aspirin”.
Medication is prescribed exclusively by a doctor. Self-medication poses a danger to the health and life of the fetus.
Effective measures for the primary prevention of perineal varicose veins are:
Genital varicose veins are a completely curable pathology. Modern medicine can reduce the severity of painful symptoms and alleviate a woman’s condition. To do this, you need to diagnose the disease in time and seek the help of a specialist.