Abstract
3/2024
vol. 18
Review paper
Varicose veins of the lower limbs in pregnant women
- Katedra i Zakład Anatomii Prawidłowej, Wydział Nauk Medycznych w Katowicach, Śląski Uniwersytet Medyczny w Katowicach, Katowice, Polska
- Poradnia Ginekologiczno-Położnicza, Centrum Medyczne Graniczna, Katowice, Polska
Pielęgniarstwo Chirurgiczne i Angiologiczne 2024; 18(3): 75-80
Online publish date: 2024/10/19
Varicose veins are defined as „any dilated, elongated, or tortuous veins, regardless of their size”. During pregnancy, blood pressure in the veins of the lower limbs increases 2–3-fold. The prevalence of varicose veins during pregnancy is high (18–70%). Risk factors for the development of the disease include the following: a positive family history, multiparity, interpregnancy intervals < 2 years, age > 35 years, obesity, smoking, thyroid disorders, and diabetes. Varicose veins of the lower limbs significantly affect the quality of life of pregnant women. Symptoms of the disease include heaviness in the legs, itching, paraesthesia, cramps, and oedema. The gold standard for the diagnosis of varicose veins is duplex Doppler ultrasound of the veins. Treatment of varicose veins of the lower limbs in pregnant women is challenging due to limited options for surgical techniques. Treatment involves the use of compression stockings and nighttime rest with legs elevated at a 30° angle.
Keywords
pregnancy, varicose veins, vein diseases
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