Blood circulation problems during pregnancy

Why do we have poor circulation when pregnant?

Under the influence of progesterone, a hormone secreted during pregnancy, the veins dilate, become more fragile and less elastic. In addition, to allow the growth of the placenta and the fetus, the blood mass increases by 40%. As a result, it is much more difficult for our veins to return blood to the heart, and the pressure on them increases.

The phenomenon is aggravated by the fact that the vessels of the small pelvis, especially the inferior vena cava, are increasingly compressed by the volume of the uterus, especially in the third trimester. Ultimately, blood circulation in the lower part of our body (the legs, but also the vulvar and anal region) has difficulty establishing itself properly.

Who are the people most at risk?

Certain factors accelerate the mechanism. In the first place, heredity, but also future mothers already subject to a venous insufficiency and poor blood circulation before becoming pregnant. Prolonged standing or sitting for long periods afterwards. Multiple pregnancies are also a risk factor, since the risk is by 23% in the first pregnancy and increases to 31% in the fourth pregnancy. Too much weight gain and a lack of physical activity does not help matters.

Pain, heavy legs: what are the symptoms?

In the first stage, the most common symptom is especially feeling of heavy legs, cramps, tingling, or impatience (unpleasant sensations in the legs, causing an immediate need to move). After a day of sitting or trampling, the feet are very swollen. We are talking about edema. It’s unpleasant, uncomfortable, but not worrying, unless the swelling persists after a night’s rest. In this case, it may be a sign of a kidney problem, and you should talk to your doctor.

When the dilation of the veins increases and the small valves on their walls no longer work well, blood collects and varicose veins may appear, sometimes as early as the first trimester. They can be seen because the veins at their level form a slightly sinuous blue or purple mass under the skin. These varicose veins are usually found on the legs, but they can also appear in the vulva (vulvar varicose veins) or the anus (hemorrhoids).

A rarer but also more serious complication: phlebitis, or vein thrombosis. It is the formation of a blood clot in a vein, most often in the lower limbs, settling in a deep vein (deep phlebitis) or superficial (superficial phlebitis or paraphlebitis). Phlebitis can itself cause pulmonary embolism if the clot travels to the lung via the bloodstream. It should therefore not be taken lightly, and consult a doctor very quickly.

Pregnant, how to recognize a phlebitis?

Phlebitis is characterized by sudden onset pain in the leg. This will swell to a greater or lesser extent (edema) depending on whether the phlebitis is deep or superficial. Pain associates with udo not feel heavy, and to redness if the clot is in a superficial vein. The skin is hot to the touch, and a fever may develop. Pregnant with these symptoms, better consult without delay, during the day, to avoid serious complications.

Pregnant, how can you improve circulation and prevent phlebitis?

• To move !

We avoid standing or sitting too long! To maintain good circulation in the legs, we exercise every day. Walking (30 minutes per day minimum), water aerobics or swimming are excellent.

• Water and fiber

On eat balanced for avoid too much weight gain and we fight against constipation which aggravates hemorrhoids. On the menu: 1,5 to 2 liters of water per day and a diet rich in fiber (fruits, vegetables and cereals) for transit.

• Cold rather than hot

No tight clothes or socks that cut off circulation. Heat sources such as underfloor heating, hot waxing, exposure to the sun, sauna or steam room, and high temperature baths should be avoided. On the contrary, you finish your shower with a jet of cold water on your legs, or, on occasion, we walk by the water’s edge to activate circulation and promote venous return.

• Compression stockings for prevention

At home, we raises his mattress by about 10 cm and we have our calves massaged from bottom to top by the future dad. The compression stockings or compression socks (reimbursed on prescription) can be very useful, especially if you plan to stay still for several hours (travel by car or plane). Moms who have significant problems will have to wear them for up to four months after giving birth and switch from compression socks at the start of pregnancy to stockings, then to compression tights during the last trimester.

• Other steps to take

During the day, as soon as possible, we try to put your legs to rest, on a cushion for example. When you lie down, you lie on the opposite side to that of the varicose vein. Want to pamper yourself? We offer ourselves a “heavy legs” treatment in an institute, or physiotherapy sessions. Finally, we swap his stiletto heels and gladiator sandals for shoes with small heels (3 cm), more comfortable for the veins.

Phyto, homeopathy: how to relieve heavy legs naturally?

In homeopathy, the typical prescription for a pregnant woman who suffers from circulation problems and heavy legs generally includes Hamamelis virginiana and Aesculus hippocastanum (Horse chestnut). Note that there are mixtures of granules specially designed for venous circulation problems and heavy legs.

But concerning the phenomenon of heavy legs and more generally venous insufficiency, it is herbal medicine which is particularly indicated. We can in particular turn to herbal teas stamped “light legs” or “circulation”, made from venotonic plants such as red vine, holly, horse chestnut, witch hazel or ginkgo biloba.

Note that it also exists in drugstore “light legs” sprays and gels interesting to obtain an immediate “freshness” effect in the event of heavy legs. The ideal is to take the opportunity to massage the legs from the ankles to the top of the thigh. You can also opt for herbal venotonic food supplements, making sure that they are compatible with pregnancy. Keeping in mind, however, that these natural remedies do not replace the anti-heavy legs advice above and the wearing of compression stockings, whose effectiveness is proven.

Venous insufficiency: which venotonic during pregnancy?

If the venous insufficiency is proven and advanced, the obstetrician gynecologist or the midwife following the pregnancy can pass the baton to a phlebologist. It will then be a question of prescribing venotonic drugs compatible with pregnancy, in addition to wearing category 2 or 3 compression stockings.

According to the site of the Reference Center on Teratogenic Agents (CRAT), these are the phlebotonic molecules following which should be used preferentially during pregnancy and breastfeeding, to avoid any risk for the baby:

• Diosmine (Daflon®, Dio®, Diovenor®, Médiveine®, Vénaclar®);
• Hespéridine (Daflon®, Bicirkan®, Cyclo3®) ;
• Troxerutin (Rheoflux®, Veinamitol®);
• Rutoside (Esberiven®, Veliten®).

Remember that these drugs should not be taken only on medical advice, and that self-medication is strongly discouraged during pregnancy and lactation.

Do circulatory problems persist after pregnancy?

Fortunately, these venous problems go away on their own three months after childbirth. One exception, however: pre-existing varicose veins which tend to worsen. In the meantime, our doctor can prescribe creams to apply to our legs, or a venotonic treatment (not reimbursed).

Hemorrhoids that are too large or very painful sometimes require a small surgical intervention to release the accumulated excess blood. Sclerotherapy is contraindicated during pregnancy (except in cases of very bothersome and painful vulvar varices), as well as during breastfeeding. Three months after childbirth, mothers who so wish can benefit from a venous assessment and management of their varicose veins.