See how to take care of vascular health during pregnancy

During pregnancy, a woman’s body goes through a series of physical changes, some of which can affect vascular health and cause various diseases, especially those linked to venous circulation. Some studies estimate that up to 70% of pregnant women can develop varicose veins in their legs during pregnancy. In addition, they may also have varicose veins in the vulva, hemorrhoids and, in rarer cases, deep vein thrombosis.

Dr. Priscilla Mattos, vascular surgeon and member of the Brazilian Society of Angiology and Vascular Surgery Regional São Paulo, explains that, during pregnancy, there is an increase in the circulation of female hormones associated with the expansion of pressure in the intra-abdominal veins through uterine compression itself, which increases the prevalence of venous diseases in pregnant women.

These factors occur in most pregnant women, but may be more prominent in women with a family history of venous diseases, with multiple pregnancies, who are overweight and who have some predisposition to deep vein thrombosis, such as known thrombophilias.

Preventing vascular diseases

To prevent vascular diseases in pregnancy, women must maintain the same care before, during and after childbirth. This is because prevention factors include regular physical activity, wearing elastic compression stockings, especially in case of swelling in the legs, avoiding standing for a long time or sitting in the same position for a long time, not smoking and maintaining an adequate weight. as per medical advice.

Diagnosis of vascular diseases

Dr. Priscilla Mattos informs that ultrasound is the main test requested to identify vascular diseases during pregnancy, as it is capable of evaluating the entire arterial and venous circulation, identifying possible pathologies and guiding the long-term treatment of the changes found. “It is a reliable and safe test during pregnancy. In addition, some blood tests can also be requested to better analyze the clinical picture”, she explains.

When to seek emergency medical care

According to the doctor, a pregnant You may have thrombosis or a risky vascular disease, and if this occurs, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of thrombosis include unilateral swelling of the leg, pain, even at rest, redness and stiffness of the muscles. “Early diagnosis is essential to prevent more serious complications of the disease”, reinforces the vascular surgeon.

Physical exercises during pregnancy

Dr. Priscilla Mattos explains that exercises which promote movement and strengthening of the lower limbs are the most beneficial for circulation. This includes activities such as running, cycling, swimming, using the elliptical and other workouts aimed at strengthening the legs.

“However, it is important to emphasize that each woman is unique and should receive individual guidance regarding the intensity and type of exercises to be performed, taking into account her physical conditioning and previous experience with physical activities before pregnancy”, she recommends.

Using compression stockings

Another important habit is to use compression stockings, which help to improve the symptoms of venous diseases, such as pain and tiredness in the legs at the end of the day and bilateral swelling. Furthermore, according to the doctor, it is also capable of preventing more serious venous diseases, such as deep vein thrombosis.

“Most studies currently support the use of medium compression stockings throughout the entire gestation. Socks can only go up to the knees and should be worn most of the day, without needing to be worn at night. It is essential to consult a vascular surgeon to obtain adequate guidance, precise measurement and choice of the ideal elastic stocking for each patient, individually for each case and symptom involved”, concludes the doctor.

By Elenice Costola