Varicose Veins during Pregnancy, Diagnosis and Treatment

Abstract

Varicose veins are enlarged veins that can be blue, red, or flesh-colored. They often look like cords and appear twisted and bulging. They can be swollen and raised above the surface of the skin. Varicose veins are often found on the thighs, backs of the calves, or the inside of the leg. During pregnancy, varicose veins can form around the vagina and buttocks as well. Spider veins are like varicose veins but smaller. They also are closer to the surface of the skin than varicose veins. Often, they are red or blue. They can look like tree branches with their short, jagged lines. They can be found on the legs and face and can cover either a very small or very large area of skin. According to the evidenced based medicine studies, about over 50 percent of women in the United States of America suffer from some type of vein problem. During pregnancy, there is a huge increase in the amount of blood in the body; this can cause veins to enlarge. The growing uterus also puts pressure on the veins. Varicose veins usually improve within 3 months after delivery. More varicose veins and spider veins usually appear with each additional pregnancy. Physical exam and ultrasound examination are important in early diagnosis. Considering that in Albania even though the medical service in general is made of primary, secondary and tertiary care, pregnant women do choose either to follow up their pregnancy at tertiary care centers or neglect the medical care during pregnancy because of lack of awareness of possible complication. This piece of paper will be focused on varicose veins during pregnancy in Albania, early diagnosis and early treatment. Spider veins rarely are a serious health problem, but they may cause uncomfortable feelings in the legs, however, in other cases could have the same symptoms you would have with varicose veins. Varicose veins may not cause any problems, or they may cause aching pain, throbbing, and discomfort. In some cases, varicose veins can lead to more serious health problems if left untreated. In conclusion, since pregnancy is special situation where many physiological changes occur, varicose veins during must be appropriately assessed, diagnosed and early treated in order to minimize the possible serious health problems. Keywords: varicose veins, pregnancy, diagnosing, ultrasound examination, treatment.