Although leg cramps, varicose veins, swelling or itching during pregnancy are generally not dangerous, they should definitely consult a specialist to reveal the underlying causes.
CRAMPS
One of the most common complaints in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy is cramps. This is because the load on the legs increases, your physical activity decreases and muscle fatigue occurs more easily than before. Cramps can also be seen after insufficient intake of the elements. The most relaxing solution against complaints; It is to do systematic and doctor-recommended exercises from the beginning of pregnancy. Consumption of milk and dairy products also reduces the frequency of cramps.
ITCH
One of the most important causes of widespread itching in the body during pregnancy is pregnancy itching. This complaint is usually seen in the last weeks of pregnancy in one of every 700 expectant mothers. It is the slowing of the flow and thus the accumulation of bile acids in the blood that causes itching. In pregnancy pruritus, the only symptom is congestion in the bile ducts, an increase in blood bilirubin and jaundice a few days after itching. .Pregnancy pruritus is a condition that should be differentiated from liver involvement that may develop in the course of preeclampsia. This distinction can be made quickly if the blood pressure is normal and there is no protein in the urine. The treatment of pregnancy pruritus can be done if local cream or lotion or oral tablets are taken according to the doctor’s recommendation. Pregnancy itch is mostly present at birth. It disappears after two weeks. However, the discomfort often recurs in every pregnancy. One-to-one symptoms may also occur when expectant mothers who have had the disease use birth control pills.
EEDEM
Especially in the last months of pregnancy, the increase in plasma (liquid) in the body causes weight gains together with the formation of swellings called “edema” on the back of the feet, ankles, hands and fingers. One quarter of the weight gained by the pregnant woman is fluid. As a result of the long-term standing of the expectant mother, some swelling becomes more evident. Therefore, pregnant women should rest their fingers and toes as much as possible. It is also important to wear comfortable, not tight shoes. The shoe size may increase during pregnancy. If the edema becomes more pronounced in different regions than the back of the foot, if it becomes a leg swelling, it may be a symptom of a disease called Preeclampsia. The presence of the disease can be detected at an early stage in the physical examinations. Blood pressure elevation and protein in urine analysis for diagnosis is looked at.
VARIETY
Varicose formation increases during pregnancy. One of the most valuable reasons for this is the increase in the load on the legs due to the weight gained during pregnancy and the pressure the baby puts on the veins. In addition, the amount of blood in the body increases with pregnancy. With the increase in blood size, the amount of blood accumulated in the legs also increases. The expanding effect of some hormones secreted during pregnancy on the muscles and veins is another factor that accelerates the formation of varicose veins during pregnancy. In addition, patients who do not have any varicose veins and who have a family history of varicose veins are at risk for varicose veins. While varicose veins that increase with pregnancy cause pain, burning and edema in the legs over time, vascular occlusions called thrombophlebitis may occur due to the decreased blood circulation in the legs. While these vascular occlusions cause a very painful clinic, sometimes they may require a long treatment process when they are common. The thing we recommend most to pregnant women is to move freely, but without getting tired, and to lie on their left side while lying down. The reason for this is that the vein that collects blood from the legs is on the right side of our body, and by lying to the left, the baby’s pressure in these veins is minimized. Another issue that should be emphasized with great value is the occlusion of the main veins in our legs, which we call deep vein thrombosis, which can be seen in the last stages of pregnancy and in the first 6 weeks after birth. This situation is quite dangerous and can lead to a clinical picture that can start from the termination of pregnancy and lead to death with clotting in the lungs. In order to prevent varicose veins during pregnancy, plenty of water should be consumed. In addition, heavy things should not be lifted, legs should not be crossed, and during the rest period, especially in the evenings, it is to rest by raising our feet above the level of the heart. In addition to these, care should be taken not to take a bath with very hot water and we should avoid tight clothes. If we are at risk for varicose veins, we should definitely consult our physician and use compression stockings specially produced for pregnant women.
