The best method to take care of phlebitis in pregnancy is to forestall its occurrence. This is achieved through physical activity and avoiding immobility.
Phlebitis in pregnancy is a standard problem. In many cases, women have changes of their veins once they are 20 to 25 years old but not pregnant. But since they aren’t at all times visible, they’re sometimes detected while pregnant.
The point is that this condition can have serious consequences. Phlebitis in pregnancy ought to be treated in time to forestall complications corresponding to thrombosis and even pulmonary embolism.
What is phlebitis?
Phlebitis is inflammation of the veins. More specifically, the partitions of the vein.
Sometimes that is related to the formation of a clot in the identical area. In such cases, we’re talking about thrombophlebitis.
Most often, this problem occurs within the legs, for the reason that circulation is from the feet to the center. Prolonged immobility can also be a trigger.
The predominant risk aspects for developing this disease are pregnancy, advanced age, use of contraception and being chubby. The best risk is the potential for a blood clot and result in pulmonary embolism.
Discover: Tips to assist ease the pain of varicose veins
Phlebitis in pregnancy
Phlebitis in pregnancy is commonbecause of the indisputable fact that pregnancy itself causes the blood to clot more. In addition, a pregnant woman’s body produces more platelets. This results in a better risk of blood clots.
On the opposite hand, uterine enlargement is an element that compresses the venous return and hinders normal circulation. The risk of phlebitis while pregnant is higher in moms who need rest.
The disorder will be of two types:
- Superficial: If it’s just below the skin. It isn’t dangerous.
- Deep: If it occurs in deeper veins of larger diameter. This is taken into account a medical emergency because of the danger involved. It can also be referred to as deep vein thrombosis.
Symptoms
Symptoms of phlebitis in pregnancy vary depending on whether the condition is superficial or deep. With superficial phlebitis, the predominant symptoms are as follows:
- An increase in the quantity of the vein, detectable by palpation
- Redness of the skin (erythema)
- Pain and warmth in the world
- Fever
If phlebitis in pregnancy is deep, the symptoms are as follows:
- Pale or bluish (bluish) skin within the affected area
- Leg swelling (edema)
- Tachycardia
- Throbbing pain
- Fever
Many times, phlebitis in pregnancy causes no symptoms. Similarly, the intensity of those symptoms doesn’t at all times predict the consequence of the situation.
You may be thinking about: Description of phlebitis and its symptoms and treatment
Treatment of phlebitis in pregnancy
The predominant goal of treating phlebitis in pregnancy is dissolve the clot that has formed and stop the formation of latest ones. Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) is normally injected. Pregnant women should avoid other medications corresponding to warfarin.
If the phlebitis is superficial, every day injections of LMWH for six weeks are often prescribed. If it’s deep, treatment is prolonged to 12 weeks or more.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs corresponding to aspirin are contraindicated. They pose a risk of haemorrhage or malformations within the fetus.
Several sequels Doppler ultrasound is beneficial. They are almost at all times done every 15 days to observe evolution. In addition, the doctor prescribes type 3 compression stockings.
If recent clots develop after taking these measures, surgery will probably be essential. It involves placing a filter within the inferior vena cava, outside the renal vessels. This measure prevents clots from reaching vital organs.
Tips and suggestions that have to be followed
There are some easy measures that help prevent phlebitis while pregnant. The first is stay energetic while pregnant.
A every day 20-minute walk or swim is enough.
Other relevant measures are as follows:
- Do not wear flat shoes or high heels. It is beneficial that the shoes have a heel height of 4 centimeters to enhance circulation within the calf.
- Sleep in your left side. This helps to decompress the inferior vena cava, which affects all of the pelvic and leg veins.
- Wear compression stockings on long journeys. Also, stand up every 2 hours to activate your circulation.
Phlebitis in pregnancy shouldn’t be taken frivolously during childbirth. In fact, most blood clots develop within the postpartum period, and the danger is best after 6 weeks.
Cesarean section increases the danger.
If a pregnant woman experiences cramping pain in her leg and it doesn’t go away, especially if there may be redness, swelling, or warmth, she should see her doctor straight away. Phlebitis in pregnancy is a serious condition.
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All cited sources have been thoroughly checked by our team to make sure their quality, reliability, timeliness and validity. The bibliography for this text has been deemed reliable and of educational or scientific accuracy.
- Ortiz, P., Javier, J. J. & Carvalho, R. (2013). Superficial pathología del sistema venoso. Thrombophlebitis, antithrombotic cuando. Revisión del theme. Revisión de protocolos de tratamientos. Biomedicina, 8(3), 16-23.
- Gil, D. (2007). Pulmonary embolism. Reverend Med. clin. Condes, 103-109.
- A. Minetti, R. Haberstich, O. Feugeas and B. Langer (2007). Accidentes tromboembolicos venosos and embarazo. EMC-Ginecología-Obstetricia, 43(4), 1-13.
