Pregnancy varicosis I83.9

Not clearly defined term for a varicose vein disease that is intensified or appears de novo under the conditions of pregnancy. Multiparity seems to intensify the development of varicose veins.

Basically, one can divide pregnancy varicosis into:

• Type I: Varicose veins that appear in women with healthy veins during pregnancy. In studies, 28% of the women who had been considered healthy before pregnancy had varicose veins.
• Type II: primary or secondary varicosis in pregnant women

Venous hypertension due to the increased intrapelvic pressure that leads to dilatation and insufficiency of the venous valves. Genetic disposition and vasoactive hormonal influences may also play a role.

There is no pathognomically specific symptoms. Complaints are dys- and paraesthesias as well as feelings of heaviness in the legs; furthermore venous oedema and recognizable varicose veins, especially in the area of the truncal veins.

It is important to recognise and, if necessary, treat deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in good time.

Compression therapy using two-pull compression stockings or compression tights.

Sclerotherapy or operations are only useful after pregnancy.

1. Dindelli M et al (1993) Risk factors for varicose disease before and during pregnancy. J Vasc Surgery 24: 361-367
2. Kamphausen U (2010) Pregnancy varicosis In: T Noppeney, H Nüllen Diagnosis and therapy of varicosis. Springer Medicine Publishing House Heidelberg S 155 -158
3. Panella M et al (1997) Thrombophlebitis and varicosis syndrome in pregnancy. Clin Exp Observed Gynecol 24:33-35.
4. Sohn C et al (1991) The effect of pregnancy and parity on the venous system of the leg. Central Gynecol 113:829-839.