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Anatomic and physiologic changes in lower extremity venous hemodynamics associated with pregnancy
1Department of Surgery, Tripler Army Medical Center, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96859-5000, USA.
Journal of Vascular Surgery
|November 1, 1996
Summary
Pregnancy causes small, temporary changes in lower extremity venous hemodynamics. These hemodynamic shifts during pregnancy do not lead to postpartum varicose veins, suggesting other factors are involved.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Vascular Medicine
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Pregnancy is associated with significant physiological changes.
- Venous hemodynamics in the lower extremities can be affected during pregnancy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the physiological effects of pregnancy on lower extremity venous hemodynamics.
- To assess changes in venous function in pregnant women with and without pre-existing venous disease.
Main Methods:
- Eight pregnant women were studied monthly from the first trimester to postpartum.
- Air plethysmography and duplex scans were used to evaluate venous hemodynamics.
- Participants included women with no known venous disease (NVD) and those with deep venous obstruction (DVO).
Main Results:
- Women in the NVD group showed no obstruction or reflux, despite increased common femoral and saphenofemoral junction vein diameters during pregnancy.
- Venous filling index and vein diameters increased during pregnancy and decreased postpartum, remaining within normal ranges.
- Women with DVO experienced no deterioration in venous function or thromboembolic complications during pregnancy.
Conclusions:
- Pregnancy-induced changes in lower extremity venous hemodynamics are minor and reversible.
- Hormonal or systemic factors likely contribute to the development of postpartum varicose veins.
- Pregnancy does not appear to worsen pre-existing deep venous obstruction.