When most people think of vascular surgeons, they typically think of surgeries related to the heart and arteries. However, vascular surgeons can also play a crucial role in helping women who are pregnant.

In this article, we will discuss how a vascular surgeon can help with your pregnancy.

Managing Venous Insufficiency

During pregnancy, the body undergoes numerous changes, including the increase in hormone levels, increased blood volume, and the expanding uterus. These changes put a lot of pressure on the veins, which can lead to venous insufficiency.

Venous insufficiency is a condition where the veins have difficulty returning blood to the heart. This condition can lead to the development of varicose veins, leg swelling, and discomfort. A vascular surgeon can help manage venous insufficiency during pregnancy by prescribing compression stockings and providing advice on how to improve blood flow.

Preventing Deep Vein Thrombosis

Pregnancy is a risk factor for the development of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT is a condition where blood clots form in the deep veins of the leg. If left untreated, DVT can lead to life-threatening complications such as pulmonary embolism.

A vascular surgeon can help prevent DVT during pregnancy by providing advice on ways to reduce the risk of blood clots, such as maintaining an active lifestyle and wearing compression stockings. In some cases, a vascular surgeon may prescribe blood thinners to prevent the development of blood clots.

Treating Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are a common condition that affects many women during pregnancy. Varicose veins are swollen and twisted veins that are visible under the skin. These veins typically occur in the legs, but they can also affect the vagina and rectum.

While varicose veins are not typically harmful, they can cause discomfort and pain. A vascular surgeon can offer treatment for varicose veins during pregnancy, including minimally invasive procedures like sclerotherapy and endovenous laser treatment.

Assessing Abnormalities in the Uterine Vasculature

In some cases, an ultrasound might show that the patient has an abnormality in the uterine vasculature.

These abnormalities may include placental resistance, which can lead to fetal growth restriction, or arteriovenous malformations, which can cause heavy bleeding. A vascular surgeon can assess and treat these abnormalities using minimally invasive procedures such as uterine artery embolization or surgical interventions such as hysterectomy (if appropriate).

Treating Peripheral Artery Disease

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition that affects the arteries outside the heart and brain. This condition can cause pain and discomfort in the legs and feet due to poor blood flow.

Pregnancy can exacerbate PAD symptoms due to the increased demands on the circulatory system. A vascular surgeon can help manage PAD symptoms during pregnancy by prescribing medication, recommending lifestyle changes like quitting smoking, and in some cases, performing minimally invasive procedures like angioplasty.

Managing Hypertension

High blood pressure is a common condition that affects many women during pregnancy.

While hypertension is typically treated by an obstetrician-gynecologist, a vascular surgeon can also provide support by helping manage the complications associated with hypertension, such as preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a condition that can develop during pregnancy and can cause high blood pressure, protein in the urine, and swelling in the feet, ankles, and hands.

In severe cases, preeclampsia can lead to life-threatening complications, including seizures. A vascular surgeon can help monitor and manage the complications associated with hypertension, including preeclampsia.

Assessing and Treating Aortic Aneurysm

Aortic aneurysm is a condition where the walls of the aorta weaken and bulge, increasing the risk of a rupture. In pregnant women, aortic aneurysm is rare but can be fatal.

A vascular surgeon can assess the risk of aortic aneurysm during pregnancy and recommend appropriate treatment if necessary, including surgery or minimally invasive procedures like endovascular repair.

Preconception Counseling

In some cases, preconception counseling may be necessary for women who have a history of vascular disease or who have suffered a previous pregnancy loss.

Vascular surgeons can provide counseling on managing risk factors, optimizing medication use, and identifying potential complications before pregnancy.

Caring for High-Risk Pregnancies

Vascular surgeons work closely with obstetricians-gynecologists to manage high-risk pregnancies. These patients may have complex vascular conditions or need specialized care, such as fetal surgery.

Vascular surgeons can provide support throughout the pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum period, ensuring the best possible outcome for both the mother and baby.

Conclusion

A vascular surgeon can play an essential role in ensuring a healthy pregnancy for women who have vascular conditions or who develop complications related to their pregnancies.

These specialists can help manage venous insufficiency, prevent DVT, treat varicose veins, manage hypertension, and more. By working with obstetricians-gynecologists and other healthcare providers, vascular surgeons can provide comprehensive care for pregnant women and improve outcomes.