What blood flow problems occur during pregnancy?

Complications such as placental insufficiency or hemodynamic disturbances during pregnancy occur in almost every fourth woman. When blood flow is obstructed, the fetus receives less oxygen and nutrients than is necessary for normal development, which is the main reason for the development of intrauterine fetal hypoxia.

Hemodynamic disturbances during pregnancy in most cases are practically asymptomatic: the expectant mother may not even suspect that the baby is experiencing oxygen starvation. Let's talk about how to suspect a blood flow disorder during pregnancy, why this complication develops, and what to do to normalize it.

One of the most important organs during pregnancy is the placenta (baby place), which performs many functions, but primarily ensures the supply of oxygen to the fetus.

Oxygen-saturated blood flows from the mother's body to the baby through the placenta, and if this process is disrupted, a lack of oxygen (hypoxia) occurs, followed by intrauterine growth retardation, premature birth and other possible complications, including fetal death.

So, hemodynamic disturbances during pregnancy occur against the background of:

• Extragenital pathology (arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, heart defects, thyroid diseases, etc.);
• Late gestosis (preeclampsia);
• Compounded obstetric and gynecological history (uterine fibroids, endometriosis, uterine malformations, abortions, etc.);
• Urogenital infection;
• Moderate to severe anemia;
• Polyhydramnios, multiple pregnancy;
• Bleeding disorders;
• Complicated pregnancy (threat of miscarriage, toxicosis, etc.);
• General exhaustion of the body: with an unbalanced diet, heavy physical labor, weakened immunity, alcoholism, smoking, etc.

Doppler

This unusual name has a diagnostic procedure that identifies any pathologies of blood flow in arteries and veins. As a result, a Dopplerogram is constructed using specialized equipment, which displays the frequency difference between the sent and reflected signal. The study is carried out in standard mode or with color mapping, that is, the movement of blood through the arteries is displayed in color. The latter option allows you to quickly and accurately detect even mild disturbances in uteroplacental blood flow.

Doppler measurements are performed while lying on your back or side. In this case, a more truthful result may be obtained on the side, since tone begins on the back of many pregnant women, provoking various pathologies. The specialist covers the area under study with gel and begins to move the sensor over it.

This study is prescribed to all pregnant women along with the first (18-22 weeks) and second (32-34 weeks) screening. It can also be carried out at intermediate stages if indicated.

HERBAL MEDICINES - NOOTROPICS

Doctors quite often prescribe nootropics to people, which are part of a comprehensive treatment course.
Such medicinal compositions have an excellent effect on the cerebral circulatory system, while having the fewest contraindications. Herbal preparations prevent platelet aggregation, activate metabolism and improve vascular nutrition. All types of herbal remedies are divided according to their composition into two main groups:

• Preparations based on periwinkle - Vinpocetine and its derivatives: Cavinton, Kafinton-Forte, Vero-Vinpocein, Telektol, Bravinton. The products are supplied to pharmacies in the form of tablets and ampoules for injection.
• Preparations based on ginkgo biloba help strengthen vascular walls and restore vitality to blood vessels - these are Memoplant, Gilium, Tanakan, Ginkor-Forte, Bilobil. The course of treatment with such drugs should not be less than 3 months.

The action of the drugs is aimed at diseased brain tissue. They are often used not only by older people, but also by students, especially during exams, as they are believed to improve mental abilities and increase confidence. In fact, this fact has not been confirmed by anything and healthy people are not recommended to take drugs from this group.

The drugs can be purchased at any pharmacy without a doctor's prescription. But to be on the safe side, it is better to consult with a specialist before purchasing.

Causes of blood flow disorders

To identify a malfunction in the blood flow system, specialists perform ultrasound with Doppler ultrasound on women. This allows you to see defects in blood vessels and track the amount of oxygen and nutrients reaching the fetus.

Very often, expectant mothers are interested in why blood flow problems occur during pregnancy. The main reasons for this condition:

• The woman’s age (too early or, conversely, too late).
• A short interval between births.
• Gestosis (late toxicosis during pregnancy).
• Neoplasms in the uterus (for example, fibroids), myometrial pathologies, endometriosis.
• Diabetes.
• Hypertension.
• Kidney problems.
• Intrauterine infection due to viral diseases of a woman.
• Multiple pregnancy.
• Numerous abortions or miscarriages.
• Anemia (lack of iron).
• Placenta previa.
• Rhesus conflict.
• Problems with blood clotting, leading to the formation of blood clots.

Medicines for atherosclerosis

If a person is diagnosed with atherosclerosis, treatment with folk remedies or so-called vascular cleansing is not always enough. Atherosclerosis of cerebral vessels is a very serious disease; without treatment it leads to stroke.

The following will help improve blood circulation in this pathology:

Statins - Rosuvastatin, Atorvastatin, Lovastatin. Many people have to take these medications for several years; they normalize cholesterol levels and prevent it from depositing in the blood vessels. Unfortunately, statins have a bad effect on the liver and other internal organs and can cause a number of side effects.

In mild cases of atherosclerosis, it is enough to take Omega-3 acids, which strengthen the walls of blood vessels and prevent the disease from progressing.

Degrees of blood flow disturbance

At the moment, there are three degrees of pathology. The first degree is divided into two subtypes: 1A (impaired uteroplacental blood flow) and 1B (problems with blood circulation between the fetus and placenta). In the second degree, problems appear with both systems (“uterus - placenta” and “placenta - fetus”). The third degree is given to those women who experience serious complications with blood circulation.

The first stage of the disease can be corrected with medications, and as a result, a healthy child is born. In other cases, there is a risk of perinatal death.

DRUGS THAT IMPROVE BLOOD FLOW

There are quite a lot of medications on the market today that improve blood circulation in the brain.
All of them are classified into 3 main groups: Particular attention should be paid to the first group of drugs, since clogged or thrombosed vessels need to expand their lumen. All vasodilators are classified into:

• alpha-blockers - promote better blood flow in the small vessels of the brain; drugs of this type are most effective in cases of oxygen starvation resulting from vasospasm, these include Sermion, Nicergoline and derivatives based on it;
• antispasmodics - means for dilating blood vessels, but in diseased areas the blood is distributed unevenly, so these drugs are rarely prescribed to older people (Drotaverine hydrochloride, No-shpa);
• calcium antagonists - drugs that dilate blood vessels; their only disadvantage is that they lower blood pressure (Cinnarizine, Nimodipine, Cardafen, Foridon, Norvasc, Nemoton, Cordaflex);
• combination type drugs - drugs that improve the functioning of cerebral vessels due to their constituent components (caffeine, alphadihydroergocriptine, etophylline) - Stugeron, Vasobral, Instenon.

Types of placental insufficiency

If a blood flow disorder is detected while carrying a baby, doctors usually diagnose “placental insufficiency.” During pregnancy, this pathology occurs quite often and can be acute or chronic. The acute form can appear suddenly, at any moment, as a result the fetus experiences hypoxia and may die. This is possible with premature placental abruption, placental infarction, or blood clots.

The chronic form is much more common than the acute form. It usually occurs after 13 weeks and appears in the third trimester. As a result, premature aging of the placenta occurs. Depending on the severity, the disease can be compensated, decompensated, subcompensated, or critical.

During the compensated stage, the baby continues to develop normally, since these changes are eliminated by the protective mechanisms of the female body. With decompensated pathology, it ceases to cope with problems, as a result of which the fetus experiences oxygen starvation, growth retardation and heart failure. The subcompensated stage of the disease leads to a delay in the baby’s development, as well as to his possible death. The most complex form is considered to be critical placental insufficiency. It does not occur very often, but its occurrence leads to the inevitable death of the child.

DISAGGREGANTS

The effect of disaggregants is that the drugs do not give platelets the opportunity to stick together and form blood clots as a result. They strengthen the walls of blood vessels, reducing their fragility, and improve metabolism. True, these drugs have possible side effects: nausea, attacks of hypotension (low blood pressure), stool upset. These include the following medications: Radomin, Curantil, Trental, Vadinar, Persantine.

Main symptoms of the disease

Depending on the type of blood flow disorder, various symptoms may appear. Compensated placental insufficiency does not manifest itself in any way during pregnancy, so it is only discovered during an ultrasound scan. In the acute and decompensated form, changes appear in the baby’s movements: he moves either too much or very little. In this case, it is important to monitor this indicator (the fetus should move at least 10 times per day).

Additional signs may include slow abdominal growth, lack or excess of amniotic fluid. You won’t be able to monitor this on your own, so you need to visit a doctor to monitor changes in measurements. It happens that impaired blood flow accompanies gestosis - late toxicosis during pregnancy. The existing symptoms may include increased blood pressure, sudden weight gain, swelling, and protein excretion in the urine.

The most dangerous sign of placental insufficiency is the appearance of blood from the birth canal associated with placental abruption. In this condition, only emergency medical help will help.

MEDICATIONS TO IMPROVE MEMORY

If the human brain does not have enough oxygen, it begins to lose its performance.
As a result, absent-mindedness appears, concentration falls and memory deteriorates. To return the brain to a working state, additional help in the form of medications is needed. Of course, there are no pills that will magically restore lost memory. The drugs are designed to improve cerebral circulation. Among the drugs to improve brain activity, the following are in greatest demand:

• Glycine - eliminates nervous tension, normalizes sleep, increases mental activity of the brain. Widely distributed among students to improve performance, allowed for pregnant women and even children;
• Aminalon - prescribed to children from 3 years of age for speech impairment caused by severe cerebrovascular accident;
• Phenotropil - activates thinking due to the rapid breakdown of glucose, organizes the rapid delivery of oxygen to neurons, improves vision;
• Memoplant - saves the brain from oxygen starvation, eliminates dizziness and tinnitus. Contraindicated in children under 12 years of age;
• Picamilon - prescribed for acute disorders of cerebral circulation, promotes brain resistance to mental stress;
• Vitrum memory - recommended for mental overload, saturates the brain with oxygen. Not recommended for use during pregnancy.

Before starting a course of treatment with these drugs, it is necessary to identify the root cause that influenced the memory loss.

As a preventive measure, healthy people are recommended to do exercises aimed at maintaining the elasticity and tone of the walls of blood vessels: turning the head to the sides, bending the torso. Rapid breathing will help saturate the cells with oxygen. In this case, you should give up bad habits and switch to a balanced diet.

Elderly people need to monitor the development of chronic diseases. In case of exacerbation, consult a doctor immediately. Such vigilance will help avoid stroke, cerebral hemorrhage and thrombosis.

Treatment of pathology

If a woman has increased blood viscosity or a tendency to thrombosis, most often she experiences a blood flow disorder. During pregnancy, treatment can only be prescribed by a doctor, because you will have to take serious medications. The most commonly prescribed medications are Curantil, Trental and Hofitol. They thin the blood and improve its movement through the arteries.

Most often, pregnant women are prescribed "Curantil", which has been used in obstetrics for more than 15 years. The drug copes with its tasks perfectly - it normalizes blood circulation due to its dilution, prevents the formation of blood clots, helps the formation of new blood vessels, and improves immunity.

Also in demand is Trental, a drug that is similar in action to Curantil. However, it has serious advantages: the medicine does not dilate the blood vessels of the heart and continuously releases the active substance for 12 hours.

It happens that a woman experiences a slight disturbance in blood flow during pregnancy. Treatment in this case is carried out with “Hofitol” - a preparation with mineral and plant components (for example, the juice of field artichoke leaves). It has a mild diuretic effect and does not harm the liver.

hemodynamic disturbances during pregnancy

First I’ll tell you about ultrasound)

Today I went to see a competent uzist, otherwise after the story at the 29th week I’m already afraid to go anywhere. In general, everything is fine - I don’t have any hemodynamic disturbances. When I complained that I had been in hospital for 2 weeks and was being treated for something unknown, the doctor said that it was unclear exactly what, because... Everything is fine with the blood flow. Everything is fine with my daughter too - everything corresponds to the term - 32 weeks, the hip is at 33 weeks (she will be long-legged), and the tummy is at 30 weeks, but the doctor said that the biggest fluctuations are always in the tummy, and this is not scary at all, in general the child is at 32-33 weeks of development.

Weight is 1770+-250 grams, the doctor said that by the time of delivery it will definitely be more than 3 kg.

Lungs are 2nd degree of maturity, all organs are normal. Heart rate 134 beats/min.

The degree of maturity of the placenta is 1, the amount of water is normal.

DShM 47 mm. There is no entanglement of the umbilical cord.

The only bad news for me is that my baby has developed and is now in a breech position. Damn, on Monday I was still at the appointment, the doctor from the hospital felt her - she was lying head down, she beat the doctor so hard when she listened to her heartbeat with a tube. And then she turned over, you asshole! I also thought that something strange had happened - the movements began completely below, just like in the rectum (sorry for the details), it felt like it was going to come out) But the doctor really said that there was still a lot of time, and there was still room for her there enough, and the amount of water allows, so it will capsize. But I was still upset, of course... Now I have to do some kind of gymnastics to provoke a revolution.

Well, now about our events for the week.

Until the end of the week, I drank Actovegin and went for electrophoresis (which is written on the card as lateral galvanization). On Thursday, when I went to class with Mitya, I was running around like crazy, and after the IVs I also felt bad - I just wanted to lie down and do nothing. But this won’t work with my son... All this B (except for the period of toxicosis) I felt great - nothing hurt, there was no swelling, my stomach was small, in general, just like not being pregnant. And a lot of strength. After 29 weeks, my lower back began to ache a little, but my stomach had grown. I took out the bandage, and finally it began to fasten on me, but before that it was big (although this is the smallest size). Well, after the treatment I felt so bad that I was sick. And swelling sometimes appeared, and extreme fatigue, and everything hurt. In general, if I am in favor again, I will choose a doctor who adheres to a policy of non-intervention and does not prescribe a ton of useless treatment!

On Saturday I finally got some sleep, we went for a walk with a friend whose child is a month older than Mitka. The children had not had contact with each other before (Sema does not speak at all, and Mityukha likes to communicate only with older children, or with peers who are as developed as him), but this time Syoma began to copy Mitya. My son freaked out so funny about this (even though he always copies my 8-year-old brother). And on the playground they even ran together, went down the slides, and then the two of them didn’t want to leave (usually Mitya, from the very first minute of our common walks, began asking when we were going home). In the evening we also went to visit my mother, in general, the day turned out to be eventful. And finally, without IVs, I felt good.

On Sunday morning I baked a cake, it was Mother’s Day. In the evening, my mother and brother came, and we celebrated this holiday a little with cake and Olivier))

On Monday I went for the last IV and the 5th physical procedure, and in the afternoon I went to the doctor to be discharged from the hospital. Finally I found out that all my tests were wonderful, only hemoglobin was 105 (she told me to take iron and retake it in 2 weeks). And on Tuesday I go to the district police officer G. But in the corridor I just met my nurse, she said that the doctor would not be there this week, so come next Tuesday, 8.12.

And on the way home, I began to experience these most incomprehensible movements, as if in my rectum. Terribly unpleasant! And it also felt somehow in the lower back, I was starting to worry, maybe it was some kind of contraction O_o But apparently it was Elsa-Alexandria (this is not a double name, we just haven’t decided yet) who rolled over at that moment.

Tuesday is busy again - Mitka’s classes, then LCD and electrophoresis... Also the weather is disgusting, rainy and cold. And all day long these painful movements below, pain in the lower back and shooting in the right leg at the level of the thigh (it feels like a small thing is pinching some nerve).

And so I waited for Wednesday! The last electrophoresis took place today and I finally found out the cause of these lower movements. By the way, while I was writing this post here, Elsa-Alexandria began to kick already at the level of the navel. O_o, maybe it’s of course she’s pushing with her hands. Damn, now this thought about a breech birth will haunt me...

Photo of the 32nd week (as always against the backdrop of the mess):

Treatment methods for different degrees of pathology

The first degree of the disease involves taking medications that improve blood circulation. Doctors will also conduct Doppler measurements and cardiotocography (heartbeat) of the fetus in dynamics. Research should be carried out 1-2 times every 7 days. If the dynamics are positive, the woman will continue to carry the baby until it is born. If the indicators worsen, it is necessary to conduct daily examinations to prevent irreversible changes and perform an emergency caesarean section in time. With normal fetal development, childbirth can occur naturally.

Stage 2 blood flow disorders during pregnancy can also be treated. Usually the same drugs are used as in the first case, but the woman will be offered hospitalization. Doctors will monitor changes in the body and, if necessary, carry out early delivery.

The third degree cannot be treated in any way, since irreversible consequences begin to appear. In this case, specialists do not risk the child’s life and prescribe an emergency operation.

DRUGS FOR PREGNANT WOMEN

During pregnancy, women have limited access to many medications. But at the same time, they often need to establish blood supply to the brain, in particular when a child has placental insufficiency or hypoxia. In such cases, expectant mothers are prescribed one of the following types of drugs:

• Actovegin - more actively promotes blood flow to the placenta, reduces the level of oxygen starvation in the baby, normalizes capillary blood circulation, and gives brain cells an additional supply of energy by increasing the glucose level. The medicine begins to act on the body 30 minutes after administration;
• Curantil - is prescribed for use in the second and third trimester, but is not suitable for everyone, as it can cause side effects for some. While using Curantil, you should not drink a lot of coffee and tea, as they reduce the effect of the medicine. In addition, the product is an excellent blood thinner;
• Instenon is a combination drug, an excellent remedy for stabilizing cerebral blood flow, better blood circulation of the placenta, and relieving swelling, due to the fact that it has a diuretic effect. Contraindicated in case of increased cerebral pressure.

Under no circumstances should women choose their own dosage. Otherwise, redness on the skin, development of tachycardia and headaches may occur.

Prevention

Any woman can make sure that her baby develops and grows without complications. To do this, she will have to monitor her diet: it should contain a lot of vitamins, microelements, proteins and other important substances. If a pregnant woman does not suffer from edema, then she must drink at least 1 liter of liquid (preferably water) daily.

It is very important to control your weight - the increase when carrying a baby can be a maximum of 10 kg. Some women need preventive medication to improve blood circulation between mother and fetus. It will prevent blood flow disturbances during pregnancy. It should be remembered that the child’s life will be saved by the correct method of labor management and timely use of medications.

VITAMINS AND MINERALS

An important aspect of complex treatment is taking vitamins. Usually, along with medications, patients are prescribed: vitamin PP: Acipimox, Nicotinic acid, Nikoshpan; B9 (folic acid); B15; E.

The main ones from this list are the PP vitamins. They have a beneficial effect on the human body as a whole. Among their advantages, the following should be highlighted:

The most common vitamin complex preparation of this group is Ascorutin.

Among dietary supplements (dietary additives) there are also agents that can improve the condition of blood vessels. Some people have a prejudice against dietary supplements and it is completely in vain! You just need to be thoughtful about their selection and use. Dietary supplements are not medicines; they are based only on natural ingredients:

• Flucol B is a flavonoid based on the drug, which is extracted from the wood of Siberian and Dahurian larches. The component helps maintain the elasticity of blood vessels;
• Blueberry Forte - it contains vitamins, microelements and amino acids that have a beneficial effect not only on vision, but also on the circulatory system as a whole;
• Greenvy, Selenium Forte and Microhydrin - they contain a vitamin and mineral complex to keep blood vessels healthy (iron, silicon, selenium, potassium).

In order for childhood to be active, youth to be fulfilling, and old age to be clear, it is necessary to maintain cerebral circulation at the required level. To improve cerebral circulation, this article provides a number of not only medications, but also vitamins and healthy supplements. But you should remember that no matter how good the remedy is, you should definitely consult with your doctor before using it.

Cerebral circulation can be impaired for various reasons at any age. To improve vascular health, special drugs are always prescribed that dilate arteries and capillaries, strengthen their walls and eliminate spasms.

Exercises for Pregnant Women: Exercise Safely

Why is exercise so important during pregnancy?

1. Reduced activity (inactivity) during pregnancy increases the risk of impaired blood flow in the placenta, which reduces the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the baby.

2. Sports during pregnancy can improve uteroplacental blood flow, activating metabolic processes in the mother’s body, thanks to which the child develops well

3. Regular exercise during pregnancy helps normalize blood pressure, especially if a woman suffers from low blood pressure (in the first half of pregnancy, blood pressure tends to decrease, and in the second half it tends to increase).

4. Headaches are reduced, the muscles of the legs, back, and pelvic floor are strengthened, which is an excellent prevention of varicose veins and hemorrhoids.

5. Sports during pregnancy helps normalize intestinal motility, which prevents constipation.

6. After minor physical activity, your mood improves, a surge of strength appears, stress is relieved and sleep normalizes.

7. Sports during pregnancy reduces the risk of edema, since movement improves blood flow in the kidneys and increases their excretory function.