Venous insufficiency and pregnancy I87.2

• Hormonal conversion (gestagens lead to an immobilisation and loosening of the smooth muscles, including the venous blood vessels)
• Increase in blood volume during pregnancy by about 20%. The stresses and strains associated with pregnancy often hit an already damaged venous system.
• Age of first-time mothers: The prevalence of pre-existing varicosis in women at the age of 35 is about 40%, twice as high as at the beginning of the 20th year of life.

• Medical compression stockings. Prescription or recommendation to wear medical compression stockings if possible already at the time of diagnosis of pregnancy. Appropriate care is also required for women over 30 years of age.
• Compression stockings can be prescribed for pregnant women if they have pre-existing varicose veins, the onset of varicosis and/or oedema, thrombosis and/or coagulation disorders in the medical history, and peri- and postnatal thrombosis prophylaxis.

Remember! Compression stockings are medical aids and are not subject to any budget. Pregnant women are exempt from the usual co-payments for prescribed aids!