How is phlebitis treated during pregnancy?
Elevate your leg as much as possible and apply a warm compress. Your doc may prescribe an oral anti-inflammatory that can help, or find that blood-thinning medication (usually heparin) may be necessary (see next page for prevention, resources and more tips).
What causes phlebitis in pregnancy?
Thrombophlebitis is caused by superficial venous thrombosis and vascular inflammatory changes affecting the lower limbs. The condition is often encountered in pregnancy and symptomatic treatment including compression and analgesia are commonly employed.
How long does superficial phlebitis last?
Superficial thrombophlebitis is usually a benign and short-term condition. Symptoms generally subside in 1 to 2 weeks, but hardness of the vein may remain for much longer.
Why is heparin given during pregnancy?
The three most common reasons for women starting heparin during pregnancy or after the birth are: A clot arising during this or a previous pregnancy. An increased risk of a clot forming during pregnancy or after birth, e.g. after some caesarean births or if you are immobile for a period of time.
Is heat or cold better for phlebitis?
She emphasizes that although untreated phlebitis can present very dramatically, early and aggressive care can “nip it in the bud.” While many physicians have been trained to treat phlebitis with antibiotics or anti-coagulation, the proper treatment for phlebitis is to apply heat (NEVER ice) to the area, elevate the …
Is heating pad good for phlebitis?
To help relieve pain and swelling, you may be told to: Apply heat or cold to the affected area. Do this for up to 10 minutes as often as directed. Heat: Use a warm compress, such as a heating pad.
Which injection is given daily in pregnancy?
Heparin is broken down by stomach acids and so cannot be taken by mouth. It must be given by injection into the fatty layer of tissue beneath the skins. They type of LMWH we use is generally given once a day but we may give heparin twice a day, particularly during pregnancy.
What is the safest anticoagulant in pregnancy?
All major evidence-based guidelines recommend LMWH as the preferred anticoagulant for pregnant women. Neither LMWHs or UFH cross the placenta and, thus, are safe for the fetus. LMWH carries a lower risk of osteoporosis and heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) and is preferred for pregnant women. Dr.
What cream can I use for phlebitis?
To treat superficial phlebitis, doctors may prescribe certain medications like diclofenac (Cataflam, Voltaren, etc.) or suggest ibuprofen. They may also prescribe you a topical anti-inflammatory medication like diclofenac gel.
Does massage help phlebitis?
The phlebitis is an inflammation of a vein (usually at the level of the legs). Massage can dislodge a bloody clot lodged in the affected vein, which could then lodge itself elsewhere in the organism (lung, brains). In the event of phlebitis, no massage, even of the non affected zones must be made.