Inferior Vena Cava During Pregnancy

A pregnant woman woman s belly can compress the inferior vena cava a large vein running under the right side of her uterus.

Inferior vena cava during pregnancy.

Minor compression of the inferior vena cava during pregnancy is a relatively common occurrence. Inferior vena cava syndrome is a pathological condition which is characterized by obstruction or blockage of the inferior vena cava vein which transports blood from the lower extremities to the heart. The azygos system of veins is the dominant pathway of collateral venous return back to the heart in the event of acute obstruction of the ivc. Varicose veins are generally harmless although they may become itchy and uncomfortable.

What causes varicose veins during pregnancy. However not all of the women display symptoms. This is a result of your abdomen resting on your intestines and major blood vessels the aorta and vena cava. If you are lying on your back you may suddenly experience circulatory dizziness dyspnoea rapid heartbeat and nausea.

90 of women lying in the supine position during pregnancy experience some form of inferior vena cava syndrome. Circulatory disorder in pregnant women the vena cava syndrome affects mainly women in the last weeks of pregnancy. And compression of the inferior vena cava can cause a drop in blood pressure. As your uterus grows it puts pressure on the large vein on the right side of your body the inferior vena cava which increases pressure in your leg veins.

More steps to sleeping better while pregnant. In rare cases the drop in blood pressure is severe enough to reduce heart output lower oxygen going to the brain and cause fainting. If a pregnant woman is lying on her back the fetus is more likely to compress the inferior vena cava decreasing the amount of blood returned to the heart pien told live science. It is seen most commonly when women lie on their back or right side.

During late pregnancy the gravid uterus compresses the inferior vena cava ivc when a woman lies in the supine position. At 30th week of gestation the maintenance of high thrombotic risk was the premise for placement of an inferior vena cava filter for prophylaxis of pulmonary embolism during childbirth and postpartum. In addition during pregnancy the uterus puts pressure on the inferior vena cava the vein that carries blood from the legs and feet to the heart further contributing to varicose veins. When you are farther along in your pregnancy your abdomen undergoes physical changes and makes it more difficult for you to lay on your stomach.