[Non-invasive diagnosis of the venous system of the leg in pregnancy].

During pregnancy one should largely avoid invasive and radiological diagnostic methods. However, real-time sonography and venous occlusion plethysmography yield non-hazardous information on venous morphology and venous function. It became possible to demonstrate by means of these examination methods that the diameters of the veins are enlarged in pregnancy compared to the situation post partum. The difference in significant. Venous occlusion plethysmography points to a deterioration of venous function post partum, since the difference to the values in the third trimenon is not significant. Venous function measurement often pointed to the existence of an obstacle to flow during pregnancy, whereas sonographically a dilatation of the veins was revealed the existence of an obstacle to flow represented by the pregnant uterus. Hence, it appears meaningful to combine both investigation methods to confirm the occurrence of venous changes during pregnancy.