While pregnancy is a beautiful time in a woman’s life, it is also very challenging. Supporting a baby stresses the body and brings about some not-so-beautiful changes. One of the more obvious and uncomfortable changes is varicose veins.
While varicose veins can form anywhere in the body, the majority happen in the legs. These types of veins commonly form as the body ages due to veins stretching and valves weakening. However, it is also a common issue during pregnancy, no matter the age.
While varicose veins are considered normal during pregnancy and don’t pose any major health concerns, some women find them uncomfortable. These veins can itch, become tender or even ache. They are usually accompanied by swelling in the legs and feet. Understanding the causes and taking measures to prevent them will make pregnancy a bit more comfortable.
Causes of pregnancy veins
• As the uterus grows, it presses against the vena cava. The vena cava is a major vein that carries blood from our lower body to the heart. This increased pressure from the uterus will cascade into smaller veins and blood vessels, causing them to swell.
• Pregnancy causes fluctuations in hormone levels, which in turn damages the valves inside the veins. The valves then “leak”, causing blood to pool in the vein.
• Hormones also relax the walls of veins and vessels, allowing too much blood inside.
• Blood Volume increases, putting increased stress on veins.
• Large amounts of weight gain stress the circulatory system.
Preventing pregnancy veins
The risk for varicose veins during pregnancy is lower if you follow these tips:
• Keep weight gain in a healthy range.
• Elevate your legs when sitting or lying down. This helps the blood to flow properly back to the heart and not pool in the legs.
• Avoid standing for long periods of time. If this can’t be helped, move often or periodically shift from foot to foot and don’t cross your legs when you sit.
• Exercise regularly. Low-impact walking improves circulation in the legs.
• Don’t wear tight or restrictive clothing.
• Don t cross your legs when you sit.
• Exercise regularly. Low-impact walking improves circulation in the legs.
• Don’t wear tight or restrictive clothing.
• Sleep on your left side to avoid excess pressure on the main blood vessels.
• Wear compression stockings. This helps prevent blood from pooling in the legs.
When to seek treatment
The good news is that most varicose veins disappear after childbirth, as the sources of circulatory stress also disappear. However, sometimes they lead to complications during pregnancy such as clot formation and infection. Pacific Vein Care specialists’ advice that you should consult them if:
• The vein becomes hard and rope-like.
• The area around the vein becomes hot, red, painful and the leg develops sores.
• The skin around the vein changes color or one or both legs become excessively swollen.
Diagnosis and treatment are critical to prevent more serious complications. Infections are treated with antibiotics and if a clot has formed, blood-thinning medications will prevent it from travelling to other places in the body.
Post-pregnancy care
For some, these veins don’t correct themselves after pregnancy. Using the compression stockings after delivery aids in recovery, as well as practicing the prevention tips mentioned above. However, if these methods don’t work, other treatment options are available. Treatment centers that specialize in the circulatory system, such as the Pacific Vein Care specialize in the removal of spider and varicose veins through a variety of methods like sclerotherapy and compression therapy.
If you have concerns or questions about pregnancy veins and treatment options, please contact Pacific Vein Care today and get assisted. Pregnancy does not have to be hard.