Varicose veins can be distressing, mostly because of their physical appearance. Luckily, the condition is considered very manageable with the right lifestyle changes. Here, we answer your most common questions.
Pregnancy is a time of wonder and excitement, but it can also come with a few less glamorous side effects! One common issue that many expectant mothers experience is varicose veins. These bulging, often blue or purple veins appear on the legs, and while they might be harmless, they can cause discomfort and be quite upsetting. Knowing what varicose veins are and how to manage them can help you navigate this aspect of pregnancy with ease and more kindness towards your body! Let’s take a look.
What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins are swollen veins that often appear on your legs. During pregnancy, your body undergoes many significant changes to support your growing baby, including an increase in blood volume. This extra blood is necessary to nourish your little one, but it also puts additional pressure on your veins. Your expanding uterus can also press on the large vein on the right side of your body (the inferior vena cava), which has the effect of raising the pressure in your leg veins. Hormonal changes, particularly the rise in progesterone, also relax the walls of your blood vessels, making it easier for veins to stretch.
Why do they happen in pregnancy?
Varicose veins are more likely to happen during pregnancy due to a combination of factors. The increased blood volume and hormonal changes are significant contributors, but genetics also play a big role. If your mother or grandmother had varicose veins while pregnant, you might be more prone to them as well. Also, as your little baby grows, the pressure on your pelvic veins increases, making it more difficult for blood to flow back up from your legs to your heart. This causes blood to pool in your veins, leading to the characteristic bulging appearance of varicose veins.
Are they dangerous?
For most women, varicose veins are more of a cosmetic issue than a serious health concern. However, they may cause discomfort, including aching, heaviness and swelling in the legs. In rare cases, varicose veins can lead to more severe complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a condition where a blood clot forms in a deep vein. If you notice sudden swelling, redness or pain in your leg, it’s essential to seek medical advice immediately. However, this is very rare.
Managing varicose veins naturally
While you might not be able to prevent varicose veins entirely when you’re expecting, there are steps you can take to manage them and reduce any discomfort. Below are a few tips to keep your legs feeling as comfortable as possible.
Stay active
Regular exercise, such as walking or swimming, can help improve your circulation and reduce the risk of varicose veins. Gentle leg exercises, like calf raises or ankle rotations, may also be beneficial for keeping blood moving smoothly.
Elevate your legs
Whenever possible, prop your legs up on a pillow or footrest to help blood flow back to your heart more easily. Avoid crossing your legs when sitting if you can, as this can actually restrict blood flow and make it harder to keep everything flowing with ease.
Wear compression stockings
Compression stockings are designed to help blood move more effectively through your veins. They can be especially helpful if you have to stand or sit for long periods during the day, especially later on in your pregnancy when your body may feel increasingly swollen.
Maintain a healthy weight
While gaining weight is a natural and healthy part of pregnancy, try your best to keep it within the recommended range for your body type. Excess weight can put even more pressure on your circulation, increasing your likelihood of developing varicose veins.
What happens after pregnancy?
The good news is that for many women, varicose veins improve or even disappear after giving birth. This is because the pressure on your veins suddenly decreases and your hormone levels return to normal. However, if your varicose veins persist, there are cosmetic treatments available to help reduce the appearance of varicose veins, including removing the veins with traditional surgery, or sclerotherapy and laser therapy, which can be done as a day patient. Sclerotherapy involves injecting a solution into the vein, causing it to collapse and fade over time, whilst laser therapy uses light energy to seal off smaller varicose veins, making them gradually disappear. Surgical options, though typically reserved for more severe cases, take out the problematic veins through small incisions.
Varicose veins might be an unwanted side effect of pregnancy, but this condition tends to be manageable with a few simple lifestyle changes and generally poses no risk to you or your baby. It’s normal to find these veins upsetting and if they continue to bother you, don’t hesitate to speak with your healthcare provider to find a solution that brings you the peace of mind you deserve.
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