What is the association of varicose veins and pregnancy? Poor blood flow is the root cause of varicose veins. Vein bulges under the skin are caused by blood that collects in the veins. The legs, genitalia, and rectum are the most often affected areas to contract varicose veins. Although they could annoy and irritate you, they typically disappear after childbirth. Here is everything that you need to know about getting varicose veins when pregnant:

Varicose Veins and Pregnancy

The Latin word “varix,” which means “twisted,” is where the word “varicose” originates. Under your skin, varicose veins resemble looping, lumpy ropes. During pregnancy, particularly in the third trimester, they are rather prevalent.

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The legs, ankles, and external vaginal area are the most often affected areas by varicose veins throughout pregnancy. Additionally, typical during pregnancy are hemorrhoids, which are varicose veins that develop in the rectum or close to the anus. Varicose veins and spider veins can coexist. You can see these tiny, lump-free blue or red lines through your skin.

The Reason Why Varicose Veins Develop During Pregnancy

Your circulatory system includes veins, which transport blood throughout your body to the heart. Your veins include valves that keep blood moving correctly. Blood can stick up and pool in your veins if the walls and valves of the veins become weak. These spots may enlarge and protrude above the skin’s surface.

Symptoms of Varicose

You might not feel any symptoms at all. If you do, you could discover that they worsen after prolonged standing or sitting. These signs include:

• Itching around your veins
• Feeling heaviness in your legs
• Swelling in your ankles and legs
• Cramps in legs
• Throbbing, aching, pain, and tenderness in the lower part of the legs.

Causes of Varicose Veins

The following reasons are the most likely causes of developing varicose veins during pregnancy:

• Increased levels of progesterone, a hormone that softens blood vessel walls and impairs valve function, are to blame for this.
• Increased blood flow throughout your body.
• Your baby puts pressure on the blood arteries in your pelvis, which may alter the blood flow to your legs and pelvic area.

Due to the causes mentioned above, your blood has a more challenging time moving from your legs towards your heart against gravity due to all these pressures.

Risk Factors that Increase Varicose Veins during Pregnancy

You run a higher chance of getting varicose veins when pregnant if other things are going on, which consists of:

Diet: An excessive amount of sodium, a lack of fiber, or water can cause you to retain water, which raises the chance of varicose veins with hemorrhoids.

Genetics: If your mother or grandmother already had varicose veins, you may be more prone to get them during pregnancy.

Weight: If you are overweight, you are more likely to develop varicose veins.

Treatment of Varicose Veins During Pregnancy

However, there are things you may take to help alleviate your symptoms or stop them from growing worse:

• Stop standing or sitting still for extended periods to keep the blood flowing.
• Regular exercise (however, it is necessary to check with your doctor first if exercise is safe for you or not during gestation).
• Reduce your intake of sodium, which can induce swelling.
• To encourage blood to return to your heart, occasionally lift your feet.
• Sleep on your left side to relieve strain on your inferior vena cava. Blood travels through this sizable vein through your legs towards your heart.
• When you sit, uncross your legs to increase blood flow.
• Wear supportive tights, pantyhose, or socks to stop blood from collecting in your legs. They are additionally known as compression stockings.

After giving birth, if the varicose veins do not go away on their own, you can discuss treatment alternatives with your doctor. We are experts and pioneers in Sclerotherapy & laser vein treatment.

Varicose Veins and Pregnancy: Conclusion

Varicose veins during pregnancy are fairly common. However, if you feel discomfort or self conscious and want to get rid of them, contact us at The Vein Treatment Center ©. We are the original NYC medical clinic established in 1982 dedicated to the treatment of veins.

Call today for a free consultation

The Vein Treatment Center ©
327 East 65th Street
New York, NY 10065
212-249-6117