Pregnancy is a time of transformation and immense joy for women. However, it may also come with some physical challenges, including varicose veins.
Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that often appear on the legs. They are not only unsightly but can also be extremely uncomfortable and painful. They may cause throbbing, swelling, and aches. Although this is not a serious health risk for most women, varicose veins impact their quality of life during pregnancy.
Besides legs, other common locations for varicose veins during pregnancy are external genital areas (vulva) and ankles. Hemorrhoids are also common during pregnancy, which are varicose veins occurring around the anus or rectum.
What are the causes of varicose veins in pregnancy?
Several factors contribute to the development of varicose veins in pregnancy:
- Hormonal changes – Pregnancy hormones, particularly progesterone, relax the walls of the veins and make them more susceptible to weakening and stretching.
- Increased blood volume – The blood volume increases during pregnancy by up to 50% to support the growing baby.This increased volume puts immense pressure on the veins, especially in the legs.
- Expanding uterus – The expanding uterus puts pressure on the pelvis, leading to a backflow of blood into superficial veins.
Although varicose veins may happen to anyone during pregnancy, there are some risk factors, including:
- Long periods of inactivity, standing or sitting
- Advanced age
- A family or personal history of varicose veins
- Obesity or excess weight
- Being pregnant with twins or multiples
When do varicose veins appear in pregnancy?
Varicose veins commonly appear during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, when the weight of your growing baby and expanding uterus starts to apply extra pressure on the pelvic area.
If you experience pain in your legs or notice those unsightly twisted veins, do not hesitate to consult a Brooklyn vein doctor.
How can you prevent varicose veins during pregnancy?
Please note that varicose veins aren’t entirely preventable. However, you can take steps to reduce your risk and minimize the severity of the condition.
- Maintain a healthy weight
If you are overweight or obese, you are putting more strain on your veins during pregnancy. Aim for a healthy weight gain throughout your pregnancy. Consult your doctor and a nutritionist to find out what your ideal weight should be and then work towards it according to their recommendations.
- Exercise regularly
Regular physical activity improves circulation and helps prevent blood from pooling in your legs. Swimming, walking, and prenatal yoga are excellent options.
- Whenever possible, elevate your legs
Elevate your legs above the level of your heart for about fifteen to twenty minutes. Try to do this several times a day, whenever possible.
Elevating your legs will improve blood flow and reduce swelling.
- Don’t sit or stand for too long
If your job requires sitting or standing for long periods, take regular breaks. Make it a point to move your legs, walk around and stretch.
- Wear maternity pantyhose or compression stockings
These apply gentle pressure to your legs, reducing swelling and improving circulation. Consult your healthcare practitioner for guidance on choosing the right compression level for you.
- Don’t wear tight clothing
Wearing tight clothes restricts blood flow and may worsen varicose veins. Opt for comfortable maternity clothes that are loose-fitting and allow room for leg movement.
- Eat healthy
Maintain a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains to improve your overall well-being and improve circulation. Consult a dietician or nutritionist for guidance.
What are the treatment options for varicose veins in pregnancy?
Varicose veins in pregnancy are usually harmless and generally get better after the baby is born. This is why healthcare providers usually don’t treat them.
But if those pesky varicose veins don’t subside on their own, these are your treatment options:
- EVLA (endovenous laser ablation) and RFA (radiofrequency ablation) – These are widely used treatments for varicose veins. Both procedures use heat to seal off the affected veins. EVLA uses laser energy to target and close the varicose veins, causing them to collapse and be absorbed by the body. RFA uses radiofrequency energy for similar purposes. These minimally invasive procedures are effective alternatives to traditional surgery. However, they are not performed during pregnancy. It is performed after the baby is born.
- Sclerotherapy – This is also a minimally invasive procedure involving injecting a solution to the varicose veins, causing the veins to collapse. While this procedure is generally safe, it is not recommended during pregnancy.
- Varicose vein stripping and ligation – This is a surgical method of removing varicose veins in the legs. Vein ligation is tying off a varicose vein to stop blood from entering it. Then, the vein is stripped from the body. After this surgical procedure, your healthy veins take over and restore normal blood flow.
Please note that while these treatment options are all effective for varicose veins, they cannot be performed during pregnancy. They have to be performed after the baby is born.
To relieve your symptoms during pregnancy, you can take these steps:
- Change your lifestyle by regularly exercising, elevating your legs, and maintaining a healthy diet.
- Wear compression stockings or maternity pantyhose to improve circulation and reduce discomfort.
- Limit the amount of sodium in your diet, as this can cause swelling
- Sleep on your left side to keep pressure off your inferior vena cava
- When you sit, uncross your leg to improve circulation
- Avoid standing or sitting for too long
When should you see a vein doctor?
If you experience any of these symptoms alongside varicose veins, seek medical advice.
- Discomfort and severe pain
- Ulcers or open sores near the varicose veins
- Signs of a blood clot, such as warmth, redness, and tenderness in the leg
- Sudden changes in the color or appearance of your varicose veins
Final thoughts
During pregnancy, varicose veins are a common occurrence. However, they can be extremely uncomfortable and unsightly, impacting your quality of life in pregnancy.
You can minimize the impact of varicose veins by understanding the causes and taking preventive measures. If the symptoms become bothersome, consult a vein doctor immediately to explore your treatment options.
