You might have heard about varicose veins? But did you know that they are one of the common problems experienced by pregnant women?

Are you pregnant or know someone who is pregnant and struggling to manage varicose veins?

Well, this blog can help you. Let’s dive into it.

Varicose Veins And Pregnancy

If you don’t know what varicose veins are, they are large, lumpy veins that are seen on the surface of skin.

These are caused due to poor blood flow and increased pressure. Any vein that is in close contact with the skin surface, known as superficial vein, is prone to this condition.

According to statistics, 4 among 10 who are pregnant are at a risk of developing varicose vein.

During pregnancy a woman’s body undergoes many changes to adjust the growth and development of a new life.

Among the various problems faced by women during pregnancy, varicose veins are the most common one. Presence of varicose veins can cause serious health risks and discomfort to expectant mothers.

• Varicose veins are most common during the third trimester.

• The most common site of varicose veins during pregnancy are legs, vulva (External genital area), and ankles.

• Varicose veins that affect rectum or area around your anus - Hemorrhoids are also commonly seen during pregnancy.

• Varicose veins can be accompanied with spider veins which are fine red or blue lines visible through the skin but are not lumpy.

Causes Of Varicose Veins During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, the weight of the developing baby and hormone changes make you more vulnerable to developing varicose veins.

Let us look into some of the reasons for this condition during pregnancy.

Physiological Changes

While you are pregnant, your uterus expands to accommodate the baby.

This expansion causes pressure on inferior vena cava - a large vein responsible for returning blood from the heart - particularly in the pelvic region.

This increased pressure stops blood flow, which eventually results in the bulging of your veins.

Hormonal Influence

Hormonal fluctuation is quite common during pregnancy which plays a role in the development of varicose veins during that period.

Progesterone is particularly on the rise during that time. Progesterone helps in relaxing uterine muscles, preventing premature contractions and relaxing walls of blood muscles.

This relaxation makes them more prone to dilation which could result in varicose veins.

Physical pressure from the uterus can also aggravate varicose vein formation.

Genetic Predisposition

Your genetics could also make you susceptible to varicose veins. If you have a family history of varicose vein, you have an increased probability of developing varicose vein during pregnancy.

If you have a family history of a weak venous system, there is a chance you are prone to this condition.

Circulatory Changes

Pregnancy demands increased blood supply.

When you are in your second trimester, blood volume expands significantly reaching its peak level.

These along with hormonal changes could cause tension in your circulatory system which could lead to the formation of varicose veins.

Weakening of venous valves, which helps to prevent backward flow of blood may lead to formation of varicose veins.

Increased Pressure on the Lower Limbs

Weight gain during pregnancy causes pressure on your lower limbs. This can cause the upward flow of blood, which leads to pooling of blood.

Weight gain, hormonal changes, and the strain on the lower limbs creates a perfect situation for the development of varicose veins during pregnancy.

Constipation is also common during this period and can cause haemorrhoids.

Signs And Symptoms Of Varicose Veins During Pregnancy

It's possible that you don't feel anything. If so, you could discover that they get worse if you spend a lot of time sitting or standing.

Some of the symptoms associated are:

• Heaviness in legs.

• Itching around the veins

• Cramping in the legs.

• Painful and throbbing lower legs.

• Edema or swelling of the ankles and legs.

Pain and itching are additional symptoms of haemorrhoids.

They may bleed if you strain them while having a bowel movement or wipe them. When this occurs, a bright red coloured blood may be seen along with stool.

Risk Factors Associated With Pregnancy Varicose Veins

Diet

Consuming an excessive amount of salt or inadequate amounts of fibre or water can cause water retention, which increases the risk of developing haemorrhoids and varicose veins.

Genetics

You are more susceptible to them, if your mother or grandmother have had it.

Weight

If you are overweight or obese, you are more likely to develop this.

How To Identify Varicose Veins During Pregnancy ?

Depending on the nature of your complaints, your doctor may examine your legs, genitalia, and lower abdomen.

Your physician could advise a Doppler ultrasonography to check the blood flow in both your deep veins and superficial veins.

The presence of varicose veins may increase the possibility of a deep vein thrombosis, or blood clot in a vein. This situation may lead to a serious complication including pulmonary embolism.

Pulmonary embolism refers to blood clots that block and ceases blood flow to an artery in the lungs.

How To Treat Varicose Veins During Pregnancy ?

Most of the time, doctors don't treat varicose veins because they are generally benign and improve after the delivery.

However, there are actions you may take to manage your symptoms and keep them from growing worse:

• Try not to stand or sit still for an extended amount of time.

• Engage in frequent exercise, but before you do, be sure it's healthy for you to do so while pregnant by consulting your doctor.

• Eat less sodium because it can lead to edema in the body.

• Periodically elevate your feet to assist your heart's blood flow.

• To avoid putting strain on your inferior vena cava, sleep on your left side. The big vein that connects your heart to your legs is this one.

• When you sit, spread your legs apart to enhance blood flow.

• To stop blood from collecting in your legs, put on supportive tights, pantyhose, or socks. Compression stockings is another name for these.

You can discuss treatment options with your provider if your varicose veins don't go away on their own following childbirth. These may consist of surgery, laser therapy, and sclerotherapy.

Ways To Avoid Varicose Veins During Pregnancy

Enhancing blood circulation during pregnancy can help in avoiding varicose veins. For instance:

• Shift your positions in order to prevent prolonged sitting or standing.

• Keep your legs straight when sitting.

• Raise your feet several times a day.

• Make sure you sleep on your left side.

• Put on compression socks or pregnancy pantyhose.

FAQ

Are varicose veins curable with compression stockings?

Certainly. Compression stockings compress your veins, causing your legs' blood flow to rise.

Do varicose veins hurt?

Leg aches and pains may be a result of varicose veins. Your legs may ache, burn, or cramp, and they may feel heavy or restless.

But for some people, it may not hurt or varicose veins don't hurt or cause any issues.

What is Sclerotherapy ?

A chemical solution is injected straight into the abnormal vein as part of the sclerotherapy. Blood must flow to healthy veins because the solution destroys the vein.

After purposeful harm, the vein will eventually disappear and reabsorb into adjacent tissue.

Compression stockings are placed to decrease the chance of a vein reopening post the operation. They may be used immediately after your treatment as they will be tested beforehand.