This article is for general information and isn’t medical advice. Talk to your doctor or midwife about any symptoms.
Varicose Veins – What Exactly Are They?
Varicose veins are a common problem, especially during pregnancy.
So what are they? They are blood vessels, located just under the skin, which have twisted and widened as a result of defects in the valves located inside the veins.
Blood pools in vein sections, causing swelling and bulging in the vein.
Varicose veins mostly happen in the feet and legs. During pregnancy, swollen veins can also show up on the vulva (vulvar varicosities) and around the anus (hemorrhoids).
For many people, varicose veins are mainly a cosmetic concern, but they can also cause aching, heaviness, itching, or swollen ankles.
The problem is that the veins look twisted and ropy, and they might even bulge out from under the skin.
Pregnancy And Varicose Veins
Pregnancy and Varicose Veins seem to go together ‘hand in hand’; they are so common that research suggests about 40 percent of pregnant women have varicose veins.
This happens for many reasons, the 2 main ones are as follows:
Reason #1
The most common causes associated with pregnancy and varicose veins is when the hormonal changes happen, such as increases in levels of progesterone. This causes the blood vessels to relax. When they relax, two halves of vein’s valves might separate slightly.
In this case, their function (stopping blood from flowing backward) is disrupted, and varicose veins may result.
Reason #2
The second major cause is that the growing uterus takes up space in the body, putting pressure on the inferior vena cava and pelvic veins.
As a result, the pressure in your leg veins increases, raising the chances that they will become varicose. As the baby grows, the uterus enlarges still further and any varicose veins tend to become that much more prominent.
Hereditary factors and weight also affect the condition.
Having a family history with varicose veins tends to mean you have a larger chance of developing the condition.
Similarly, women who are overweight have higher incidences of developing varicose veins.
For most women, varicose veins in pregnancy are uncomfortable rather than harmful, and they usually improve after the baby is born. They can still itch, ache, or occasionally lead to more serious problems.
During pregnancy, varicose veins can also form in and around the anus (hemorrhoids) or on the vulva and vagina (vulvar varicose veins). Blood clots can also form in varicose veins, and pregnancy (plus the first weeks after birth) raises the risk of a serious clot in a deep vein, called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in one leg can be a sign of DVT, so contact your doctor or midwife right away if you notice it.
Sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing up blood, or a rapid heartbeat can be signs of a pulmonary embolism (a clot that has traveled to the lungs). This is an emergency: call 911 or your local emergency number.
How To Minimize Varicose Veins
You can’t always prevent varicose veins during pregnancy, but you can often ease them by avoiding placing too much pressure on your legs during the course of your pregnancy.
Going for some daily exercise, such as a short but brisk walk, can be very helpful.
Pregnant women should try and avoid standing for very long periods, instead of elevating their legs and feet wherever they can.
While sleeping, try to sleep on your left side while putting your feet up on a pillow. Why? The inferior vena cava is located to the right side, by sleeping on your left then you will relieve it of having to support the uterus’ weight — and in turn decrease venous pressure in your lower extremities.
Putting on compression stockings or support tights before you get out of bed can also help. They won’t prevent varicose veins, but they can ease symptoms by reducing how much blood pools in your legs. Ask your doctor or midwife which type is right for you.
Similarly, avoid crossing your legs when you sit, and try to stay within the weight gain your doctor or midwife recommends.
Gaining a lot more than that can make the problem worse, but pregnancy isn’t the time to start a diet.
When to see a doctor
Mention any varicose veins to your doctor or midwife at your prenatal checkups. Contact them promptly if a vein becomes hard, red, or painful, if it bleeds, if you get a sore that won’t heal, or if one leg suddenly swells or feels warm or painful. Swelling with a bad headache, vision problems, or pain under your ribs can be a sign of preeclampsia and needs same-day care. Procedures to remove varicose veins usually aren’t recommended during pregnancy, and most veins improve within a few months after birth.
If some veins still bother you once your baby has arrived, my Venorex vs alternatives comparison looks honestly at creams, compression stockings and clinic treatments, or see my best varicose vein cream comparison. Check with your doctor first, especially if you’re breastfeeding.
Many moms also notice stretch marks after pregnancy. If those bother you too, Revitol Stretch Mark Cream is a cosmetic cream designed to improve the look of stretch marks (affiliate link). Check with your midwife or doctor before using any new product while pregnant or breastfeeding.
Thanks for reading.
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Further Information
UK NHS – Varicose Veins
Cleveland Clinic – Varicose Veins During Pregnancy
Wikipedia – Varicose Veins
Venorex.net – Varicose Veins & Medical Procedures
Homepage – https://venorex.net
The following YouTube video covers Varicose Veins during pregnancy & is by Dr. Cynthia Shortell who works at the Society for Vascular Surgery: