7 Tips to Minimize Varicose Veins During Pregnancy
Author: StrideCare Internal Team
Being pregnant is a wonderful time in a woman’s life. But there will undoubtedly be annoying conditions that pop up throughout the journey—ones that usually are not dangerous but should not be ignored. A perfect example is the pesky issue of varicose veins during pregnancy.
According to the Society for Vascular Surgery, varicose veins are a common condition that affects roughly 25 million men and women in the United States. Varicose veins are caused by malfunction and damage of valves in veins of the lower half of the body. As a result, blood flows forward but also backward, in the wrong direction (reflux). This reversal of flow leads to pooling of backed-up blood, which then causes the veins to bulge, stretch, and enlarge.
Women are more susceptible to varicose veins during pregnancy for a variety of reasons. Varicose veins may develop in the pelvic and vaginal areas as well as the buttocks of pregnant women. Varicose veins that appear during pregnancy may be symptomatic of venous reflux or a pelvic venous condition. Hormonal changes and the fact that being pregnant puts pressure on the veins in the legs as they try to push blood back up to the heart are major causes.
Do You Have Any of These Symptoms?
Varicose vein patients can experience a variety of symptoms, including:
- Tiredness
- Swelling
- Achiness
- Heaviness
- Pain
- Numbness
- Throbbing
- Itching
- Cramping
- Restless legs
Moms-to-Be Can Minimize Varicose Veins during Pregnancy
- Keep moving — When it comes to varicose veins and pregnancy, mobility and exercise are key. Walking is a healthy way to improve circulation in your legs while helping to prevent clots and varicose veins from forming.
- Avoid crossing your legs — Crossing your legs increases the pressure felt by your veins and can lead to swelling and other vein problems. Anything you can do to keep blood flowing, the better off you will be. This includes keeping your legs elevated while resting.
- Maintain a healthy diet — Making healthy choices during your pregnancy will help you maintain an appropriate weight while at the same time decreasing the stress on your legs and veins. Extra weight places more stress on your circulatory system as a whole.
- Avoid excess heat — Hot tubs, baths, and saunas cause veins to distend, leading to pooling of blood in your legs.
- Use compression stockings — This will help you decrease the high pressure in your legs and avoid or limit varicose veins during pregnancy. By reducing leg swelling, you preserve the veins and can limit varicose veins from forming.
- Avoid unnecessary straining — Vein visibility is exacerbated with any type of strain. This includes lifting heavy objects or straining while going to the bathroom.
- Stay comfortable — When talking about varicose veins and pregnancy, it’s all about staying comfortable. Wear clothes that don’t bind or restrict you, especially around the tops of your legs
When Should I Call the Doctor About My Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins can develop at any time during your pregnancy and may get larger the deeper you get into your journey. Most of the time, they are more of an unsightly annoyance, but a rule of thumb is to have a conversation with your doctor as soon as you notice them. Leg pain, leg swelling (veins are swollen), fatigue, and varicose vein formation could all be due to a more chronic underlying condition.
If your varicose veins are hurting, it is your body’s way of telling you something is very wrong. And without the proper treatment, the appearance and symptoms of varicose veins during pregnancy may worsen over time.
Painful Varicose Veins Could Be a Sign of:
- Deep Vein Thrombosis
- Chronic Vein Insufficiency
- Skin and foot ulcers
- Phlebitis and thrombophlebitis
Schedule an Appointment with StrideCare to Learn More
If you are pregnant or recently had a child and are experiencing painful, aching legs, call StrideCare. Whether you need treatment or strategies to prevent further problems, the top vein doctors at StrideCare can help.
StrideCare has long been a leader in performing leading-edge procedures to treat vein diseases such as varicose veins, spider veins, chronic pelvic pain, restless leg syndrome, May-Thurner Syndrome and more. The vascular physicians at StrideCare are board-certified diagnostic radiologists with additional fellowship training in vascular and interventional radiology.
We work with a wide variety of patients. If you need treatment, the experienced physicians at StrideCare will create an individualized plan to help you get the best results.
Prior to starting any new treatment or questions regarding a medical condition, always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
StrideCare serves the South Texas area including Houston, San Antonio, Austin, Round Rock, Bastrop, Brushy Creek, Cedar Park, Converse, Georgetown, Hutto, Kyle, Leander, Marble Falls, New Braunfels, Pasadena, Pearland, Pflugerville, San Marcos, Schertz, Houston, Sugar Land, Katy, Webster, Bay City, Clear Lake, Lake Jackson, The Woodlands, Universal City, Spring, Kingwood, Stafford, Conroe, Texas City, Cypress, League City, Bellaire, and more.
