Varicose Veins During Pregnancy

Varicose vein is the term for an enlarged or swollen vein, that can be often seen bulging near the surface of the skin. The most common places affected by this condition are the legs and feet. However, varicose veins can occur anywhere in the body, though the veins of the legs more commonly get swollen either due to a defect in the valves or the vein wall. The veins are concerned with returning the deoxygenated blood to the heart, and the veins of the legs do this against the effects of gravity. There are certain valves in these veins that open to allow the blood to move upwards towards the heart and then close off to prevent its back flow towards the legs.

But when the valves of these veins are not functioning properly, they may fail to prevent the back flow of blood. This can result in blood pooling in the veins and as a result, the veins can swell and bulge out, or become varicose. Even abnormalities of the vein wall can cause the valves to separate and render them unable to prevent the back flow of blood. Varicose veins are observed to be more common in women. Women can experience this problem during pregnancy, which is one of the most important causes of this condition.

Pregnancy and Varicose Veins

As we know, pregnancy is the period in which lots of hormonal as well as physical changes take place. During this stage, a woman gains considerable weight due to the growing uterus. Such weight gain often puts more pressure on the large vein on the right side of the body, which is known as inferior vena cava. This in turn, increases the pressure in the blood vessels of the legs or extremities of the body and contribute towards the development of varicose veins.

Additionally, the rising levels of hormones, estrogen and progesterone can cause the veins to relax, for which the two halves of the valves may fail to meet completely. The result is leakage or back flow of blood, that accumulates in the veins of the legs and cause them to enlarge. Apart from these, the volume of blood in the body also increases during pregnancy and as a result, the veins have to work harder to pump blood to the heart. The cumulative results of all these factors can be the enlargement of veins. The main risk factors in early pregnancy are multiple pregnancy, standing and sitting for a prolonged time period and excess body weight.

Another similar condition that a woman may face is spider veins, that may appear near the surface of the skin, mainly on the arms, face and the legs. The veins can appear as red or blue veins and look quite similar to spider's web. Spider veins during pregnancy is usually a harmless condition, that results from an increased flow of blood. They are also not known to cause any discomfort like pain or itching. On the other hand, varicose veins can produce pain and a heavy sensation in the legs, dryness and itching around the veins, as well as burning or throbbing sensation in the lower legs. It can also be accompanied by muscle cramps, swelling in the lower legs, ankle swelling and skin ulcers near the ankle.

How Can Pregnant Women Prevent Varicose Veins

Most often, varicose veins occur during pregnancy and then resolve on their own after delivery. However, during this period, they can cause a lot of discomfort. Therefore, it is essential to take certain measures to prevent, or at least minimize the effects of varicose vein. The best way to prevent this kind of problem is to avoid sitting or standing at a stretch for a long time and elevate the legs, whenever it is possible. Even regular exercising can help a lot to prevent varicose vein by improving blood circulation.

Exercising regularly would also help to maintain the ideal body weight for that particular stage of pregnancy, which is very much important to reduce the extra pressure on your blood vessels. In addition to these preventive measures, you might also need to do a few changes in your sleeping position to prevent varicose veins. Pregnancy and the resulting weight gain put extra pressure on the inferior vena cava, which is located on the right side of the body. A habit of sleeping on your right side can put more pressure on this vein, while sleeping on the left side can help to decrease the pressure on this vein.

However, if these measures fail to prevent this problem, then you can take the help of maternity support hose. Ideally, put the support hose or the stocking in the morning, just before getting out of the bed. This will prevent blood from pooling in your legs. Lastly, if varicose veins become too uncomfortable or painful and also swell a lot, then do not forget to inform your physician for proper treatment. Your physician needs to be informed about all the changes or discomforts you are experiencing during this stage, in order to avoid any kind of possible complications.