Varicose Veins During Pregnancy

Varicose veins are bulging, swollen blood vessels near the surface of the skin and found usually in the legs. Varicose veins can cause soreness, aches, and pain in the legs and can appear anywhere in the lower half of the body.

Pregnancy increases the chances of the appearance of varicose veins and can develop anytime during the pregnancy. Let us take a look at the causes of varicose veins and tips to prevent and manage their symptoms

What causes Varicose Veins during Pregnancy?

Veins do not have strong muscles to move blood forward, and they rely on one-way valves and leg muscles to help move blood back to the heart. When the valves are incompetent, blood can pool in the leg veins. This increased pressure forces the walls of the veins to bulge. During pregnancy, the following changes can cause varicose veins:

● Progesterone hormone is increased during pregnancy and it also causes the veins to relax. Blood does not move as easily through these relaxed veins and results in the increase of the pressure within the veins causing varicose veins.

● Increased blood flow during pregnancy increases the strain on the vein valves and walls causing varicose veins.

● The growing fetus within the uterus pushes against the organs and blood vessels in the abdomen. Blood moves from the leg veins to veins in the pelvis, or lower abdomen, before moving back to the heart. The pressure placed on these pelvic veins by the uterus prevents blood from flowing out of the legs causing varicose veins.

What are the complications caused by Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins can cause complications such as:

● Swollen feet and ankles

● Muscle cramps at night

● Aching, heaviness, and discomfort in the legs

● Dry skin, itching, and eczema in the skin over varicose veins

● Burning or throbbing in the legs

What are the tips to prevent and manage Varicose Veins?

The symptoms of varicose veins are usually improved within six weeks of delivery. If a woman had them before pregnancy, has a family history of varicose veins, is overweight, or stands for long periods of time, varicose veins may not shrink or disappear after pregnancy and may require medical treatment.

There's no sure shot way to prevent varicose veins during pregnancy, however, the following tips may prove helpful to prevent and manage the symptoms of varicose veins:

● Keep Moving: A woman should keep moving her leg muscles to help pump the blood out of the legs. Exercise such as low-key, circulation increasing exercises also helps in preventing varicose veins. 

● Watch your Weight: Avoid gaining weight too quickly as it puts more pressure on the veins. Moderate physical exercise such as walking and swimming is great for circulation as well as helps to maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle.

● Put your Legs up: Keeping legs elevated, ideally higher than heart uses gravity to help the blood drain out of the veins. Putting a pillow under the feet also helps the blood drain during resting. 

● Wear Compression Stocking: Compression maternity stockings work by applying pressure to the outside of the legs and helps counteract the pressure within the veins and prevents swelling and bulging.  

● Avoid High Heels: High heels prevent the leg muscles from working, and this keeps the blood in the veins. 

● Avoid Crossing Legs: Crossing legs prevents blood from moving out of the veins, which increases the pressure within them

● Sleeping on the left side: It can relieve the pressure on the veins in the abdomen and help veins drain during sleep.

● Get a balanced pregnancy diet: It helps keep the veins healthy. Foods with vitamin C boost the production of collagen and elastin, connective tissues that repair and maintain blood vessels. A high fiber diet and drinking plenty of water help to avoid constipation and strain in the toilet.

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