What You Need To Know About Pregnancy and Varicose Veins
Our expert: Larisa Grigorievskaya, Obstetrician-gynecologist
Pregnancy is full of surprises, and not all of them are pleasant. Varicose veins are one of them. How do you keep your veins healthy while you are expecting a baby?
What causes varicose veins?
The volume of circulating blood increases by 30 % during pregnancy, which puts a strain on blood vessels. Progesterone, which is responsible for keeping you safe during pregnancy, has a relaxing effect on the walls of blood vessels, making them expand.
The body mass of the future mother increases, which creates additional strain on the legs. The growing uterus presses against the largest abdominal vein — the inferior vena cava, which slows down the blood flow. The blood-clotting ability increases to minimize blood loss during childbirth, making blood thicker and leading to blood clots. Limitation of activity also impacts the blood flow. If your work requires prolonged sitting or standing, you are at risk. Genetic predisposition can also cause it.
Typical signs of varicose veins
In most cases, varicose veins show up after 20 weeks of pregnancy. During this time, it is important to pay attention to your state of health to avoid missing symptoms of the beginning of the disease:
- Swelling in feet, legs, and ankles
- Pain in the lower extremities, cramps, numbness, higher body temperature in the affected body areas
- A feeling of heaviness and constant fatigue in legs
- The skin of the legs becomes dry and pale with itching and burning sensation
- Vascular stars and spider veins become visible through the skin
A phlebologist will confirm the diagnosis after external medical examination, assisted by dopplerometry and ultrasound of blood vessels.
Will it cure itself?
Varicose veins should be cured as they are associated with complications such as ulcers, blood clots, and bleeding during pregnancy and childbirth. Surgery and minimally invasive procedures are not recommended during pregnancy but are used in the case of blood clots in extreme cases.
Most often, medical professionals prescribe medicines (vitamin supplements, venotonics, anticoagulants, antiplatelet drugs) that are safe for fetus development. Physical activity such as walking, swimming, and special gymnastics, which stimulate blood circulation, is recommended. It is also necessary to wear compression underwear, knee socks, stockings, and prenatal care bandages.
How prevention helps
The following measures will reduce the risk of varicose veins — not only for pregnant women but for anyone:
- Change your body position, spending approximately the same time standing, sitting, and laying down during the day
- Avoid crossing legs while sitting
- Have a healthy diet, control salt, and water consumption, and avoid constipation
- Gradually learn to sleep on your left side, reducing venous pressure in the small pelvis, which helps the blood flow away from the lower extremities
- Raise your legs above the heart level more often during the day
- Try not to increase your body mass above the norm recommended by your physician
- Avoid narrow body dresses and bands that dig into your skin
- Try to choose comfortable shoes made from natural materials with a small heel (3–4 cm). A flat sole is as bad for you as high heels
- Avoid carrying heavy objects
- Avoid hot baths
Typically, varicose veins should disappear 3 months after childbirth. If this is not the case, you should consult with a phlebologist. Stay healthy!
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