Guide | Varicose Veins During Pregnancy: How Can Pain and Discomfort Be Relieved?
What are varicose veins?
Nearly half of pregnant women develop abnormally enlarged superficial veins in their legs, known as varicose veins. These veins contain one-way valves that help blood return to the heart against gravity. During pregnancy, the veins widen and the growing uterus puts pressure on major blood vessels, causing blood to pool in the leg veins.
Causes of varicose veins during pregnancy
Varicose veins often run in families, and your mother may have had them as well. Blood volume can rise by 20% during pregnancy without an increase in the number of blood vessels, placing extra strain on the circulatory system. Higher levels of hormones such as progesterone also relax the pelvic ligaments and cells in the vein walls, making it harder for blood to flow upward. Increased venous pressure can impair the valves and worsen varicose veins.
Symptoms of varicose veins during pregnancy
Varicose veins appear as twisted, enlarged blue or purple veins, usually on the inner legs or backs of the calves. Symptoms may include mild swelling of the feet or ankles, leg pain, throbbing, heaviness, and cramps. In rare cases, venous insufficiency may cause skin breakdown, phlebitis, or blood clots.
Treatment and relief
Compression stockings are considered an effective way to relieve varicose veins and come in different styles, compression levels, and sizes. Medium- to high-compression stockings rated at 20 to 30 mmHg are recommended. Some pregnant women have tried products containing horse chestnut extract, but the unprocessed flowers, leaves, and seeds are toxic and can be fatal, so experts advise avoiding them during pregnancy. Varicose veins usually improve naturally after delivery, and surgery is therefore not recommended during pregnancy.
Tips for preventing varicose veins
Preventive measures include elevating the feet, doing low-intensity exercise with a doctor's approval, avoiding prolonged standing or sitting, and moving the legs regularly. Sleeping on the left side can reduce pressure on the inferior vena cava on the right, and maternity support stockings may also help. Reducing salt intake, drinking more water, eating more fiber to prevent constipation, and avoiding high heels can support circulation.
Hemorrhoids and varicose veins
Varicose veins can also occur around the anus, where they are called hemorrhoids. Bleeding is the most common symptom of internal hemorrhoids, while external hemorrhoids may hurt and bleed during wiping or straining. Being overweight before pregnancy or straining during delivery can worsen hemorrhoids and affect quality of life.
Recovery after delivery
In most cases, varicose veins disappear within 3 months after delivery. If redness, swelling, tenderness, or bleeding persists after childbirth, seek prompt medical care.
Knowledge | Varicose Veins in the Legs During Pregnancy: How to Relieve Pain and Discomfort
Guide | Varicose Veins During Pregnancy: How Can Pain and Discomfort Be Relieved?
What are varicose veins?
Nearly half of pregnant women develop abnormally enlarged superficial veins in their legs, known as varicose veins. These veins contain one-way valves that help blood return to the heart against gravity. During pregnancy, the veins widen and the growing uterus puts pressure on major blood vessels, causing blood to pool in the leg veins.
Causes of varicose veins during pregnancy
Varicose veins often run in families, and your mother may have had them as well. Blood volume can rise by 20% during pregnancy without an increase in the number of blood vessels, placing extra strain on the circulatory system. Higher levels of hormones such as progesterone also relax the pelvic ligaments and cells in the vein walls, making it harder for blood to flow upward. Increased venous pressure can impair the valves and worsen varicose veins.
Symptoms of varicose veins during pregnancy
Varicose veins appear as twisted, enlarged blue or purple veins, usually on the inner legs or backs of the calves. Symptoms may include mild swelling of the feet or ankles, leg pain, throbbing, heaviness, and cramps. In rare cases, venous insufficiency may cause skin breakdown, phlebitis, or blood clots.
Treatment and relief
Compression stockings are considered an effective way to relieve varicose veins and come in different styles, compression levels, and sizes. Medium- to high-compression stockings rated at 20 to 30 mmHg are recommended. Some pregnant women have tried products containing horse chestnut extract, but the unprocessed flowers, leaves, and seeds are toxic and can be fatal, so experts advise avoiding them during pregnancy. Varicose veins usually improve naturally after delivery, and surgery is therefore not recommended during pregnancy.
Tips for preventing varicose veins
Preventive measures include elevating the feet, doing low-intensity exercise with a doctor's approval, avoiding prolonged standing or sitting, and moving the legs regularly. Sleeping on the left side can reduce pressure on the inferior vena cava on the right, and maternity support stockings may also help. Reducing salt intake, drinking more water, eating more fiber to prevent constipation, and avoiding high heels can support circulation.
Hemorrhoids and varicose veins
Varicose veins can also occur around the anus, where they are called hemorrhoids. Bleeding is the most common symptom of internal hemorrhoids, while external hemorrhoids may hurt and bleed during wiping or straining. Being overweight before pregnancy or straining during delivery can worsen hemorrhoids and affect quality of life.
Recovery after delivery
In most cases, varicose veins disappear within 3 months after delivery. If redness, swelling, tenderness, or bleeding persists after childbirth, seek prompt medical care.
Source:
Collected online