What are Varicose Veins, and are Varicose Veins during pregnancy common? The Varicose veins are swollen, large blue or purple blood vessels veins spotted near the legs or lower part of your body. They appear on the surface of the skin, and most mom-to-be’s are affected by this condition.
But is Varicose Veins pregnancy time worrisome? How to take care of it carefully, and what is the procedure to follow to treat these swollen surfaces? We’ll tell you all about it. Let’s know all about the scientific and medical facts on the Varicose Veins during the pregnancy period, what may cause them, how to treat them, and more!
What are Varicose Veins?
Before we get into the details on this condition, let us know precisely the Varicose Veins we are talking about. These veins are abnormally swollen and heavy blue or green, purple veins that appear rope-like near the body’s lower part. The most common appearance can be spotted near the legs, pelvic areas, buttocks, and elsewhere.
The condition of Varicose Veins or Vulvar Varicosities during pregnancy is quite common for women. According to a study, around 20 per cent of women are said to be detected with Varicose veins during pregnancy (1). But what is to be examined is that if the particular phase of condition is expected, which can be treated usually, or is it getting worse.
See More: Blood Clots While Pregnant
Causes of Varicose Veins in Pregnancy?
During the pregnancy period, as the women’s uterus grows, the pressure on veins in the lower part of the body increases. These veins are what returns and help flow your blood to your heart, and when the amount of pressure on them increases during pregnancy, the condition of the varicose vein may occur. While the condition may occur for pregnant and non-pregnant women, however, in most cases, they may reduce or disappear after delivery (2).
Other causes may include an increase in progesterone levels during pregnancy and a rise in blood level, which enlarges the veins in pregnant women (3).
Symptoms of Varicose Veins During Pregnancy:
Most times, Varicose Veins may not be visible or detected at a very early stage. They get spotted once they grow larger and bulge. The common symptoms of the condition are as follows. (4)
- Pain near the veins and legs, severe ache and heaviness
- Fullness near the legs and lower part of the body
- Fatigue
- Visibly swollen veins
- Pigmentation
- Cramps near thighs or calves
- Itching
- The restlessness of the legs
It should be known that the symptoms might vary from person to person. However, the most common and regular symptoms include ache and severe pain, swollen veins, and fullness.
How to Treat Varicose Veins During Pregnancy?
Before knowing Vulvar Varicosities treatment in pregnancy, necessary exams and tests are conducted to determine the condition’s severity. Checking the blood flow and pressure, swelling, changes in body surface color, et cetera are done. The diagnosis also includes checking family history, previous medical records, activity levels, ultrasound, and X-rays.
The standard treatment for varicose veins include: (5) (6) (7)
- Wearing compression stockings to reduce pressure and swelling. These help to squeeze and fit in the blood to move up towards the heart area.
- Other medical procedures include Phlebectomy and Sclerotherapy, on the advice and supervision of doctors.
Home Remedies for Varicose Veins During Pregnancy:
- Regularly raising legs and elevating them upwards for fifteen minutes at least.
- Reduce obesity and weight can give relief to the varicose vein during pregnancy.
- Staying active and fit is crucial in treatment procedures.
- Walking or swimming for a brief time every day without fail.
- Sitting with legs upside as much as possible can also reduce pain and feel relief in the feet during varicose veins pregnancy.
- It is advised by doctors and medical professionals not continue to sit or stand for more extended periods.
See More: Different Types of Pains During Pregnancy
If the condition isn’t complicated, and in most cases, the varicose veins disappear after a couple of months post-delivery. In case they don’t disappear for a year, doctors may recommend surgery to remove the affected vein or veins. There are cases where Varicose Veins’ condition may re-develop for some women, and in this case, the treatment should be continued.
How to Prevent Varicose Veins During Pregnancy?
The condition of Varicose Veins may not be completely preventable. You may be wondering how to prevent varicose veins during pregnancy! Avoiding the condition may not be entirely possible. However, there are certain precautions one may regularly take and follow to avoid as well as seek relief in case you have swelling. (8)
- Do not sit and stay at a place for more extended periods of time. Always move and stay active.
- Wear support hose if you have a heavy bodyweight or need support. Do not neglect or ignore any kind of pains and swelling near the legs.
- Not to wear too tight clothes around the lower part of the body, especially the waist and pelvis areas.
- Do not wear heels or elevated footwear at any cost.
- Have a healthy and adequate diet—intake foods that have good fiber content. Take liquids and fruits regularly. Avoid junk and take good protein food.
The prevention tips which are listed above can only be precautionary. However, they do not entirely guarantee to avoid the condition.
When should I consult a doctor about the Varicose Veins while pregnant?
The seriousness of Varicose Veins may differ from person to person and case to case. Call your doctor or for any medical help immediately in case you,
- Experience severe pains and unbearable pain near the legs or lower part of the body.
- Develop sores near the legs.
- Have redness or heavy swelling, along with cramps.
- If the skin changes color severely.
- If you notice or experience the condition getting worse from day by day.
Are Varicose Veins serious?
If you are thinking, are there any complications of varicose veins during pregnancy, don’t worry! The condition of swollen or varicose veins may feel uncomfortable or itchy. However, they may not get severe in most cases. Most treatment options include home therapies and procedures, and the condition may even disappear after delivery.
However, few cases may have blood clots, in pain, cramps, and redness. In this case, immediate attention is required. The heavy clot developing near veins may lead to severe complications, but this may not be the typical case. Regularly noticing the condition of your swollen veins hence is suggested.
See More: Having Cramps During Pregnancy
We hope you have provided you with enough information on the condition, symptoms, causes, and treatment options for Varicose Veins during pregnancy. Let us know what do you think! Make sure to consult your doctor before any medication.
FAQs:
1. What are the foods to avoid if you suffer from Varicose Veins?
Ans: Those who have varicose veins should avoid the following foods for a clean and healthy diet.
- Fried foods, deep fry foods, and oily food
- Heavy and refined carbohydrates
- Added sugars and refined sugars
- Alcohol and smoking
- Salt and heavy sodium intake
2. During which trimester can varicose veins generally affect pregnant women?
Ans: While Varicose Veins is a prevalent and normal condition experienced by women during pregnancy, it is believed that most experience the swelling and pain during the second trimester of the pregnancy.
3. Which test or medical procedure is generally followed to detect the varicose veins condition?
Ans: The medical professionals will mostly examine your legs, swollen part, and take an ultrasound to check the condition of blood flow. This may help understand the severity or state of swelling on the body.
Disclaimer:
The information and guide on the condition of Varicose Veins during pregnancy are given only for knowledge purposes. It is advised not to work on self-medication and immediately consult your health care provider or medical professional for further advice, diagnosis, and treatment.
