Pregnancy and Varicose Veins

Although vein disease appears in healthy people with no preexisting health conditions, pregnant women are more at risk for spider and varicose veins; in fact, 40% of pregnant women are physically affected by varicose veins. Usually any pain or discomfort diminishes within three months to a year after the pregnancy, but it could also serve as an indicator for underlying vein disease. During pregnancy, pressure on large abdominal veins like the inferior vena cava, which carries blood from your legs to the heart, rises due to an increase in blood volume. Hormonal changes and increase in progesterone levels can also be a cause for varicose veins. Although varicose veins in pregnant women typically go away a few months after delivery, severe cases may require treatment, if the discomfort and pain continues. There are some ways that you can prevent varicose veins during pregnancy, which includes:

• Exercising regularly

• Avoiding standing for long periods of time

• Properly fitted graduated compression stockings

• Avoiding excess weight gain

• Wear comfortable, flat shoes to ensure the muscles in your calves are promoting healthy circulation

• Staying hydrated

• Avoiding crossing your legs and elevate your legs frequently to help circulation

Even following a healthy style can’t prevent all cases of varicose veins, and you could be experiencing uncomfortable or painful symptoms. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms and they become overwhelming during pregnancy, you should speak to your vein specialist about the benefits of compression stockings or treatment postpartum:

• Heaviness in the legs

• Swelling in areas such as the legs, feet, and ankles

• Skin issues or discoloration surrounding swollen veins

• Muscle cramps

• Difficulty standing for long periods of time

If you have questions about any unusual symptoms, treatments, or guidance on how to relieve pain or discomfort, you can set up an online consultation with Dr. Vinay Madan by calling (203) 762-6365 or contacting us at www.centerforvaricoseveins.com.

Author

Dr. Vinay Madan, MD, DABVLM Dr. Vinay Madan is a board certified Interventional Radiologist and Phlebologist with over 25 years of experience in treating vein disease. Dr. Madan has served as the Chairman of Radiology and Section Head of Vascular Interventional Radiology at Eastern Connecticut Health Network. Dr. Madan brings a wealth of knowledge which allows him to treat patients with cosmetic and medical vein disease in a caring and compassionate way.