Varicose Veins and Pregnancy

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Varicose veins are abnormal veins that fill with blood and enlarge. They are not only painful, but unsightly; and they are common during pregnancy.

The cause of pooling blood in the vein is malfunctioning valves that allow blood to remain in the vein. A normal vein would close completely to keep the blood moving towards the heart.

1 Where do they occur?
2 Signs and symptoms
3 Causes of Varicose Veins
4 Risk factors
5 Home care
6 Prevention
7 Treatment
8 When to call the doctor
9 More Information

[edit] Where do they occur?

Varicose veins are most common in the veins of the legs, but it can occur elsewhere on the body. Pregnant women may develop varicose veins on their vulva. Hemorrhoids are varicose veins of the rectal area.

[edit] Signs and symptoms

You may have varicose veins if you experience:

Leg pain accompanied by feelings of fullness or heaviness; aching
Visibly enlarged veins
Ankle swelling
Discolored skin at the ankles that is brown in color
Skin ulcers on your ankles
Symptoms are worse at the end of your day
The skin around the bulging vein is itchy, throbbing, or feels like it is burning

[edit] Causes of Varicose Veins

Development of varicose veins during pregnancy is usually due to one or more of three main causes:

Hormonal changes during pregnancy. Levels of progesterone increase during pregnancy, causing the blood vessels to relax. This relaxing action may cause the valve within the vein to not close completely, and allow blood to back up into the vein.
Pressure from the uterus. The enlarging uterus puts pressure on the major veins in the pelvis that service the leg.
Genetics. A family history of varicose veins increases the likelihood that you will develop varicose veins during pregnancy.

Varicose veins that develop during pregnancy sometimes disappear after delivery; however, they are likely to reform in each succeeding pregnancy and will become more prominent with each pregnancy. Women who develop varicose veins while they are pregnant are likely to develop them when they get older.

[edit] Risk factors

Things that increase your chances of developing varicose veins are:

Having a family or personal history of varicose veins
Being overweight
Carrying multiples
Standing on your feet for long periods of time

[edit] Home care

If you develop varicose veins you should:

Avoid standing for long periods of time
Elevate your legs when you are resting and sleeping
Wear support hose – ask your doctor what type you should wear
Exercise daily to improve your circulation

[edit] Prevention

To lessen the risk of developing varicose veins during pregnancy:

Keep within your recommended weight gain range for your pregnancy.
Whenever possible, elevate your legs to keep the blood moving back towards your heart.
Do not cross your legs or ankles when you are sitting.
If your legs dangle when you sit in a chair, use a footstool to relieve the pressure on the back of your legs.
Do not stand or sit for long periods of time. Take frequent breaks to keep your circulation moving.
Sleep on your left side at night to take the pressure off of the veins that service your legs.
Wear support hose to encourage proper circulation.