Varicose veins are a common, usually harmless part of pregnancy for some women. They happen when the uterus applies pressure to the large vein (the inferior vena cava) that carries blood back to the heart from your feet and legs. Varicose veins can become itchy, uncomfortable, or even painful.
Can varicose veins be dangerous during pregnancy?
Varicose veins during pregnancy are relatively common, and usually painless and harmless — just another occupational hazard of being a mom-to-be. And don’t worry: After delivery they’ll shrink along with the rest of you.
Do pregnancy varicose veins go away?
In a majority of women, varicose veins developed during pregnancy will start to recede and completely disappear within three months. However, in some cases, the varicose veins might persist, and in these cases, it is ideal to consult a vascular specialist who will assess the veins and offer suitable treatment options.
What helps varicose veins during pregnancy?
Wear compression stockings
Compression stockings increase blood flow by keeping a firm and constant pressure on the veins in your legs, which helps the blood flow back up the legs to the heart.
What makes varicose veins worse during pregnancy?
And when you’re pregnant, the amount of blood in your body increases, adding to the burden on your veins. Your progesterone level also rises, relaxing the walls of your blood vessels. You’re more likely to get varicose veins if other members of your family have had them.
When should I be worried about varicose veins in pregnancy?
If you notice that the veins feel hard, warm, or painful, or the skin over them looks red, call your doctor. Varicose veins often get better after delivery, when the uterus is no longer pushing on the inferior vena cava.
Does massage help varicose veins?
Massage therapy is not an effective treatment for varicose veins for many reasons. From a medical standpoint, the underlying cause of varicose veins, chronic venous insufficiency, is not alleviated by massage.
Does walking help varicose veins?
Walking is especially good for people who suffer from varicose veins, due to the fact that walking is a very low-impact workout. There is no jarring or pounding of your legs — just a simple movement that helps strengthen your calf muscles without straining your body.
When do veins start showing during pregnancy?
Bluish or purple veins often start to appear in the first trimester by about week 10, which is when your body has started producing more blood to support you and your growing baby. Your veins enlarge to accommodate the higher blood volume, and they’ll likely continue to become more visible throughout pregnancy.
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Can varicose veins go away?
Varicose and spider veins do not just go away on their own, but they can sometimes become less visible. You may also find that symptoms temporarily go away at times, particularly if you lose weight or increase physical activity. However, your vein symptoms will likely return over time.
Why are my legs turning purple while pregnant?
Swelling of the feet, or edema, often occurs in the later stages of pregnancy. It is caused by slow circulation and water retention, and may turn the feet a light purple color.
What are the main causes of varicose veins?
Varicose veins are caused by increased blood pressure in the veins. Varicose veins happen in the veins near the surface of the skin (superficial). The blood moves towards the heart by one-way valves in the veins. When the valves become weakened or damaged, blood can collect in the veins.
What causes vulvar varicose veins in pregnancy?
This is due to the increase in blood volume to the pelvic region during pregnancy and the associated decrease in how quickly your blood flows from your lower body to your heart. As a result, blood pools in the veins of your lower extremities as well as your vulvar region — causing vulvar varicosities.