Varicose Veins in Pregnant Women

Some women develop swollen, bulging Veins at various places in the body, most commonly in Legs usually during late Pregnancy. These bumps may cause throbbing pain, cramps and swelling of the Leg, that becomes worse later in the day after standing for longer hours.

During pregnancy, the body produces more blood than usual. The growing Fetus and Uterus press on the veins returning blood from the legs to heart, leading to pooling of blood in the Veins. Hormonal changes like increased levels of Progesterone, which is essential in maintaining a healthy Pregnancy, relaxes the veins and dilates them. The extra weight put on during Pregnancy puts added pressure on the Veins.

In some women, the symptoms are mild which improve 3-6 months after giving birth, while the others may develop severe pain, skin pigmentation, ulcers and bleeding varices requiring urgent medical care.

Prevention is always better than cure. The same is true for varicose veins where preventive measures are the best treatment options during Pregnancy. Avoiding sitting/standing for prolonged hours in the same posture, elevating your legs at regular intervals, maintaining a healthy weight, wearing Compression stockings can improve your circulation and relieve your symptoms and reduce the risk of developing Varicose veins.

In addition to these measures, a timely consultation with a Varicose Veins Specialist is the most effective way of preventing complications.