Varicose veins, also known as varicosities, are swollen and enlarged veins near the skin surface, often caused by improper blood circulation.
They commonly appear in the legs but can occur almost anywhere, including the buttocks, rectum, and vaginal area. Varicose veins in pregnancy are quite common, though they are painless and harmless.
During pregnancy, the uterus tends to block the veins that return blood from the lower half of your body to the heart, reducing blood flow from the legs.
The surge of hormones during pregnancy softens the veins, making it harder for them to work properly. Varicose veins in pregnancy have also been linked to genetic factors.
What are Varicose veins in pregnancy?
During pregnancy, varicose veins are swollen and enlarged veins, mostly found in the legs. They happen because the growing uterus and hormonal changes increase pressure on the veins.
This can cause discomfort, pain, and bulging veins. Factors like genetics, weight gain, and prolonged standing can make varicose veins worse.
Wearing compression stockings, elevating the legs, exercising regularly, and avoiding long periods of standing or sitting can ease symptoms. In severe cases, medical treatment may be needed to manage varicose veins during pregnancy.
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When do varicose veins occur in pregnancy?
Varicose veins can occur at any time during pregnancy, though in most cases, they become visible as the baby grows bigger. The good news is that they will diminish after giving birth.
What are the symptoms of varicose veins in pregnancy?
Varicose veins in pregnancy occur as large, bulging, and twisted blue or purple veins on the legs and other parts of the lower body. They may cause mild swelling, heaviness, and even throbbing in the legs, and sometimes, they can cause leg cramps.
varicose veins Treatment
If you develop varicose veins in pregnancy, they will often diminish without treatment after giving birth. However, they may persist for up to one year for some women.
You can treat varicose veins in pregnancy by sitting in a tub containing warm water for a few minutes. You can also massage to relax the veins and improve blood circulation in the lower half of your body. Another effective way to treat varicose veins in pregnancy is using ice packs to reduce swelling.
Generally, varicose veins in pregnancy can be prevented by leading an active lifestyle, wearing a maternity support hose, elevating your legs to improve circulation, and increasing sodium intake.
Read More: Varicose Veins Causes, Symptoms, Complications, Treatments
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Varicose veins surgery
The surgical procedure is usually the last option if all the available treatments cannot improve your problem. The surgical solution is ligation and stripping to remove the affected veins.
This surgery is usually carried out under general anesthetic, which means you will be asleep during the procedure and will not feel any pain. It is performed by tying off the vein in the affected leg and removing it. n, then the surgeon will make two small incisions. The first one will be near the groin at the top of the varicose vein.
While the other one will be down the leg, around the knee, your surgeon will tie up the top of the vein and seal it. Then they will pass a thin, flexible wire through the bottom of the vein and pull out and remove it through the lower cut in the leg. This procedure may cause some complications, like any other surgery.
Your doctor will recommend you wear compression stockings for up to a week after surgery.
Why should you choose HayatMed?
Selecting your dermatologist based on quality, skills, and experience is essential. At HayatMed, we have the best vascular specialists in Turkey who can diagnose your condition accurately and determine the appropriate treatment for you.
Contact us for more information about the best treatments for varicose veins and their costs. Click here for more information about Varicose veins treatment, or return to the Medical Blog.
