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Varicose Veins in Pregnancy

Many women go their life without a trace of visibly unattractive veins; then they are surprised to find varicose veins in pregnancy. Pregnancy can contribute to varicose veins in several different ways. As your uterus grows, this creates more pressure in your abdomen area; in turn, squeezing your veins. Hormone changes can affect your veins by making them stretched out or dilated. This weakens the vein, making it difficult for a normal blood flow.

Pregnancy also increases your blood volume but contradictorily decreases the flow of blood from your legs to your heart. This change in circulatory design is specifically for a healthy growing fetus. So even though this change will help your child grow, it has some side effects for the mother, including larger veins in the legs.

How can I prevent varicose veins in pregnancy?

You may be able to minimize your varicose veins, or prevent future veins, while you’re pregnant if you add a few habits to your day. If you have a high risk pregnancy you will want to consult your doctor before making any drastic changes. A few suggestions for pregnant women with varicose veins include:

Exercise daily
You don’t have to go for a 5 mile jog; a simple walk around your block every day can improve the circulation throughout your body. Poor circulation can help create varicose veins.

Move around
Speaking of circulation, don’t sit for long periods of time; or stand for that matter. Get up every hour to move around when watching TV or working at your desk. Keep circulation healthy.

Watch your weight
Most likely your OBGYN gave you a healthy weight range to stay within during your pregnancy. This is important for the health of your baby as well as yourself.  Not gaining enough weight or gaining too much can add to the pressure around our veins.

Put your legs up
Elevating your feet to, level with your heart or higher, will help the blood flow back to your heart from your veins. Your veins work extra hard to send blood upstream.

Here’s the Good News

Varicose veins usually improve after you give birth, especially if they weren’t there before pregnancy. If they don’t disappear, there are several minimally invasive procedures available today that can get rid of visible vein.

If the veins do not disappear after giving birth and you need help making a decision on the best vein treatment for you, contact us today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Norman Chideckel for the treatment of varicose veins.

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