Hello Baby… and Hello Veins
It’s a life changing, beautiful moment to find out you have a baby on the way. Pregnancy is a magnificent gift, but it can be strenuous on your veins. Varicose veins are common, especially in pregnant women. Hormonal changes, pressure, and extra stress on the circulatory system are the contributing factors to enlarged and painful varicose veins during pregnancy.
Circulatory system during pregnancy
When a woman is pregnant, her body produces more blood to support her body as well as the developing baby. The added blood makes it difficult for valves in vein walls to properly push blood flow up the legs to the heart. Another factor working against healthy veins during pregnancy is the decreased blood flow due to added pressure from the pelvis. Deficient veins will allow the excess blood to pool, causing veins to become enlarged and varicose.
Pregnant women cannot avoid the changes in their circulatory systems while pregnant. The uterus puts pressure on the inferior vena cava which is the main vein responsible for bringing blood flow from the legs to the heart. There are ways to decrease the severe symptoms of vein disease, including the following:
- Use compression stockings to help stimulate the flow of blood.
- Elevate your legs to improve blood flow.
- Drink extra water and reduce sodium intake.
- Exercise regularly to increase blood flow. Try taking a daily leisurely walk.
- Try not to sit or stand for extended periods in the same position.
- Avoid any heavy lifting, this puts excess pressure on veins while also being potentially dangerous for the baby.
Can you relate?
Symptoms of leg vein disease include fatigue, pain, and itchy, restless legs. Varicose veins will look blue, purple or red and resemble small ropes bulging on the surface of the skin. Symptoms tend to be worse at the end of the day, after spending time on your feet. These symptoms are somewhat relieved during the night when feet are elevated. It’s important to seek an evaluation since varicose veins can sometimes pose a threat of blood clots.
Risk Factors
Vein disease is extremely common in the United States. There are factors that contribute to the disease that will let you know if you are at risk. Family history is the biggest contributor. If the pregnant woman’s mother or father are affected by vein disease she will likely develop varicose veins. Age and hormonal changes such as the added progestin during pregnancy also give way to vein disease.
If you are pregnant and suffering from painful varicose veins, seeing a professional can help relieve the symptoms. At Alpha Vein Clinic, Dr Sassan Kaveh can evaluate your vein disease progress and fit you for compression stockings which can provide some relief until after you give birth and can have your veins treated. To relieve yourself of your painful symptoms after you have your beautiful new baby, Alpha Vein Clinic in Las Vegas offers treatment options that are quick, easy, and covered by most insurance providers. Dr. Sassan Kaveh is highly experienced in diagnosing and treating vein disease of the legs. Call us today at (702) 430-7661 to schedule an examination and consultation.
Alpha Vein Clinic
Vein Clinic Las Vegas
3150 N. Tenaya Way Ste. 400
Las Vegas, NV, 89128
Dr. Sassan Kaveh
You Can Now Call Us 24/7