Can You Treat Varicose Veins During Pregnancy?
Varicose veins can present at any time, but did you know there is an increased chance of developing them during pregnancy? Many pregnant women suffer from varicose veins, which can be really uncomfortable on top of the other common pregnancy symptoms.
The question is, if you develop varicose veins during pregnancy, can they be treated? Here, you’ll discover everything you need to know.
Why do varicose veins occur during pregnancy?
During pregnancy, the body starts to produce extra blood to support both you and baby. However, this additional blood puts extra pressure onto the veins, particularly the ones in your legs.
Combined with the effects of progesterone which relaxes the vessels, and the additional weight gained during pregnancy, this can lead to varicose veins.
Can you treat them while you’re pregnant?
If you do develop varicose veins during pregnancy, the good news is they will usually reduce after you’ve given birth. There are a few things you can try to minimise them during the pregnancy, but you’ll need to avoid invasive treatments until after the pregnancy.
Making sure you get the blood moving and you wear comfortable clothing are just two ways you can treat varicose veins during pregnancy. Gentle exercise will keep the blood moving, preventing it from pooling in the veins. It also helps to prevent too much weight gain which is another contributing factor.
Of course, you could also wear compression stockings for support during the pregnancy too. These are some of the main ways to treat varicose veins while you’re expecting.
Preventing pregnancy-related varicose veins
Unfortunately, there is no set way to prevent varicose veins in pregnancy. Avoiding putting on too much weight and wearing compression stockings are two of the best potential prevention methods for varicose veins. However, it isn’t always possible to prevent them.
If you do suffer from varicose veins when you’re pregnant, they should disappear by themselves after the pregnancy. However, if they don’t you should book a consultation with a vein expert to treat the condition before it progresses.
