About 40 percent of pregnant women will develop varicose veins due to increased pressure inside the veins, and due to hormonal changes during pregnancy.
Varicose veins occur when blood stagnates in the veins that most support the weight of gravity, in our case in the legs, rectum and sometimes the vulva. Venous return becomes more difficult, and during pregnancy, the appearance of varicose veins is favored by the increased pressure of the uterus on the pelvic veins and the increase in the volume of blood circulating in the body.
The hormones of pregnancy also have something to do with it, since they relax the muscle fibers present in the walls of the veins, with which they relax and are more likely to dilate and deform. Aesthetically they may not like them, but the worst are the physical discomfort they can cause, such as muscle pain in the calves, thighs, vulva or anus, heaviness or cramps.
How to prevent varicose veins from appearing and alleviate them if we already have them
Some guidelines help us prevent varicose veins , or reduce their discomfort if we already suffer from them:
- Do not carry excess weight or lift things that are too heavy.
- Wear special stockings for varicose veins. Your gynecologist can advise you on the most appropriate ones.
- Avoid sitting or standing for too long in the same posture. It is good to get up frequently, move feet and legs. While we remain seated, it is not good to have our legs crossed due to the pressure exerted on the limbs.
- When we are lying down, the feet can be raised (with large cushions under the mattress …), which favors and relieves circulation in the legs.
- Do not wear tight clothing on the legs or waist.
- Do not wear shoes with a thin or high heel.
- Do not smoke, since tobacco, apart from all the damages that it entails, is associated with an increase in the incidence of varicose veins by damaging blood circulation.
- Avoid exposure to high temperatures (direct sun, saunas, too hot baths …), as excessive heat dilates the veins.
- Practicing moderate exercise, such as swimming, can alleviate the discomfort caused by varicose veins by facilitating blood circulation. Similarly, walking is very beneficial in preventing varicose veins, as well as the Pilates method.
- Gentle, circulatory massages can be performed on the legs with special creams, which will promote blood flow and a better quality rest.
If you have suspicious symptoms, such as a sudden hardening of the varicose vein, pain and redness in the area, you should consult your doctor, as it could be a complication, such as venous thrombosis (the formation of a blood clot in a vein ). Surgery will only be considered in exceptional cases, when the doctor deems it necessary.
Through all these tips we prevent the appearance of varicose veins during pregnancy , we control their progression and they will help us to reduce the discomfort if they are present, in addition to avoiding complications.
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