Should You Be Concerned About Varicose Veins During Pregnancy?
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Along with weight gain, mood swings, and the other classic side effects of pregnancy, many mothers-to-be develop varicose veins. The bulging, unsightly appearance of varicose veins during pregnancy may be alarming, but are they dangerous? Board-certified general surgeon and vein expert Dr. Matthew Lynch and the acclaimed team at Lynch Vein & Aesthetics in Peoria, AZ understand the complex nature of venous conditions during pregnancy and can determine whether your varicose veins may need treatment to prevent further complications. Read on to learn more about developing varicose veins during pregnancy and what you need to know if it happens to you.
What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins typically appear as bulging, twisted clusters of red, blue, or purple veins underneath the skin. Technically speaking, varicose veins are the result of a weakening of the vein wall and dysfunction of the valve, which is often caused by increased pressure on the veins. Common risk factors for developing varicose veins include:
- Obesity
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Smoking
- Pregnancy
- Genetics/family history
- Hormone medications, such as birth control pills
- Being a woman
- Advanced age
Why do you get varicose veins during pregnancy?
During pregnancy, a woman’s blood supply significantly increases, placing additional pressure on her veins, arteries, and vessels. Additionally, weight gain associated with pregnancy puts a strain on the mother’s venous system. All of this excess pressure, as well as a potential decrease in exercise and physical activity, can trigger the development of varicose veins during pregnancy.
Are varicose veins dangerous during pregnancy?
Anytime you notice new or worsening varicose veins, you should consult your provider. While the majority of varicose veins during pregnancy are not dangerous, there is the potential risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot, or another serious complication. Furthermore, it is important to determine whether there may be another explanation – besides pregnancy – for your varicose veins.
During your initial consultation for varicose veins in Peoria, AZ, Dr. Lynch will examine your concerns, take a thorough health history, and perform any necessary lab work and/or imaging studies to further elucidate the cause of your symptoms.
Do varicose veins during pregnancy go away on their own?
For women with no previous history of varicose veins, the enlarged veins that appear during pregnancy will typically resolve on their own after giving birth, recovering from pregnancy, and losing excess pregnancy weight. If spider veins and/or varicose veins do not resolve after pregnancy, Dr. Lynch may recommend one of the following vein treatments:
• Surface laser treatments
• Sclerotherapy
• Microphlebectomy
• Ultrasound-guided therapies
• Laser vein removal
• Venefit™
• ClariVein®
• Alma VascuLife™
How to prevent varicose veins during pregnancy
Unfortunately, you may not be able to completely prevent varicose veins during pregnancy, but there are some things you can do to help lessen their severity and/or relieve your symptoms, including:
- Stay active with regular walking, swimming, or other low-impact activities
- Elevate your legs/feet while sitting
- Wear compression stockings
- Avoid tight-fitting clothing other than compression socks
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet
- Avoid excessive weight gain
Restore your natural glow with varicose vein treatment in Peoria, AZ
Every woman deserves to feel feminine, confident, and glowing, especially during pregnancy! If you have developed unsightly spider veins or varicose veins during pregnancy, chances are, they will go away on their own. However, it is still important to have your veins evaluated to avoid a more serious complication, and if needed, have them treated. Call the knowledgeable team at Lynch Vein & Aesthetics to schedule your private consultation with board-certified general surgeon Dr. Matthew Lynch today, and learn more about your options for varicose veins during pregnancy.