Pregnancy is a period of intense changes in a woman’s body, while most of these changes are natural in the process and temporary, which may cause discomfort or cosmetic worries. One such medical condition is varicose veins, which is commonly observed in pregnancy, where the blood vessels in the legs are under extreme pressure from the growing uterus. Generally, varicose veins appear in your lower extremities, as more blood pressure is needed to push blood from your legs back up to your heart. Small, blue veins appear in the legs, ankles and other regions below your baby bump. Read this article to understand the causes, symptoms and simple home remedies to manage this condition effectively.
What Are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are enlarged, swollen, twisted veins that appear blue or dark purple. They appear commonly on the legs, but during pregnancy, they may also appear around the vulva or rectum (haemorrhoids). Veins are the main part of the circulatory system and carry blood from the body to the heart. The valves in the veins help to keep blood flowing in the proper direction. When the walls and valves of your veins become weak, blood can back up and form pools in the veins. These areas eventually swell and protrude up from the surface of your skin.
Causes of Varicose Veins During Pregnancy
Various factors contribute to varicose veins during pregnancy:
The blood volume increases during pregnancy to support the growing needs of the foetus, which adds extra pressure on the veins, mainly in the legs.
The hormone progesterone relaxes the walls of blood vessels, including veins, which can weaken vein valves and lead to varicose veins.
The uterus expands and it exerts pressure on the inferior vena cava, the primary large vein that transfers blood from the lower region of the body to the heart. Increased pressure can slow circulation, resulting in swelling of veins.
A family history of varicose veins can increase your risk of developing it during pregnancy.
Long duration of standing or sitting can impede blood flow and worsen vein issues.
Also Read: Planning For A Pregnancy? Watch Out For These Symptoms In Early Stages
Symptoms
Visible bulging or twisted veins, usually on the legs
Heaviness or pain in the legs
Swelling in the feet or ankles
Itching or burning sensations around the veins
Throbbing in the legs, especially after standing
Spider veins (smaller, red or blue veins)
Effective Home Remedies
Varicose veins usually settle soon after childbirth, however, a few natural remedies can alleviate symptoms and prevent worsening of this condition during pregnancy.
Elevate Your Legs
Raising your legs above heart level for 15–20 minutes a few times a day helps to improve blood circulation and reduce swelling.
Wear Compression Stockings
Compression stockings can improve blood flow by maintaining a firm and steady pressure on the veins in your legs, which helps the blood flow back up the legs to the heart. Wear them on as soon as you get up in the morning, before blood can pool in your lower extremities and remove them before you go to bed at night.
Stay Active
Are you working at a desk for eight or more hours a day? Ensure to take frequent short breaks to stretch your legs and get blood flowing. Yes, multiple five-minute sessions spaced throughout your workday can make a huge difference. When you cannot avoid long hours of sitting, avoid crossing your legs and move your ankles to increase your blood circulation.
Sleep on Your Left Side
Generally, after the first trimester, doctors suggest that you avoid sleeping on your back, as the extra weight from the growing baby may compress the vein carrying blood from the lower extremities back to your heart. The best sleep position is to sleep on your left side to enhance blood flow throughout the system. Place a pillow between your legs and one behind your back to sleep in a restful manner. Furthermore, investing in a body-length pregnancy pillow may also be beneficial.
Go For Flats, Not Heels
If you are one of those few women who can manage heels during pregnancy, you may still want to consider flats, particularly if you are too worried about varicose veins. Using low-heeled shoes provides feet with better support and workout than high heels, by promoting blood flow and decreasing the appearance of veins.
Avoid Lifting Weights
Refrain from straining too much to carry heavy objects when you are pregnant; this not only ensures your safety but your newborn. It also prevents varicose veins from bulging.
Also Read: Bloating During Pregnancy: Causes, Effects, And Home Remedies For Instant Relief
Manage Weight
Gaining weight during pregnancy is important, but excess weight above the recommended amount can exert pressure on your veins. Hence, it is essential to lead a healthy lifestyle and follow your gynaecologist's advice for healthy weight gain.
Boost Your Fiber Intake
Constipation can aggravate varicose veins and result in haemorrhoids. Consume a diet abundant in dietary fibre, including plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lentils and fluids to regularise bowel movements.
Good Hydration
Maintaining hydration by drinking ample amounts of fluids helps to promote blood circulation and avert swelling.
Up Vitamin C Intake
Vitamin C is one of the important nutrients that helps keep veins healthy and elastic, which in turn can lessen the appearance of varicose veins. Add a good lot of foods rich in vitamin C, including oranges, amala, mangoes, kiwi, strawberries, melon, bell peppers and tomatoes.
When to See Medical Help?
Though varicose veins are generally harmless, consult your healthcare provider if you notice:
- Sudden swelling in one leg
- Feeling warm, redness, or tenderness in a leg vein
- Skin ulcers or bleeding near varicose veins
- Severe pain or signs of a blood clot
(This article is reviewed by Kalyani Krishna, Chief Content Editor)
Author Profile:
M Sowmya Binu:
With over 15 years of expertise and a Postgraduate degree in Nutrition, M Sowmya Binu is a seasoned professional in the field of nutrition. Specialising in tailoring personalised diet plans, she underscores the significance of a balanced approach to health, emphasising the integration of medication with dietary intake for holistic wellness. Passionate about equipping individuals with knowledge to make informed decisions, Sowmya adeptly develops insightful content encompassing a wide array of topics including food, nutrition, supplements, and overall health.
References:
Interventions for varicose veins and leg oedema in pregnancy
Rebecca MD Smyth 1,✉, Nasreen Aflaifel 2, Anthony A Bamigboye 3
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7050615/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK327998/
