The Many Faces of Vascular Disease: Pregnancy
Up to half of pregnant women experience abnormal dilation, or enlargement, in the superficial veins of their legs and lower extremities. Pregnancy can often signal the arrival of varicose veins or worsen existing varicosities. This is due in part to the following reasons:
During pregnancy, the blood volume increases by as much as 20 percent, while the number of veins remains the same, thus stressing the vascular system beyond normal.
Higher levels of progesterone, the pregnancy hormone that relaxes the walls of the veins, making them more likely to swell.
A growing uterus that pushes against the pelvic veins, making it harder for the leg veins to drain into them.
These factors all create one vicious cycle: veins dilate causing back pressure against valves that in turn causes veins to dilate even more, making the valves less effective. An evaluation by a vein specialist during pregnancy may be indicated if your symptoms are severe, although elective vein procedures are generally contraindicated during pregnancy. The majority of varicose veins fade after giving birth, and sometimes resolve completely. Most varicose veins will resolve within 3 months after the baby is born. If they persist beyond that time period, you may want to find a vascular specialist who can determine the severity of their condition.
“If you have had a particularly bad or painful varicose vein experience during pregnancy and are considering having subsequent children, I recommend consulting with a vascular expert,” says Dr. Gonzalez. “It may be recommended to treat their varicosities prior to their next pregnancy in order to avoid worsening complications.”
There are other interventions that may help avoid and/or ease the discomfort of varicose veins while pregnant:
Watch your weight
Wear compression stockings
Sleep on your left side
Elevate your feet and legs as often as possible
Don’t sit or stand for long periods of time
Get moving
In addition to varicose veins, Elmore Medical is trained in diagnosing Pelvic Congestion Syndrome and other compressive disorders for which pregnant patients are at higher risk for.
Elmore Medical Vein & Laser Treatment Center is the premier vein specialty medical practice in the Central Valley. Dr. Mario H. Gonzalez and his staff offer years of experience and medical expertise that you won’t find anywhere else. Contact us today to set up a consultation appointment.