Varicose Veins during Pregnancy Part 2

Why do varicose veins occur in pregnancy?

The exact cause of varicose veins in pregnancy is unknown but are strongly associated with high pressure developed in the abdomen. The superficial veins from the legs carry blood forward to the heart. These veins also have valves to prevent the blood from flowing backwards. When these veins are blocked (by the fetus), they get engorged and become prominent. It is also believed that during pregnancy, valves in the vein become thin and dysfunctional, thus causing leakage of blood back into the thin veins.

While weight gain during pregnancy is also a factor in development of varicose veins, many thin women also develop varicose veins. The female sex hormone, estrogen, is believed to weaken wall of the veins and causes them to get engorged with blood.

Why does one develop varicose veins only in the legs and vaginal area?

Varicose veins occur more commonly in the legs during pregnancy,. Some females may also develop large bluish varicose veins on the vulva and vagina. The reason for this is fetus most likely lying on top of the veins and preventing the blood moving forward. When the vein is obstructed, it starts to engorge itself with blood. That is why pregnant women are encouraged to sleep on their sides to prevent the fetus from blocking these superficial veins. In some cases, the fetus may be lying very low in the pelvis and presses down over the groin; when this occurs varicosities in the vaginal area do become prominent. When a female has varicose veins of the vaginal area, she will almost always have varicose veins in the legs.

Do varicose veins resolve during pregnancy?

No, in most cases varicose veins that develop during pregnancy generally get worse until the baby is delivered.. Until the baby is delivered, the varicose veins usually get bigger, become more itchy and slightly tender. Most women complain of extreme fatigue in their legs when the varicose veins become large. in more than 80% of cases, the moment the child is delivered the varicosities subside immediately. If a female has had varicose veins during the first pregnancy, there is a great probability that they may occur in subsequent pregnancies.