Varicose Veins during Pregnancy Part 4

Are varicose veins during pregnancy serious?

No, in most cases, the varicose vein during pregnancy are a cosmetic nuisance. However, as pregnancy progresses, the following symptoms may occur:

- Itching around the ankle
- Dry skin
- Skin discoloration which is more prominent around
the ankles
- Development of ulcers on inside of the ankles
(usually after long standing varicose veins)
- swelling of ankle and feet
- development of blood clots (these are different
from blood clots in the deep veins and are not life
threatening)
- redness of leg
- pain along the varicosity
- infection of vein

Do varicose veins develop clots during pregnancy?

Yes, varicose veins do develop blood clots. However, unlike blood clots in deep veins, these clots very rarely break off and move to the lungs. In the majority of cases the blood clot in the varicose veins will remain in the vein and disappear with time. The blood clot will cause mild tenderness (because it irritates the nerves). Blood clots in varicose veins do not need any blood thinning medications. Aspirin will suffice or better still- wear compression stockings.

How can I prevent varicose veins during pregnancy?
Because there is no ideal treatment for varicose veins, prevention is the best way to approach varicose veins. When one is planning a pregnancy or has just gotten pregnant, start to wear compression stockings. Stockings are best treatment for varicose veins. While they are cumbersome to wear during pregnancy, they can prevent varicose veins, limit swelling, maintain shape, and preserve the smooth cosmetic features of the extremities.

Other steps one can take to prevent varicose veins during pregnancy include

- exercise daily. At least walk for 30 minutes
twice a day. Walking stimulates muscles in the
legs which will squeeze the blood away from the
legs and to the heart
- When resting try and keep the legs elevated at
all times
- When sleeping, place a couple of pillows underneath
the legs and maintain leg elevation for the duration
of pregnancy
- When sleeping during pregnancy, avoid sleeping on
the back. Sleep on the left side because this will
prevent the fetus from compression large veins
in the pelvis
- Avoid standing around for long periods. If you do
have a job that requires prolonged standing, wear
compression stockings every day
- When lying down, do not cross the legs. The pressure
from one leg can easily block superficial veins in
the legs
- Make it a habit of wearing compression stockings
regularly
- Control your weight because varicose veins tend to
be more common in individuals who gain weight
- Avoid wearing tight garments around the abdomen and
groin area
- Eat a diet with low sodium because sodium does have
a habit of retaining fluids