Vascular Surgeon’s Tips To Manage Varicose Veins During Pregnancy

 

What are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are strangely swollen veins that create a bump near the surface of the skin. These red, purple, or blue veins can cause little or no discomfort. During pregnancy, these veins mostly show up on your buttocks, legs, or elsewhere. The skin around these veins can get itchy or burn. If you get these on your legs, it can make your leg feel heavy, and it can get worse if you are on your feet a lot.

What causes Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are generally harmless and you can postpone their treatment till your delivery is done. During pregnancy, your uterus grows bigger with time. It puts pressure on the inferior cava (the large vein on the right side of your body), which puts stress on your leg veins. You can suffer from this condition because of family history, obesity, or if you are on your foot for too long, says one of the best varicose veins surgeons in Kolkata. 

Are Varicose Veins common among pregnant women?

Varicose veins are really common among pregnant women. Approximately 40% of women suffer from varicose veins during pregnancy. Some women face this condition during their first pregnancy; some face it during their third or fourth time. 

How can the symptoms be minimized during pregnancy?

If you are suffering from this condition during your pregnancy, then you can try and follow these tips given by the best vascular surgeon in Kolkata to minimize the symptoms.

• Stay physically active. At least take a walk around your house; it will improve your blood circulation. It will reduce the chances of getting varicose veins.

• Maintain a healthy weight. Being obese can increase the risk of varicose veins.

• Don’t cross your legs while sitting.

• Don’t sit or stand for long. 

• Eat healthy, low-salt food.

• Avoid wearing high heels.

• Swim

• Take a nap

When should you seek help?

· Seek help if your leg gets seriously swollen.

· If the color of the skin near your vein changes.

· If the vein starts to hurt a lot.

· Inflammation and clotting in a superficial vein can lead to DVT (deep vein thrombosis). It happens rarely. In this condition, a clot grows in deep veins and causes inflammation. It can get to the lungs and be deadly. Consult a doctor if you feel the pain in your vein is getting worse.