Pregnancy-Related Vein Disorders Chicago
When you are pregnant, varicose veins can become more prominent or begin to form, particularly if varicose veins run in the family. Both varicose and spider veins are more likely to occur during pregnancy. Varicose veins are just veins that are swollen and near the surface of your skin; they are purple or blue and may bulge. They often cause discomfort and can make your legs feel heavy or itchy. Spider veins are less serious than varicose veins because they do not cause pain and they often leave after delivery. Varicose veins may lessen once you have delivered, but they are less likely to vanish post-pregnancy than spider veins.
Due to the effects of pregnancy on your body, varicose veins are more likely to appear. There is a large vein called the inferior vena cava on the right side of your body; as your uterus grows, the more pressure is placed on this vein. Because of this extra pressure, your leg veins experience more pressure as well, making it harder for blood to circulate. Adding an extra burden to your legs is the amount of blood in your body. When you are pregnant, more blood circulates through, which means that your body has to work harder to prevent varicose veins. On top of this, your blood vessel walls have relaxed due to the levels of progesterone increasing.
Being pregnant does not automatically mean you will get varicose veins. However, your chances do increase, especially as you get older. Along with this, each sequential pregnancy increases the likelihood of developing varicose veins. If you are overweight or having twins or other multiples, you are also at a greater risk.
Luckily, there are ways to help prevent varicose veins when you are pregnant. Daily exercise is important for circulation, as is moving around after sitting or standing for a prolonged amount of time. During your pregnancy, you should try to stay within the recommended weight bracket and if you can, sleep on your left side to alleviate the pressure on your inferior vena cava. Compression stockings can also help relieve symptoms of varicose veins.
After delivery, if you do not see improvement in your varicose veins, there are various treatments available. At Veins Without Surgery, we offer the Endovenous Laser process for varicose veins and sclerotherapy for spider veins. The Endovenous Laser process is a timely and low cost procedure compared to traditional varicose vein surgery. This process requires zero recovery time and is completely non-surgical, making it an ideal option for new mothers. With locations in Chicago, Schaumburg, and Naperville, Veins Without Surgery is the preferred choice for post-delivery varicose vein treatment. Schedule a consultation with us today!
