There are a lot of uncomfortable symptoms when you are pregnant. One of the lesser-known potential symptoms is the development of varicose and spider veins. This issue occurs because of the increased blood flow, hormones and weight gain that come with pregnancy.
Many women start to develop vein issues beginning in their second trimester. It usually starts with a pain in the legs, feelings of itchiness, throbbing or aching. These feelings will get worse over the day and may disrupt your sleep at night. Some women may even start to notice vein clusters as their pregnancy progresses.
Can you seek treatment while pregnant? Unfortunately no. It is not recommended that pregnant women attempt surgical procedures for vein issues while pregnant. However, there are some measures that you can take to relieve your symptoms.
- Exercise. Frequent movement helps to improve your blood flow and may help with the increased weight gain during pregnancy, which can exacerbate vein issues.
- Don’t stay still too long. Staying in one position for an extended period can reduce blood flow and put pressure on your veins. Make sure to get up and move every hour and to change positions often when sitting.
- Drink plenty of water. Hydration will help improve your blood flow.
- Recline your legs. During pregnancy, your blood moves slower to your lower extremities, which can cause vein issues. Reclining your feet can help reduce swelling that is common in pregnancy and improve circulation.
- Wear supportive footwear. Your gait and posture change while you are pregnant. Supportive footwear can reduce aches and pains in your legs and help keep your blood flowing properly.
- Reduce your salt intake. Increased sodium levels can cause swelling and bloating, especially when you are pregnant and already susceptible.
- Wear compression stockings. They may not feel comfortable (or be easy to put on), but they can help reduce the pain of varicose and spider veins while pregnant.
Many women experience vein issues while pregnant. The problem may get worse with each subsequent pregnancy. Once you have delivered, our team can recommend surgical treatment options that are quick, easy to recover from and give you a great result. If you are experiencing pain while pregnant, we can still help identify the issue and recommend nonsurgical options. Book a consultation today.