Introduction:

Varicose veins present themselves due to poor blood circulation. Blood accumulates in the veins and forms bulges under the skin's surface. The common regions are the legs, genitals, and rectum. They can cause some irritation and discomfort but usually go away after birth. For many people, finding out they are pregnant entails a less exciting discovery: the appearance of varicose veins. Up to half of pregnant women develop dilated or abnormally dilated superficial veins in the legs and lower extremities during pregnancy for reasons that are reasonable but do not make them any more tolerable. Superficial veins are veins that lie close to the surface of the skin. Superficial veins in the legs have one-way valves that help blood flow up the legs against gravity to return blood to the heart. In addition to their potentially unpleasant appearance, varicose veins can cause severe pain and are accompanied by redness and swelling. Although varicose veins rarely pose serious risks to physical health, they are an unwanted distraction for those preparing for parenthood.

What Are Varicose Veins During Pregnancy?

The term varicose veins comes from the Latin word “varix,” which means twisted. Varicose veins look like rough, winding strings under the skin. They are relatively common during pregnancy, especially during the third trimester. Hemorrhoids are also very common during pregnancy. Spider veins can occur at the same time as varicose veins. These thin blue or red lines can be seen through the skin but are not lumpy.

How Do Varicose Veins Develop?

Veins are part of the circulatory system and carry blood from the body to the heart. Valves inside the veins help blood flow in the right direction. If vein walls and valves weaken, blood can stagnate and form pools in the veins. These areas may swell and rise above the surface of the skin.

What Are the Symptoms of Varicose Veins During Pregnancy?

Symptoms include:

• The feeling of heaviness in the legs.

• Itching around veins.

• Leg cramps.

• Pain, aching, throbbing, or pain in the lower leg.

• Swelling (edema) in the legs and ankles.

What Causes Varicose Veins During Pregnancy?

During pregnancy, hormonal changes and the weight of the growing baby make the mother more susceptible to varicose veins for the following reasons:

• Higher hormone progesterone levels dilate blood vessel walls and reduce valve function.

• Increases the amount of blood in the body.

• Pressure from the baby on the blood vessels in the pelvis can change blood flow to the pelvis and legs.

These forces make it difficult for blood to move from the legs to the heart against gravity.

What Are the Risk Factors for Varicose Veins During Pregnancy?

Other factors may increase the risk of varicose veins during pregnancy which includes:

• Diet: Excessive sodium or low fiber or water leads to fluid retention, increasing the threat of varicose veins and hemorrhoids.

• Genetic: The mother is more likely to get varicose veins during pregnancy if it runs on the maternal side.

• Weight: Varicose veins are more common if the mother is overweight.

How Compression Stockings Help Prevent Varicose Veins?

Compression stockings pressure the veins and increase blood flow to the legs.

• Wear Supportive Tights or Pantyhose: These will create the least pressure. Gradient compression hoses are tighter in the feet and ankles and looser as they move up the legs; they help blood circulate back to the heart. Therefore, they help prevent swelling and can stop the varicose veins from worsening. The mother should put on socks or stockings before getting up in the morning and wear them all day to prevent blood from pooling in the legs.

Are Varicose Veins During Pregnancy Serious?

Varicose veins can be itchy or painful and can be unsightly, but they are usually harmless in the short term. Treatment, if necessary, can usually be postponed until after birth. However, some people with varicose veins develop small blood clots near the skin's surface (superficial venous thrombosis). When this type of blood clot develops, the vein may feel hard and rope-like, and the surrounding area may become red, hot, tender, or painful. Sometimes, the area around the blood clot becomes infected. In this case, the mother may have a fever or chills and need prompt antibiotic treatment. Also, call the physician immediately if:

• Each leg becomes severely swollen.

• Development of ulcers on the legs.

• The skin near the vein changes color.

In rare cases, Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can occur, a more serious condition in which blood clots develop in deep veins, usually in the legs and feet. It may become inflamed or spread as far as possible to the lungs, endangering the life of the mother.

How Are Varicose Veins Treated During Pregnancy?

As varicose veins are usually harmless and improve after birth, healthcare providers usually do not treat them. However, some steps can be taken to help reduce symptoms or prevent them from getting worse:

• Avoid standing or sitting for longer durations to help blood circulation.

• Exercise regularly.

• Limit the amount of sodium in the diet because it can cause bloating.

• Occasionally elevate the legs to help blood return to the heart.

• Sleep on the left side to avoid pressure on the inferior vena cava.

• Uncross the legs when sitting to improve circulation.

• Wear supportive tights, pantyhose, or socks to prevent blood pooling in the legs. They are also known as compression socks.

If the varicose veins do not go away on their own after giving birth, talk to the healthcare provider about treatment options. These may include sclerotherapy, laser therapy, and surgery. Varicose veins are usually temporary and gradually subside after giving birth. However, if the mother has multiple children, their condition may get worse with each pregnancy or be less likely to get better.

The majority of varicose vein cases are not serious. Contact the healthcare provider during these signs:

• Bleeding from veins.

• Open sores (ulcers) on the skin near varicose veins.

• Pain, swelling, and redness in the leg may be a sign of a blood clot.

Conclusion:

Varicose veins are common during pregnancy and usually do not harm the mother or the baby. They are one of the ways the body responds to the baby growing inside the mother. One need not worry; they will probably disappear after giving birth. If patients experience discomfort or other symptoms, they must talk to a healthcare professional. The physician can help manage the symptoms while the mother waits for the baby to be born.