Congratulations on your pregnancy! Even if this is not your first visit to the delivery room, it’s a good time to review some of the things that may change with your vein health as you experience the anticipated weight gain. If you feel that pregnancy is affecting your vein health, a consultation with a vein clinic in Orlando, like Florida Vein Care, will help to diagnose and ease your symptoms.
Pregnancy is considered to be one of the highest risk factors in the cause of varicose veins. If your mother or sister developed varicose veins during pregnancy, the odds are that you will develop them as well. You should discuss your symptoms with a skilled vein health professional so that he/she can monitor the severity of your varicosities throughout your pregnancy.
Why can pregnancy cause varicose veins? A varicose vein is the result of poor circulation of the blood returning from the extremities to the heart through the inferior vena cava. Typically, they result from valves in the veins not working properly, which causes a backflow, or leakage of blood which then begins to pool. The collection of the blood causes swelling and the symptoms that result are discoloration of the skin, itchiness, leg cramps, and a heavy or tired feeling in the legs. Although normally associated with the legs, and especially during pregnancy, varicosity can occur in the arms, face, and vaginal and rectal areas. Yes, hemorrhoids are actually varicose veins.
Constipation is a typical issue experienced by pregnant women, and straining is bad for your veins and your baby. As the baby grows, the uterus increases, as does blood volume and the pressure on your pelvic area is also increased, which causes a decrease in the efficiency of the veins to circulate blood. It’s like using a straw to syphon a waterfall.
There is no need to be alarmed if you develop varicose veins during pregnancy without a family history of them, as most varicose veins caused by pregnancy will usually resolve themselves after the birth of your child. As the blood volume decreases, the additional stress on the inferior vena cava is reduced and normal circulation will most likely be restored. However, you should never ignore your symptoms and you may require treatment to alleviate them.
The staff at our vein clinic in Orlando will help you decide what treatment is best for you. If you are experiencing symptoms, don’t delay. Call Florida Vein care at (407) 805-8989. Dr. Bragg and his staff are here to help you maintain your vein health.