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What Are Varicose Veins?

By Rachel Lacourciere, edHelperBaby

  What Are Varicose Veins?
           Varicose veins are a common aliment usually found on the legs, which can be both painful and unattractive, producing purple and blue cord-like lumps in the affected area.  They have become swollen because valves within the veins are no longer properly circulating blood to the heart.  Therefore, the blood accumulates within the veins, enlarging them.  Varicose veins can be aggravated simply by standing or walking too much (since increased pressure is placed on leg veins when in an upright position), and have been linked to heredity, aging, and pregnancy.  Overall, varicose veins are harmless to a pregnant woman's health but should be monitored by a doctor to ensure complications are not experienced.

 		   

  Symptoms
           Symptoms of varicose veins include:
  • Emergence of spider veins (usually red and blue but not necessarily raised) in the affected area
  • Swelling in the affected area
  • Redness or itchiness in the affected area
  • A burning or throbbing sensation in the affected area
  • Aching or pain where the raised veins can be felt (This pain usually intensifies throughout the day due to activity.)

 		   

  Treatment for Varicose Veins During Pregnancy
           While a woman is pregnant, it is likely that her doctor will wait on recommending any possible surgery to assist in treating the varicose veins.  In some instances, the veins will considerably shrink once a woman has had her baby because the volume of blood a woman carries is significantly more while she is pregnant.  Therefore, it is important to take a "wait and see" approach to determine the extent of the varicose veins after the birth of the baby.       

       However, during pregnancy it is recommended that a pregnant woman attempt to elevate her legs as much as possible and wear support stockings to minimize the appearance of varicose veins.  Support stockings help to compress a woman's legs and, therefore, stimulate veins to increase blood flow back to the heart.       

        If you have additional questions about your own varicose veins, contact your prenatal care doctor.

 		   

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