Varicose veins during pregnancy

24/08/2018

Summer is coming and for the majority of pregnant women, those dreaded varicose veins are coming too. Rocking a set of perfect pins while pregnant is a challenge: our legs often swell in the heat and, on top of that, spider and varicose veins usually creep in. But do not despair; I have some reassuring news for you! Varicose veins will definitely improve once you’ve given birth; they might not disappear completely, but they will improve. That’s why it’s important to wait a while after giving birth before assessing whether you need to undergo treatment to remove them.

 What exactly are varicose veins?

Varicose veins are dilated surface veins that are often twisted in appearance. They are usually accompanied by a noticeable bluish colouring on the skin. Generally speaking, varicose veins are normally located in the lower limbs. During pregnancy they become noticeable in the lower legs  and they become visible in the vulva region. Spider veins, the small, dark blue- or purple-coloured surface or capillary veins in the legs, are also common.

Why do varicose veins appear or get worse during pregnancy?

There are several factors, including:

• • Progesterone, the predominant hormone in pregnancy, causes the vein walls to relax. This means that their diameter increases, the blood flow slows down and the valves in the veins become somewhat insufficient.
  • Weight gain due to pregnancy, decreased levels of physical activity and fluid retention also play an important role.
  • The physical compression that the pregnant uterus exerts upon the vena cava (the vein that collects blood from the lower limbs and pelvis and “returns” it to the heart) and the veins in the pelvis area make the blood flow to the legs and perineum somewhat slower, leading to the appearance of varicose veins.

What symptoms do pregnant women with varicose veins experience?

• • Heavy legs, tiredness and even dull, throbbing pain.
  • Swelling and oedema of the legs, and twisted, dilated veins that are blue or purple.
  • Spider veins.
  • Varicose veins around the vulva region and haemorrhoids.

What should we do when they appear?

If they are really noticeable and irritating, the first thing we’d advise is to see a vascular surgeon, so they can assess the veins and tell you if they are thrombosed or at risk of a thrombus. If they seem serious, the most likely course of action will be to have check-up every six months after giving birth.

During pregnancy, it’s advisable to try the most conservative treatments possible:

• • Avoid standing still, especially during periods of warm weather.
  • Try to keep the feet up when you’re sitting on the sofa and sleep with your feet elevated.
  • Do some physical exercise, such as swimming.
  • Lying on your back, try “pedalling” exercises with your legs.
  • Avoid overeating salty foods, and include diuretics in your diet (tea, pineapple, asparagus, artichokes, etc.)
  • Wear compression tights or flight socks: their benefit may be even greater than medical treatment.
  • Take cold showers.
  • Give yourself massages at home with Thrombocid® gel or any other type of gel for tired legs.
  • Manual lymphatic drainage (at specialist centres).
  • Venotonics to improve circulation: Venoruton® (one sachet daily) or Daflon 500 mg (one tablet every 8 hours).
  • You can, of course, resort to surgical options, but as I’ve mentioned above, during pregnancy we try to take the path of least resistance and we hardly ever offer this option.

Sofía Fournier Fisas

Author of the book " “Voy a ser mamá ¿y ahora qué?” of the Editorial Planeta

Autora del blog www.unamamiquesemima.com