Varicose veins

Varicose veins during pregnancy: Causes, prevention, and relief

The appearance of bluish, twisted, and sometimes painful veins on the legs is another common problem faced by expectant mothers. Varicose vein dilation during pregnancy is a result of the massive load on your cardiovascular system. While it can cause aesthetic discomfort and a feeling of heaviness, in most cases the condition is temporary and improves significantly after delivery.

Why do veins suffer during pregnancy?

As with swelling, the causes of varicose veins are complex:

• Increased blood volume: During pregnancy the amount of blood in your body rises by almost 50%. This creates additional pressure on the walls of all vessels, including veins.
• Uterine pressure: The growing uterus presses on the large veins in the pelvic area, making blood return from the legs more difficult. Blood pools, raising pressure in the veins of the lower limbs and causing them to expand.
• Hormonal influence: Progesterone relaxes smooth muscle, including the walls of veins. They become less elastic and expand more easily under pressure.
• Hereditary factors: If your mother or grandmother had varicose veins, your chances of developing them during pregnancy are significantly higher.

Varicose veins can appear not only on the legs but also in the vulvar and rectal area (known as hemorrhoids). Prevention that includes moderate physical activity and weight control can greatly alleviate symptoms.