They meander in a bluish or purple colour under the skin, usually along the legs, and are sometimes raised: Varicose veins during pregnancy. These so-called varicose veins can be very uncomfortable, but often disappear on their own in the first three to four months after the birth.
The appearance of varicose veins is not a rare phenomenon, especially during pregnancy: according to the Federal Centre for Health Education, around four out of ten pregnant women are affected. Most commonly on the legs, although varicose veins can occasionally also form in the genital area. They are one of the most common pregnancy complaints and are recognised in the Maternity passport documented as part of the preventive medical check-ups.
But let's first clarify what varicose veins actually are.
These are dilated and tortuous veins. They develop when the venous valves, which are normally intended to prevent blood from flowing back to the heart, are weakened or damaged. This in turn means that the blood in the veins cannot flow back to the heart sufficiently and instead builds up in the veins.
In general, various factors can lead to varicose veins:
- Genetic predisposition: Heredity plays an important role in this. If varicose veins run in the family, there is an increased likelihood of developing varicose veins yourself.
- Overweight and lack of exercise: Both a significant excess of love handles and an inactive lifestyle can increase the pressure on the leg veins and favour the formation of varicose veins.
- Standing or sitting activities: If your job requires you to stand or sit for long periods, this can affect the blood flow in your legs and increase the risk of varicose veins.
- Older age: For the sake of completeness, this should also be mentioned - with increasing age, the venous valves can lose elasticity, which can lead to an increased risk of varicose veins.
Pregnant women have an increased risk of varicose veins
Even those who are expecting a child run the risk of developing varicose veins. This is because changes occur in the body during pregnancy that favour the development of varicose veins. Here are some reasons why varicose veins can develop during pregnancy:
Increased blood volume: During pregnancy until birth, the blood volume in a woman's body increases by around 50 per cent to accommodate the growing baby and the Placenta with sufficient nutrients and oxygen at all times. On the one hand, nature has arranged this well - but on the other hand, this increase in blood volume also means more pressure on the blood vessels, especially in the legs. This makes it easier for varicose veins to develop.
Hormonal changes: You can find out which hormones take effect during pregnancy here on my blog. Among other things, your body now also produces more oestrogen and progesterone to maintain the pregnancy, especially at the beginning. However, these hormones can loosen the vein walls and also weaken the venous valves. This makes it more difficult for the blood to flow back to the heart and can lead to varicose veins.
Growth of the child and the uterus: The more your child grows in size and weight in utero, the greater the pressure on the leg veins and the large veins in the pelvis. The inferior vena cava, which returns blood from the lower extremities to the heart, is particularly affected. This increased pressure can impair the blood flow from the legs and result in varicose veins.
Constipation: Many pregnant women suffer from sluggish bowels or find it difficult to do their "big business". This can cause additional pressure in the abdomen and impair blood flow in the veins. And poof, the risk of varicose veins is immediately higher again.
Inheritance is and remains a factor for varicose veins during pregnancy. The same applies here as for the development of varicose veins in general: if someone in your family is prone to varicose veins, you also have an increased risk of developing them.
What symptoms can occur with varicose veins during pregnancy?
Firstly, I would like to say in advance: Not every pregnant woman with varicose veins suffers from them. Some are not bothered by them at all, some are only bothered by their appearance, depending on the size and shape of the varicose veins. And as already mentioned, the varicose veins can disappear completely on their own around a quarter of a year after the birth of the child. If they do not, you can seek specialist advice on what can be done about them.
Other women, on the other hand, sometimes feel only slightly affected by the varicose vein phenomenon during pregnancy, but often more severely. This is because varicose veins can cause discomfort:
The typical symptoms of varicose veins during pregnancy include
- They can lead to swollen legs.
- The affected veins can swell and make the legs feel heavy and tired.
- Varicose veins can even cause pain, e.g. calf cramps. Or at least a feeling of pressure or heaviness in the legs, especially after long periods of standing or sitting. Some pregnant women also experience itching or even a burning sensation along the affected veins.
- Advanced varicose veins can lead to skin changes, including discolouration, thickening of the skin or skin rashes.
- In severe cases, varicose veins can turn into open ulcers, especially in the ankle area.
However, severe varicose veins are rather rare during pregnancy. These include, for example Inflammation of a veinwhich can be accompanied by the formation of blood clots (thrombophlebitis). Also open ulcers (ulcers) can be painful, heal poorly and pose an increased risk of infection. Varicose veins, especially if they are close to the surface of the skin, can also be painful, susceptible to injuries be. Even minor injuries can lead to severe bleeding, which is sometimes difficult to stop. A varicose vein that has developed as a result of varicose veins Chronic venous insufficiency is unfavourable because the venous valves then no longer function properly and the blood flow to the heart is permanently impaired. This in turn can lead to swelling, skin changes and ulcers. And finally, varicose veins also cause the following in some people Mental stressespecially if they are experiencing major discomfort or significant cosmetic problems.
When to see a doctor with varicose veins during pregnancy?
It is best to inform your midwife or gynaecologist straight away if you develop varicose veins. And if the varicose veins cause you severe pain or the area around the varicose veins is reddened, very warm and swollen, you should definitely seek medical advice. During pregnancy, varicose veins cannot be sclerosed or surgically removed. But at least there are ways to minimise both unpleasant accompanying symptoms and the risk of complications.
For example, you can Compression tights be prescribed. They must be individually fitted, e.g. in a medical supply store, and can help to reduce the pressure on the veins and improve blood flow. Compression tights exert a certain amount of pressure on the legs, which supports the return flow of blood to the heart and usually reduces swelling and discomfort. However, compression stockings cannot prevent the formation of new varicose veins.
In some cases, the doctor can also give you Medication that you can safely take to alleviate your symptoms during pregnancy without putting your child at risk.
And you can do this yourself to alleviate varicose vein complaints!
Above all, there is a two-pronged approach to varicose veins during pregnancy: regular exercise + exercise + exercise. healthy nutrition!
▶︎ Stay physically active on a regular basis. This improves blood circulation in your legs. Various forms of exercise help to prevent varicose veins or at least alleviate the symptoms associated with them. It's best to choose activities that don't put too much strain on the veins: cycling or yoga, walking, swimming, foot and leg exercises, (water) gymnastics and treading water are always a safe bet.
▶︎ Eat a balanced diet during pregnancy. This is best for you and your child, and you can also avoid being overweight and thus reduce the pressure on the veins and counteract the formation of varicose veins. Also make sure that you eat enough fibre and drink enough! This will also prevent constipation and keep your abdomen "pressure-free".
▶︎ Put your legs up every now and then. Many pregnant women (and midwives!) swear by this as another way of reducing pressure in the veins and supporting blood circulation. This is especially true after prolonged periods of standing or sitting, perhaps even with your legs crossed.
▶︎ Other measures to alleviate discomfort: Some pregnant women benefit from hot and cold showers or foot baths to improve circulation in the legs. Some also report relief from the unpleasant symptoms of varicose veins through massages of the foot reflex zones. Others prefer to lie down regularly, preferably on their left side, to alleviate the symptoms. It is helpful to use a cushion to support your legs.
Ultimately, every pregnant woman has to find out for herself what helps her best. But drawing on the experience of others and midwives can never be wrong. That's why you are also welcome to visit my online midwife counselling contact us!
