Pregnancy is full of excitement as you prepare for your new arrival; however, some changes may be less than welcome. There’s no doubt pregnancy can take a toll on the body, and varicose veins are a common example that affects as many as 7 in 10 expectant moms.
At McWilliams Vein Center in Wheaton, IL, Dr. McWilliams, a board-certified phlebology specialist, has been treating vein disease exclusively for nearly 20 years. His expertise in conditions like varicose veins, chronic venous insufficiency, and restless leg syndrome helps patients regain their quality of life.
Pregnancy often increases the risk of varicose veins, and understanding why that happens can help you manage them better. In this blog, we’re discussing what you need to know about pregnancy and varicose veins.
How Pregnancy Affects Your Veins
Your body goes through many rapid-fire changes during pregnancy, and many of those changes happen to set the stage for varicose vein development. These changes include:
- More Blood:Â As your baby grows, your body creates more blood to support you both. This added blood volume can put extra pressure on your veins, increasing the risk of them overfilling and stretching out to become varicose.
- Hormonal Shifts:Â Your progesterone levels increase during pregnancy. This causes vein walls to relax and makes it harder for vein valves to close properly, which can contribute to varicose veins.
- Extra Pressure: As your baby grows, your uterus swells. Its position in the lower abdomen means that your uterus may press against the inferior vena cava. This large vein returns blood from the legs to the heart, but when it’s under pressure and can’t do its job, blood can pool to cause varicose veins in the legs.
In addition, genetics play into whether you develop varicose veins while pregnant. If it happened to your mom and other close female relatives, it’s more likely to affect you.
Tips to Minimize Varicose Veins During Pregnancy
While varicose veins may be common during pregnancy, you can reduce risk and manage symptoms with a few smart approaches. Dr. McWilliams and our team may recommend:
- Gentle Exercise: Low-impact exercise like walking or yoga.
- Leg Elevation: When at rest, elevate your legs to heart level or above. This encourages healthy blood flow.
- Vary Movement: Avoid sitting or standing for long periods.
- Extra Support: Consider wearing compression stockings to support healthy circulation.
- Healthy Eating: Follow your doctor’s plan to gain weight safely and steadily during pregnancy to avoid excessive weight gain and strain on your veins.
These strategies can keep you comfortable and support vein health throughout pregnancy.
Advanced Vein Treatments in Wheaton, IL
If you struggled with varicose veins during this pregnancy but want to put them behind you quickly after having your baby, don’t hesitate to reach out to our office. We have state-of-the-art vein treatments that can help. Call us at 630-474-2600 in Wheaton, IL, to schedule your consultation.