Here’s How Your Veins Will Be Affected During Pregnancy

Pregnancy causes changes throughout your body, including your veins. Hormonal changes can add pressure to the veins in your legs and pelvic area, which can result in varicose veins in your legs and vulvar varicosities. While having these bulging veins might seem alarming, they usually won’t cause any major problems with pregnancy or childbirth. Knowing more about vein changes can help you understand what to expect when you’re pregnant and whether or not you can undergo treatment.

When Should I Be Worried About Varicose Veins in Pregnancy?

Varicose veins typically don’t cause serious problems in pregnancy. You might have some symptoms, such as soreness or itching, but these are rarely severe. Keep in mind that this vein problem can become serious in a small number of cases if blood clots form. These blood clots are usually small and form close to the skin’s surface. Signs of blood clots include hardness in the affected vein, tenderness, pain, redness and warmth. You should see your doctor if you experience any symptoms of blood clots. You should also seek care if varicose veins cause severe swelling, skin discoloration or sores. Varicose veins can also cause blood clots to form in deep veins, which is known as deep vein thrombosis, although this is rare. You should see your doctor if you have symptoms of DVT, such as sudden swelling and pain in the affected area.

Will Varicose Veins Go Away After Pregnancy?

Varicose veins usually go away after giving birth. While the time it takes for this to happen can vary, varicose veins in your legs typically disappear within a few months. Vulvar varicosities, which are varicose veins in the outer part of the vulva, often disappear within six weeks of giving birth. However, varicose veins sometimes linger and don’t improve without treatment.

Can I Prevent Varicose Veins During Pregnancy?

You can take steps to reduce your risk of developing varicose veins when you’re pregnant, such as:

• Getting physical activity on a daily basis
• Maintaining a healthy weight during pregnancy
• Elevating your legs above your heart
• Avoiding crossing your legs when you’re sitting
• Avoiding standing or sitting for long periods of time
• Wearing compression stockings to promote healthy blood flow in your legs

Can I Treat Varicose Veins While Pregnant?

You should not treat varicose veins while you’re pregnant. Instead, you should wait until after giving birth to have treatment done. Your doctor will let you know when it’s safe to have vein treatment done.

Treatments for Varicose Veins After Birth

Several treatment options are available for varicose veins. Some of these include the following procedures.

Varithena

Varithena involves the use of a foam that causes varicose veins to collapse. This prevents more blood from accumulating in the affected vein.

VenaSeal

VenaSeal involves the use of a medical adhesive that is injected into the affected vein. This adhesive causes the vein to close permanently, which prevents blood from pooling.

Ultrasound Guided Foam Sclerotherapy

This procedure involves the use of a foaming agent that seals up the vein. Ultrasound technology is used to guide a tiny needle into the vein.

ClariVein

ClariVein involves the use of a chemical agent and mechanical method to close up varicose veins. This procedure uses a thin catheter, which helps reduce discomfort.

Laser Ablation

Laser ablation uses heat to cause the treated vein to close and collapse, which stops blood from flowing into it. This treatment method offers a minimally invasive procedure with fewer risks than vein stripping.

Radiofrequency Ablation

Radiofrequency ablation uses radio frequencyenergy rather than laser energy to heat the affected vein. This causes the vein to seal up and eventually collapse, which keeps blood from accumulating inside it.

Ambulatory Phlebectomy

Ambulatory phlebectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that is sometimes used for larger varicose veins. This procedure involves the removal of varicose veins through tiny incisions made in the affected area.

Meet Dr. Ives in Fairbanks, AK

If you need more information on varicose vein treatment in Fairbanks, Alaska, please contact the Center for Vein Restoration. We also provide treatment for spider veins. You can visit us online to view our spider vein treatment options. Dr. Ives can help you find the most suitable treatment option.