Varicose veins during pregnancy

Normally, all veins have one-way valves. These valves ensure that, after distributing oxygen to all the organs and tissues of the body, the blood flows back towards the heart. For veins that run from the lower abdomen all the way down to the feet - like the inferior vena cava - pumping blood up towards the heart is a gravity-defying act. If any pressure is applied to these veins, then this flow of blood can be obstructed, which in turn can lead to the veins twisting, swelling up and becoming painful. 

Such changes occur naturally during pregnancy, and as such cannot be helped or avoided. In most cases, varicose veins are hereditary, i.e., your mother or grandmother may have had them during their pregnancies. The following are the three main reasons why varicose veins occur during pregnancy:

• The volume of blood pumped by a woman's heart increases by 50% during pregnancy to support the uterus, which is carrying the foetus. This increased volume of blood can lead to an enlargement of the veins.
• As the foetus grows, the weight of the growing baby presses on the large blood vessels in the lower abdominal and pelvic region. This can obstruct and alter blood flow and cause varicose veins in the pelvic area (especially in the vagina and the anus).
• Pregnancy is associated with hormonal changes in the woman’s body. These hormonal changes can affect the blood vessels and cause the smaller veins in the pelvis and legs to swell up.

Usually, varicose veins occur in the legs. But during pregnancy, varicose veins might occur in the vaginal area as well as the buttocks. Redness, swelling, itching and intense pain are all associated with varicose veins during pregnancy. Added to the other symptoms of pregnancy, like round ligament pain, fatigue and mood swings, varicose veins can seem like too much to handle. The following are the three types of varicose veins that occur during pregnancy.

Even though varicose veins might seem like a cosmetic issue more than anything else, they can cause a lot of discomfort and pain during pregnancy. What’s more, in the cases of vulvar varicosities and haemorrhoids, pregnancy can make them worse. 

In rare cases, varicose veins can cause venous insufficiency (the failure of veins to return adequate blood to the heart), which in turn can lead to skin irritation or discolouration, bleeding, acute inflammation, severe pain and blood clots. These issues can require specialised medical interventions to control and cure.

However, in most cases, pregnant women are likely to experience an improvement in varicose veins after the delivery of their baby. In these cases, the varicose veins are much less visible if not completely recovered from. It’s important to remember though that if you’ve had varicose veins during one pregnancy, you’re likely to get them in the next one as well.

Given the causes of varicose veins during pregnancy, it’s neither possible to prevent this issue while the pregnancy lasts, nor is it possible to cure it completely even once the pregnancy is done. However, varicose veins - no matter where they are located - can be treated and managed during pregnancy. Most of the techniques needed for these treatments are natural and do not have any side-effects if done the right way.

The following are some of the best and natural ways to treat varicose veins during pregnancy. 

• Avoid sitting or standing in the same position for long periods of time, and shift your position often. Take breaks to move around, stretch and change your posture.
• Ask your doctor about using cold compresses or warm soaks to reduce inflammation and swelling in the affected areas.
• Avoid crossing your legs while sitting. 
• Get regular exercise to improve blood circulation in the lower half of your body. Walking is a relatively safe exercise that all pregnant women can do. That said, you should pick up any activity only after consulting the doctor.
• Keep your legs elevated as much as you can. This improves blood circulation in the lower half of the body and relieves pain as well as swelling in the legs.
• The inferior vena cava runs through the centre and right side of the lower abdomen, so it’s best to sleep on your left side during pregnancy. 
• Wear proper maternity clothes or loose clothes and underwear to aid blood circulation all over your body.
• Avoid wearing high heels, and choose comfortable, flat or low-heeled shoes. These types of shoes work the leg muscles better and improve blood circulation without straining.
• Reduce your sodium intake to minimise bloating and swelling of the veins.
• Consume lots of water and increase your dietary fibre intake to avoid both water retention as well as constipation.