Pregnancy is usually a beautiful, life-changing experience, but as wonderful as it can be, it can bring about some unwelcome body issues. In fact some women develop varicose veins during pregnancy. But will pregnancy cause varicose veins.
What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins are bulging, twisted veins that appear on the feet and legs, and are typically blue or dark purple in color. They are often harmless, but can sometimes be itchy, painful, and uncomfortable.
Will Pregnancy Cause Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are a common side-effect of pregnancy. Varicose veins typically develop as a result of excess pressure on the vascular system, which causes the veins to bulge.
During pregnancy the additional pressure brought on by the growing uterus, weighs heavily on the large vein which is located on the right side of the body, and transports blood back to the heart from the legs. This puts added pressure on the leg veins, and can cause varicose veins to develop.
The veins are also put under extra pressure due to the increase in the amount of blood in the body during pregnancy. In addition, levels of the hormone progesterone rise during pregnancy and this may also contribute to the development of varicose veins.
Varicose veins tend to be hereditary, so women with a family history of varicose veins are likely to develop the condition.
In most cases spider veins resolve within 3 months of a woman giving birth, but unfortunately they don’t always go away, but there are treatments available.
Would you like to learn more about how varicose veins develop during pregnancy? Search our directory to find a practice in your area.
If you are in the Kansas City, Leawood, and Overland Park areas, Premier Vein & Body by Schwartz is our featured practice.
You can reach them at www.premierveinandbody.com, or by calling (913) 270-1915.