Pregnancy varicose veins: what truly makes pregnancy “pregnant”
Generally one of the most beautiful times in a woman’s life is when she carries a child in her heart. This period is full of new experiences and strong emotions, anticipation – but it’s undeniable that this condition often comes with health problems that should be treated as early as possible and that most expectant mothers go through. From an etymological point of view the topic can also be interesting: is someone who is “pregnant” in a “blessed state”? Pregnancy varicose veins can really make the pregnancy “pregnant”; let’s also look at how we can treat this as effectively as possible so that future mothers can experience the time before (and after) childbirth as positively as possible.
Generally one of the most beautiful times in a woman’s life is when she carries a child in her heart. This period is full of new experiences and strong emotions, anticipation – but it’s undeniable that this condition often comes with health problems that should be treated as early as possible and that most expectant mothers go through. From an etymological point of view the topic can also be interesting: is someone who is “pregnant” in a “blessed state”? Pregnancy varicose veins can really make the pregnancy “pregnant”; let’s also look at how we can treat this as effectively as possible so that future mothers can experience the time before (and after) childbirth as positively as possible.
Pregnancy varicose veins mean the pathological dilation of veins during pregnancy, which in turn impairs blood circulation and, in severe cases, can lead to thrombosis – so beyond their cosmetic nuisance (which can negatively affect a patient’s self-image), varicose veins also pose a health risk. They do not pose a direct danger to either the mother or the fetus, but the pain can significantly reduce quality of life. Female sex hormones also influence the appearance of varicose veins, which is why this condition is more common among women. Other factors also play a role during pregnancy.
Pregnancy and varicose veins
During pregnancy more blood is produced than usual to nourish the mother and the child, which also means greater pressure on the blood vessels. In addition, the enlarging uterus puts extra pressure on the pelvic veins, which hinders the return of venous blood to the heart. One could say that the growing fetus “lies on” the mother’s pelvic veins, making it harder for blood to leave the legs. It is therefore not surprising that expectant women have a higher chance of developing varicose veins.
How does pregnancy varicose veins differ from ordinary varicose veins?
- In pregnancy varicose veins the dilated vessels are tighter, larger in extent and have a more reddish color.
- In addition to lower limb varicose veins, vulvar and pelvic vein dilations may also appear.
- After childbirth these varicose veins may regress, because with the decrease in hormone levels they can regain their original tone.
Measures to prevent and reduce pregnancy varicose veins
During pregnancy
- elevate your legs whenever you can to allow freer blood circulation;
- engage in regular gentle exercise, such as walks;
- avoid wearing tight clothing;
- keep weight gain under control and eat a balanced diet; and
- avoid heavy lifting and straining.
In addition to the above, modern medical devices are available to expectant mothers to relieve symptoms and the tight, aching pain caused by pregnancy varicose veins:
Product recommendation
Attention! Do not use an electrotherapy device during pregnancy to reduce varicose symptoms. However, compression therapy units allow you to treat effectively and safely.
A compression therapy unit with precise pressure-controlled massage helps relieve symptoms, effectively eliminating varicose pain and swelling.
With these devices you can comfortably and safely “combat” pregnancy varicose veins at home; once you have chosen the medical device that suits you, with the reduction of varicose problems you can look forward to childbirth with greater ease.
