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Varicose Veins and Leg Swelling in Pregnancy

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TheRY Group (The Reason Why)
Varicose Veins and Leg Swelling in Pregnancy
BY LAUREN BRENTON | CLINICAL MIDWIFERY SPECIALIST | CHILDBIRTH EDUCATOR| 

April 2022

 

Pregnancy is one of the largest contributing factors to women developing varicose veins which can then lead to venous insufficiency and leg oedema (swelling).  Approximately 40% of pregnant women develop varicose veins and women who have been pregnant before are at an increased risk of developing them. Varicose veins and swelling of the legs not only inhibit a woman’s self-confidence but also causes pain, night cramps, numbness, tingling, heaviness and aching legs.

The body's veins are responsible for ensuring blood flows back to the heart. To assist this process veins are designed with a series of valves, which close between heartbeats to prevent the blood flowing backwards. Varicose veins occur when a valve in the blood vessel walls weakens, and the blood doesn’t move through properly. The vein then becomes stretched and saggy causing the vein to become a tiny balloon near the surface of the skin.

 pregnancy varicose veins

It is most commonly the veins in the legs that are affected as gravity comes into play however, the vulva (vaginal opening) and rectum can be affected as well.


Why does pregnancy increase your risk of developing varicose veins?

With pregnancy comes an increase in blood volume, which puts increased pressure on the veins. During pregnancy, the hormone progesterone increases, and this relaxes the muscular walls of the blood vessels, making it more difficult for the blood to move from the lower body back to the heart. The increasing weight of the pregnancy then puts pressure on pelvic veins and the inferior vena cava, thus increasing blood pressure in the leg veins. As the uterus grows bigger these veins will become more prominent.

The slowing down of the movement of the blood causes blood to pool in the legs, forcing fluid into the tissues of the feet and ankles and therefore causing swelling of the legs.

 

So, what can be done to prevent and treat varicose veins and leg oedema?

Options for treatment of varicose veins include surgery, pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments. Non-pharmacological treatments are usually the first line of treatment and include:


1. Graduated compression socks or leggings:

Compression socks or leggings have been shown to relieve the swelling and aching of the legs as well as preventing more varicose veins developing. Graduated compression socks, like TheRY Compression Socks are tightest at the ankle and gradually get looser further up the leg. This is to help encourage the blood flow back to the heart from the legs. 

TheRY comfy graduated compression socks for varicose veins

Additionally, wearing compression socks within 2-3 weeks of finding out you are pregnant can help to prevent or reduce the severity of varicose veins and leg swelling.


2. Rest:

It is important to not stand for long periods of time and to take regular breaks from standing. When women are resting it is recommended to lie on your left side with legs elevated.

Varicose veins treatments rest & elevate legs


3. Reflexology:

This has the potential to reduce symptoms and pain from varicose veins by attempting to move the fluid.

Pregnancy varicose vein treatment reflexology


4. Water immersion:

Water immersion can help the blood move upward through the venous and lymphatic systems therefore reducing leg swelling and varicose veins.

 


5. Foot massage:

Massage helps to reduce leg swelling and move the fluid from the legs.

 Pregnancy varicose veins treatments - foot massage

 

Will it go back to normal after birth?

Varicose veins usually improve around four months after birth and the swelling decreases over the first 6 weeks after birth.

Wearing your maternity compression socks or compression leggings and resting with your legs elevated can help reduce swelling and pain in the first few months after birth.

TheRY graduated compression maternity leggings for swollen feet and varicose veins

 

So, get yourself some graduated compression socks or leggings to prevent or relieve pain from varicose veins and leg swelling throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period - with the bonus of looking super cute!!


 

One Mama Midwife - Lauren Brenton

Clinical Midwifery Specialist | Childbirth Educator | Mama of 4 

Helping to educate, inspire & empower 

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