Varicose veins during pregnancy most often occur during the last 3 months of pregnancy, due to increased blood flow through the body, weight gain, hormonal changes, and pressure from the uterus to the veins.
During this period, varicose veins appear more frequently on the legs, since the weight of the baby on the belly makes it difficult for the blood to flow properly, with a feeling of heaviness in the leg and swelling. In addition to the legs, varicose veins can also appear in the groin, the intimate area and the uterus, but this situation is less frequent.
The main symptoms of varicose veins during pregnancy are
If the legs become very swollen, red and hot, it is important for the woman to look for an angiologist to make the diagnosis and initiate proper treatment, as it can be phlebitis, which is a serious condition that corresponds to the presence of a blood clot circulating inside the vein, preventing blood flow. Understand what phlebitis is, your symptoms, and your treatment.
Treatment of varicose veins during pregnancy can be done by alternating the application of hot and cold water on site, during bathing. In addition, to care for the legs with varicose veins, the pregnant party may place an ice pack on the legs. , as this helps contract the veins and reduce pain. In some cases, your doctor may also recommend the use of compression stockings to prevent the onset of varicose veins and promote blood circulation.
Varicose veins during pregnancy usually go away after pregnancy, however, if there is permanent damage, after pregnancy, a woman may undergo laser treatment or surgery to remove varicose veins. See treatment options for varicose veins.
Varicose veins during pregnancy are mainly caused by hormonal changes, but it is possible to prevent their onset by taking certain precautions, such as:
In addition, it is important that women practice regularly under the guidance of a physical education professional to increase vein resistance and prevent them from expanding.