Varicose veins in pregnant women, these causes and how to overcome them

Varicose veins in pregnant women generally occur due to the influence of pregnancy hormones, the uterus is getting bigger, and an increase in the amount of blood in the body when pregnant. The good news, there are natural ways to deal with varicose complaints. Varicose veins in pregnant women generally occur in the legs, in the vaginal area or also called vaginal varicose veins, and around the buttocks and anus called hemorrhoids or hemorrhoids. Varicose veins are a condition in which the blood vessels closest to the surface of the skin experience widening and swelling. Varicose veins cause blood vessels to become blue or purple and bulge out. Its squiggly shape resembles a knot or rope with varying sizes, can look terrible and interfere with appearance. Varicose veins in pregnant women also cause some discomfort, including heavy and sore feet, skin around the varicose veins feels itchy, throbbing, and feels sore. These symptoms tend to get worse in the afternoon until the evening, especially after pregnant women have a lot of activity and prolonged standing.

Causes and risk factors for varicose veins in pregnant women

Varicose veins in pregnant women can be caused by the following things:

• Increasing the amount of blood in the body

During pregnancy, the volume of blood in the body increases. This can overload the blood vessels and affect the flow of blood from the legs to the pelvis. Thus, the pressure in the veins in the area will increase and there will be varicose veins in pregnant women. Veins themselves are blood vessels that return blood from various body tissues to the heart. Because our anatomy is upright, the furthest part of the heart is the foot. This makes the veins in the legs have a heavy task because they have to fight gravity in flowing blood back to the heart.

• Growth of the fetus in the womb

As the fetus grows, the uterus will also enlarge and be able to compress the large veins on the right side of the body, the inferior vena cava. This will cause an increase in pressure on the veins in the leg, so that it happens

• Effects of pregnancy hormones

Increased levels of the hormone progesterone during pregnancy can make the walls of blood vessels dilate. Widening the walls of veins, will trigger varicose veins.

The risk of getting varicose veins is higher in pregnant women who have a family history of varicose veins. Other risks that cause varicose veins in pregnant women are twin babies, getting older, overweight, often wearing high heels, and pregnant women who often stand too long.

How to deal with varicose veins in pregnant women

How to overcome and prevent varicose veins in pregnant women is as follows:

• Raise the leg

In a lying position, adjust your feet to be higher than the heart by using a stack of several pillows. This position can help blood circulation. Do this when you are resting or sleeping.

• Change position

Avoid standing or sitting for too long. If you have been standing for too long, then rest your legs by sitting for a while. Conversely, if you sit too long, try to stand or walk for a while. Also avoid sitting with your legs crossed.

• Maintain body weight

Excessive weight can make the workload of blood vessels heavier and can lead to varicose veins. So, take care of your weight during pregnancy according to doctor's orders.

• Sports

Regular exercise during pregnancy can improve blood circulation in the body and prevent varicose veins.

• Wear compression stockings

Compression stockings are designed to help prevent blood from accumulating in the legs. You can get these stockings at a pharmaceutical store or health care center.

• Sleep on your side

This position will reduce pressure on the veins in the legs and make blood circulation back to normal.

• Take care of constipation

To prevent hemorrhoids, varicose veins that occur around the anus and rectum, you can take precautions by drinking plenty of fluids and adding fiber-rich intake to your diet.

• Avoid wearing high heels

You are advised to wear flat shoes to maintain blood circulation around the legs and calves.

• Limit salt intake

By limiting the intake of salt (sodium) during pregnancy will minimize swelling of veins.

For some cases of varicose veins in pregnant women that are classified as severe, can be overcome by injection of drugs or surgery. However, surgery is not recommended during pregnancy. The new surgery can be done after delivery. The good news, varicose veins in pregnant women will tend to improve after giving birth, especially if you do not have varicose veins before pregnancy. However, if varicose veins do not improve after giving birth, you can consult a doctor to do the examination and get further treatment. Varicose veins in pregnant women are getting worse, swelling, redness, and even bleeding need to get immediate medical treatment. Therefore, see a doctor immediately if you experience these symptoms.