Here’s What You Should Know About Varicose Veins and Pregnancy

Congratulations! You’re pregnant! This is one of the most wonderful and miraculous experiences we go through as human beings. The concept of giving birth transcends medical practicality and serves to continue the circle of life.

While the human body transforms in wondrous ways during a pregnancy, there are sometimes unanticipated developments that can occur. One such development is the occurrence of spider veins and varicose veins.

These vein conditions are quite often genetic in nature. For example, if your mother had spider veins or varicose veins during pregnancy, you stand a pretty good chance of developing them, too. As pregnancy progresses, and more weight is gained and more pressure is placed on the legs, the veins can become more noticeable and painful.

What Can I Do?

Quite honestly, not much should be done to alleviate the problems associated with the engorged veins during pregnancy.

The reasons are twofold:

1. One of the solutions to treat veins involves the injection of medicines into the body. While these are perfectly safe for the mother, there have not been enough studies conducted to know how these medicines affect the unborn baby. And since these veins are not dangerous, there is no reason to expose the baby or mother to anything unnecessary during a pregnancy. 
2. From a more practical perspective, the veins can get worse as a pregnancy progresses.  Larger veins that appear in the seventh month can easily overshadow veins treated in the fourth month of pregnancy.  Additionally, many veins will simply disappear after delivery so that treating them may not even be necessary. Seemingly miraculously, the dilated veins often disappear and the legs go back to their former appearance.

We do know that expectant mothers go through many uncomfortable phases during a pregnancy and if there is much swelling and discomfort, we often prescribe compression surgical stockings to help reduce the pain and inflammation.

I Still Have Varicose Vein Issues Postpartum

If you are not fortunate enough to have your vein issues resolve naturally, the good news is that your varicose vein or spider issues can still be treated through a simple procedure. Once you have completed nursing and your menstrual cycle has returned to normal, we can begin treating those veins with a variety of therapies, such as Sclerotherapy, Laser Ablation or Phlebectomy.

Our Board Certified vein doctors are always available to answer your questions and determine the right course of action for your varicose vein and spider vein concerns. Feel free to schedule an appointment at one of our many convenient vein center locations in NJ.