Too Young For Varicose Veins? Not If You Get Pregnant

Health & Medical Blog

Many women likely think they are too young for varicose veins, thinking it is a problem of the elderly. This is simply not the case. Many women, no matter what their age, develop these veins during pregnancy. Avoiding this problem helps prevent pain and ugly, throbbing veins on various parts of the body.

How Pregnancy Causes Varicose Veins

Varicose veins occur when there is heavy strain on the vessels in the body. They are common in the legs because they have to pump blood against the power of gravity. During a pregnancy, the uterus will push down on these veins as the baby grows, increasing the pressure.

Other problems such as an increased flow of blood (to deal with the new baby) and an increase in progesterone can contribute to varicose veins as well. The latter problem causes blood vessels to relax and weaken, leading to the potential development of varicose veins.

Symptoms Of Developing Varicose Veins

There are many symptoms of varicose veins that are likely to pop up when a woman is pregnant. Many of them are easy to avoid with care, but some are very tricky. These symptoms include:

  • Painful legs
  • Swelling in the feet and ankles
  • Heavier bleeding after an injury
  • Visibly swollen veins
  • Red and dry skin near the veins
  • Leg cramps

While varicose veins are most visible in the legs, they can also occur on the pelvis, near the uterus, and even on the vagina. The best way to treat them is to simply avoid them or manage them in natural and healthy ways.

Managing The Problem

The easiest way to avoid the development of varicose veins is to keep weight down to a reasonable level. Yes, most women put on weight during pregnancy, but by keeping it to about 25–35 pounds, it is possible to avoid the strain that causes varicose veins. Other simple ways that varicose veins can be avoided during pregnancy include:

  • Sleeping on the left side
  • Exercising regularly
  • Staying on your feet
  • Taking vitamin C supplements to increase collagen and elastin

Make sure all changes to a lifestyle are discussed with a doctor before being implemented. Some women will need to get exercise methods approved before working out in order to avoid developing more serious health problems.

By following these guidelines, it is possible to avoid developing painful varicose veins during pregnancy. This is not just an issue of being aesthetically pleasing but of avoiding the pain that they can cause. For more information, contact a medical center like Alaska Vein Care.

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