Varicose veins, also called varices or varicosities, commonly occur in pregnancy. They most frequently appear in the legs, although some women also find them occurring in the birth canal and vulva. Hemorrhoids are a form of varicose veins.
Varicose veins are swollen veins just below the skin caused by the increase in blood that occurs during pregnancy, resulting from the hormoneA complex chemical substance created in a part or organ of the body. When released it initiates or regulates activity in an organ or group of cells in another part of the body.
Hormones secreted by endocrine glands are transported through the bloodstream to their target organ. The amount of hormone secreted is regulated either by other hormones, by neurotransmitters, or simply when an excess of the organ's activity indicates a need to reduce the amount of the hormone produced.
Other hormones are produced locally by the organs themselves and are common in the digestive tract.
Visit our comprehensive glossary for more pregnancy terms and definitions. progesteroneOne of the two naturally occuring female hormones (the other is estrogen) used to regulate and maintain the pregnancy. Produced first by the corpus luteum in the ovary, production is subsequently taken over by the placenta as it develops. During pregnancy a mother's production of progesterone ten times the level it was prior to conception. Progesterone and estrogen are responsible for giving many mothers a sense of tranquility, shiny hair and glowing skin.
Visit our comprehensive glossary for more pregnancy terms and definitions., which also softens the tissue of the veins, and the weight of the growing uterus putting pressure on the veins to the legs and slowing the flow of blood. For some women, varicose veins are simply a blue or purple spot on the legs. For others, the veins bulge with blood and need to be relieved by the end of the day.
If you experience redness, swelling or pain in your calves, resulting from reduced blood flow you may have a condition called venous thrombosis. You should contact your doctor if you have any of these symptoms.
No results found. Click here for amazon.com
Varicose veins usually appear towards the end of trimester two, as the uterus grows and the weight of the baby puts pressure on the veins to the legs.
Although varicose veins commonly appear in pregnancy, they also appear to be hereditary. If you are worried about getting varicose veins you should ask your mother if she had them when she was pregnant.
If you suffer from varicose veins, you should try to prevent the blood pooling in your legs. Avoid standing for long periods of time. Lie down on your side with your legs above your heart to aid circulation back into your body. Try not to wear clothes that restrict your circulation at the knee or groin, which will aggravate the condition. Many women find maternity support hose helpful in relieving varicose veins.
There is no evidence to suggest that crossing your legs will cause varicose veins, but it seems likely that it will worsen the condition if you already have them. Massaging your legs can help circulate blood and prevent the varicose veins from forming, but if you massage the area after they are formed it will increase blood flow to your legs and make them worse.
If you have varicose veins in the vulva they can be both unpleasant and painful. Like hemorrhoids, applying a cold compress, such as an ice pack can provide relief. Using sanitary pads soaked in witch hazel and cooled in the freezer can be an effective remedy. There are no complications to delivery as a result of varicose veins in the vulva, and they will disappear after the baby is born.
No results found. Click here for amazon.com
It is not possible to completely prevent the formation of varicose veins during pregnancy, but you can try to minimize the conditions that cause them. Wear maternity support hose and rest with your legs raised to keep blood from pooling in your legs. They can be difficult to put on, but this can be made easier by starting with them inside out and putting them on before you get out of bed each morning. This will prevent the blood from pooling in your legs before you put them on. A pregnancy girdle will help prevent the formation of varicose veins of the vulva.
Watch your diet and make sure that you are not eating too much salt or putting on too much weight. Vitamin B6, pyridoxine, may also help. Check to see if your prenatal vitamin contains this vitamin. Daily exercise will benefit not only your digestion, but keep blood circulating through your body.
No results found. Click here for amazon.com
