Are spider or varicose veins causing you discomfort during your pregnancy? While it’s always best to talk to a vein specialist about your treatment options, here are some steps you can take at home to manage your abnormal veins.
Varicose veins are enlarged, swollen, dark-purple veins that often appear in the feet and legs. Pregnant women are more likely to develop spider or varicose veins due to a number of factors, including:
- An increased amount of blood in your veins
- Higher levels of progesterone
- A growing uterus that pushes against the pelvic veins
While for most people, spider veins are simply an aesthetic concern, varicose veins can result in significant discomfort and other undesirable symptoms, such as:
- Swollen feet, legs, or ankles
- Discoloured skin around the veins
- An uncomfortable and heavy feeling in the legs
If you are pregnant and suffering from pain or discomfort due to varicose veins, it is always advisable to visit your vein specialist as soon as possible. They can assess your condition and suggest the best way forward to alleviate your symptoms and keep you comfortable.
Customized Varicose and Spider Vein Treatments in Calgary
At our Calgary vein clinic, we offer customized spider and varicose vein treatments including sclerotherapy, echosclerotherapy, and compression stockings. During an in-depth consultation, we can assess your situation and determine which treatment option is safest for you.
Want to know more? Contact our Vein Calgary Vein Clinic Today
5 Steps to Manage Your Varicose Veins During Pregnancy
While minimally invasive spider and varicose vein treatments such as echosclerotherapy and sclerotherapy are very safe and effective, they are not recommended during pregnancy. However, if you are pregnant, there are a number of ways you can successfully manage your varicose veins at home.
This includes:
1. Follow a regular exercise routine.
Doing a gentle form of exercise regularly while you are pregnant, such as walking, will help transport the blood out of your legs and manage your varicose veins. However, it's important that you book an appointment with your obstetrician or vein specialist to determine which type of exercises are safe for you.
2. Swap out your heels for flats.
When you're pregnant, you should be careful about your footwear. While you may love to wear high heels, these can make it harder for the blood to move through the veins in your legs. You should strongly consider switching to flats for the duration of your pregnancy. This will keep you comfortable and lower your risk of developing varicose veins.
3. Wear compression stockings.
Wearing compression stockings while you are pregnant can help prevent the development of varicose veins and will promote blood circulation and alleviate any discomfort in your legs. However, it’s important to talk to your vein specialist about which type of compression stockings are right for you. How to Find The Right Compression Stockings
4. Keep your legs elevated.
Take some time during the day to rest and put your legs up. Ideally, you should keep them above your heart level as this will help pull the blood out of your legs. At night, consider propping your feet up on a pillow. This will promote blood flow while you are sleeping and alleviate any pain or discomfort.
5. Watch your salt intake and stay hydrated.
Eating a lot of salt will pull more fluid into your blood vessels, which may increase the pressure in your veins. This excess fluid can also make your legs or ankles swell. Make sure to manage your salt intake and drink plenty of water to help your body maintain a proper fluid balance.
Contact Us
If spider or varicose veins are causing you concern, pain, or discomfort, our vein specialists are happy to help! During a consultation, we can assess your condition and requirements and help determine which treatment is safest and best for you.
To find out more, contact our Calgary vein clinic at (403) 253-2555 or fill in our online contact form.
FAQs
Q: What increases your risk of developing varicose veins during pregnancy?
Factors that may increase your risk of developing varicose veins during pregnancy include smoking, pre-existing venous conditions, prolonged sitting or standing, and hereditary predisposition.
Q: When do varicose veins appear during pregnancy?
Varicose veins can develop at any time during your pregnancy, but they tend to get larger and more pronounced as you get bigger.
Q: Can I undergo a sclerotherapy treatment during pregnancy?
While sclerotherapy is a safe and minimally invasive treatment, your vein specialist will most likely recommend that you hold off on the procedure if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
%20(1).png)
