Varicose veins can appear literally anywhere on the body. The most common place is the legs, but they can appear even in the esophagus and in the vagina. Normally you would think that they are problems that appear in older people. Therefore, you may be surprised to see the occasional varicose vein during your pregnancy. Is it normal? Should you worry? What can you do about it?
What are varicose veins or varicosities?
Varicose veins, also known as varicose or varicosities, are enlarged and swollen veins. They are usually seen through the skin, with a dark purple color. When they are more pronounced, they can even protrude and create elongated, tortuous nodules.
These can compact or shrink when you press with your fingers, and they usually don’t cause much of a problem. However, aesthetically they can look very bad and deprive you of showing off your legs in your favorite dresses.
These varicose veins appear for several reasons. The most common is a malfunction of the venous valves. As it must go against gravity, the blood in the legs rises under pressure. And, so that the blood does not return and accumulate, the veins have a series of valves. These close and do not allow blood to flow back.
In most cases of varicose veins, these valves stop working as they should and blood pools. That is why they look bulky, full of dark-colored blood.
Pregnancy, circulation, and varicose veins
During pregnancy, varicose veins are even more common, even in young women. Almost half of the pregnant women will have varicose veins at some point during their pregnancy. Generally, this occurs when the pregnancy is advancing, since that is when the circulation changes.
The gravid uterus becomes larger and larger, and there comes a time when it presses on the inferior vena cava. This vein favors the return of blood to the heart. When it is partially obstructed by the uterus, the return of blood is reduced. So even though your veins have their valves intact, some blood will back up and pool in the veins in your legs.
It is for that reason that varicose veins appear.
What can you do about it? Please try the following:
- Elevate your legs whenever possible
- Avoid crossing your legs when sitting
- Do not stay up or sitting for a long time
- Try compression socks
If your varicose vein problems continue following this home advice, do not hesitate in contacting a specialist near you in order to get professional advice and getting their professional opinion.