Women are most prone to developing varicose veins during pregnancy. About 40% of pregnant women will develop them at some point in their pregnancies. Changes in your hormone levels are primarily responsible for this increased risk of developing varicose veins.
Several other factors also contribute to the condition. When you are pregnant, your growing belly puts pressure on the veins in your legs. This can cause them to swell. The increased blood flow in your abdomen also contributes to the condition. Hormonal changes cause the vein walls to relax and stretch.
Factors in your lifestyle may also make you more prone to developing varicose veins. Prolonged periods of standing or sitting can contribute to the condition. If your work requires you to stand or sit for most of the day, you may be at increased risk.
There are some things you can do to help prevent this condition. If you sit for most of the day, get up and walk around frequently during the day. When you are sitting, don’t cross your legs. This can make the condition worse.
If your job requires that you stand for long periods, take breaks as often as you can. Sit down during breaks and your lunch hour. When you are sitting, elevate your feet. This will help the blood flow back to your heart. Ideally, your feet should be elevated above your heart.
Regular exercise can help prevent varicose veins. For most women, exercise is completely safe during pregnancy. Talk to your doctor before beginning any exercise routine. Walking and swimming are great exercise choices for pregnant women. Regular exercise helps with blood flow and circulation.
Support pantyhose can help prevent varicose veins. These are special hose that have more pressure at the ankles. The pressure gets gradually less as the hose move up the leg. This design helps increase the blood flow from the legs back to the heart.
For most women, varicose veins improve after the baby is born. In some women, they may continue to be a problem. If your veins don’t go back to normal after the baby is born, speak to your doctor about treatment options.