What are Varicose Veins?

There are two types of veins that carry blood in your body called deep veins and superficial veins.

The blood flows from the superficial veins to your deep veins. These veins have valves which control the blood flow and keep the blood flowing toward the heart.

However, when these valves do not function properly, the blood flows in the wrong way, leading to varicose veins.

In Pregnancy...

During pregnancy, your uterus grows bigger, giving extra pressure to the veins.

As a result, the valves are also squeezed and the blood flow to your heart is disrupted. This condition is very common during the third trimester because this is when your uterus will be at it's heaviest.

Also, if you are having a twin pregnancy, you have greater chances of being affected by varicose veins.

Also Read: Twin Trouble

Will It Disappear After Delivery? 

Varicose veins disappear after delivery. However, if you are overweight and obese, the condition is likely to stay. It also depends on how many veins have been affected.

Will It Affect Delivery?

Your baby will not be affected if you have varicose veins. However, if you have varicose veins on your vulva, you will have to immediately undergo a C-section.

Also Read: Choosing Your Delivery Method

This is because even if one varicose veins in your vulva breaks, it can be fatal.

To add to it, if the blood clots, it can lead to a heart attack as the blood flow is obstructed.

Also Read: Are You Risking a Heart Attack?

Treat It

Before treating varicose veins, get a colour Doppler done to find out how deep they have gone.

Varicose veins can be then treated by stripping the veins. You can also treat varicose veins by tying crepe bandages or elastic stockings. They can also be treated by laser.

Varicose veins cannot be treated by medication. So don't self-medicate.

Also Read: Popping Pills during Pregnancy

Things to Remember…

If you are suffering from varicose veins, make sure you don't stand for long hours. Do not have any massages because it will not help. Also, don't give hot compressions to relieve the pain.

Remember, it is a problem with the valve and not the muscle. If you are overweight, you need to get your weight under control.

Also Read: Are You Too Fat To Have a Baby?

Also avoid wearing high heeled shoes. Wear footwear that is comfortable and has uniform heels.

Also Read: Footwear during Pregnancy

If you are in too much pain, wear a tight crepe bandage, elevate your legs and then lie down.

(With inputs from Dr. Reshma Rafi from Saifee Hospital, Mumbai)