Many women find that their vein problems worsen with pregnancy. It is common for women during pregnancy to develop varicose veins. During pregnancy, the woman’s uterus grows and put extra pressure on the large vein down the right side of the body. As a result, added pressure is exerted on the leg veins. In addition, pregnancy increases the amount of blood in a woman’s body. Veins have to work twice as hard to pump blood to all extremities. Luckily, it is common to have venous problems lessen dramatically after one gives birth.
Along with all the other changes to the body, varicose veins are an additional worry for many women. To help alleviate worries, there are many things that pregnant women can do to lower their risk of venous complications. Pregnant women are advised to exercise regularly to ensure proper blood flow through the body. Elevating your legs also helps with a pillow or stool when you sit down. Lastly, wearing support hose can help keep circulation flowing in your legs, especially if they swell during the final months of pregnancy.
