Many women experience the worsening of often harmless but frequently bothersome or painful varicose veins during pregnancy. This is caused by an overall increase in blood flow volume with a decrease in blood flow to the legs and pelvis. “A woman’s mother and grandmother may have suffered the same condition,” said Dr. Obinna Nwobi of Central Florida Vein Institute. “The pain and growth of varicose veins can be managed and treated by following simple guidelines.” Varicose vein guidelines include:
1. Frequent rest to minimize physical exertion on the body and less pressure on veins.
2. Sleeping on the left side. The largest vein in the body, the vena cava, is located on the right side. The vein carries the largest amount of blood through the body. Lying on the left side decreases added pressure on the vein.
3. When the legs become fatigued and sore, sit with the feet propped up on a table, chair, or pillow above the level of the heart to increase blood flow from the legs to the heart.
4. Before standing up and getting out of bed in the morning, put on maternity support hose. This prevents blood from pooling in the lower legs.
5. Exercise to increase blood flow from the legs. Varicose veins often subside somewhat after childbirth. If varicose veins persist, vascular surgeons can prevent potential complications like painful skin conditions (ulcers) or phlebitis (clotting of the varicose veins).
Larger or more deeply rooted veins may require medical treatment such as endovenous ablation or sclerosant which is injected near the problem vein. Ablative therapy causes problem veins to close up and become non-functional and invisible to the eye. To learn about varicose veins, www.cfveininstitute.com, or call 863-216-8579.
