Pregnancy Signs & Symptoms, Week by Week Pregnancy Guide

Pregnancy comes with its own shares of discomforts and physical ailments, most of which will disappear with the pregnancy. One such condition is the varicose veins.

Varicose veins are the presence of swollen veins bulging near the skin surface. These veins generally show in the legs and are purple or blue in color.

The condition is caused due to increasing pressure on the inferior cava vein. The growing baby in the pregnant woman’s uterus puts pressure on this vein leading to pressure on leg veins.

It generally gets worse during the evenings, especially if you have been on your feet for long periods during the day.

Varicose veins may be symptom less or you may experience itching, irritation or burning sensation near the bulging veins. In extreme cases it could lead to painful legs.

Regular exercising and walks help to keep away varicose veins and also relieve the pain. Whenever possible keep your legs and feet elevated on a stool when seated. Don’t cross ankles or legs when sitting. Avoid long periods of sitting or standing in one place. Move about periodically.

Place a pillow under your feet when you lie down. Also lie down on your right side to take off pressure from the inferior vena cava. Use support stocking or hose.

They may not look very smart but will help to alleviate pain and ease swollen veins. Try to keep your weight within the recommended limits.

Varicose veins by themselves are not a serious condition and generally need no medical intervention. In rare cases it may lead to formation of blood clots near the skin surface causing a serious condition called DVT or deep venous thrombosis.

This will need immediate medical attention, or can prove to be fatal but this is a very rare condition.

In most cases varicose veins disappear within a few weeks after delivery, but if it doesn’t you may need to consult your doctor for proper treatment.