How to Prevent Swelling and Varicose Veins During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a miraculous journey filled with moments of joy, anticipation, and profound changes to a woman’s body. Among these changes, many women experience swelling in the lower legs or even the development of varicose veins.  Varicose veins are characterized by swollen, twisted veins that can cause discomfort and concern. Varicose veins affect up to 40% of pregnant women, becoming a common yet manageable aspect of pregnancy. Understanding and addressing this condition is vital for the comfort and health of expectant mothers. 

David Verebelyi, MD, RVT,  the Chief of Laser Surgery at Colorado Skin & Vein, reassures, “While swelling and varicose veins can be a source of discomfort, there are numerous ways to manage and potentially prevent them during pregnancy, ensuring both mother and baby’s well-being.”

Understanding Swelling and Varicose Veins and Pregnancy

Normal tissue hydration is a balance between fluid moving into the extravascular space and the lymphatics pulling fluid out of the extravascular space.  In the case of swelling there is an imbalance normally where the lymphatic system is overloaded and cannot keep up so the tissue swells with fluid.   IN the case of pregnancy this happens for a few reasons.   The fetus can sit on top of the veins returning blood back to the heart causing increased pressure causing more fluid to move through the vein wall into the soft tissue. Gravity, increased pressure within the vein and increased blood volume all contribute to more fluid being pushed into the tissue.  

The same factors can also result in varicose veins.  There are enlarged, twisted veins that typically appear on the legs and feet. During pregnancy, the likelihood of developing varicose veins also increases due to hormonal changes.  The rise in progesterone levels causes the walls of your veins to relax and become more susceptible to stretching. Additionally, as mentioned above the increased blood volume necessary to support your growing baby puts extra pressure on your veins. As your uterus expands, it can also place pressure on the vessels which bring blood back to the heart, further contributing to the development of varicose veins.

Common symptoms of varicose veins during pregnancy include:

• Swelling in the legs and ankles
• Aching or heavy sensation in the legs
• Cramping or throbbing pain, especially after standing for prolonged periods
• Itching or burning sensation around the veins
• Visible distended vessels over the lower limbs such as thighs, legs and ankles
• Skin discoloration or darkening around the affected areas

While these symptoms can be uncomfortable, understanding the underlying causes and implementing preventive measures can help alleviate discomfort and promote overall vein health throughout your pregnancy.

Preventative Measures to Take During Pregnancy

Making simple lifestyle changes can go a long way in preventing the development and progression of varicose veins during pregnancy. Here are some effective strategies to incorporate into your daily routine:

• Exercise Regularly: Engaging in regular physical activity helps improve circulation, strengthens your leg muscles, and promotes blood flow. Low-impact exercises such as cycling, elliptical, swimming, and prenatal yoga are excellent options. Aim for exercises that engage the calf muscle and at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week, with your healthcare provider’s approval.
• Elevate Your Legs: Whenever possible, elevate your legs above your heart level to encourage blood flow back to your heart. This can be done by propping your legs up on a pillow while lying down or using a footrest when sitting.
• Compression: Lower leg or even thigh high compression can play an important part in keeping swelling and varicosities during pregnancy under control.  Gravity makes the blood push out on the vessels walls.  Compression helps push back to keep the vessels from dilating.  
• Stay Hydrated and Eat a Balanced Diet: Drinking plenty of water helps maintain proper blood circulation and prevents constipation, which can exacerbate varicose veins. Opt for a diet rich in fiber, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, to promote regular bowel movements and prevent straining. Healthy weight gain which is usually around 20 lbs is important.  Additional weight will further compress the veins trying to bring the blood back to heart. 
• Avoid Tight Clothing: Tight clothing, especially around the waist and legs, can restrict blood flow and contribute to the development of varicose veins. Choose loose, comfortable clothing that allows for proper circulation.

By implementing these lifestyle modifications, you can take proactive steps towards preventing swelling and varicose veins and promoting overall vein health during your pregnancy.

Compression Therapy for Varicose Vein Management

Compression therapy is a highly effective and non-invasive method for managing swelling and varicose veins during pregnancy. It involves wearing specially designed compression stockings or socks that apply gradual pressure to your legs, promoting better blood flow and reducing swelling.

Benefits of compression therapy include:

• Improved circulation: Compression stockings encourage blood to flow upwards from your legs to your heart, reducing the pooling of blood in your veins.
  
• Reduced swelling: By applying pressure to your legs, compression stockings help minimize swelling and discomfort.
  
• Symptom relief: Compression therapy can alleviate symptoms such as aching, heaviness, and cramping associated with varicose veins.
  
• Prevention of progression: Wearing compression stockings consistently can help prevent the worsening of existing varicose veins and the development of new ones.

When choosing compression stockings, it’s essential to select the right size and compression level for optimal results. Graduated compression stockings, which provide the greatest pressure at the ankle and gradually decrease towards the top, are typically recommended. Your healthcare provider can guide you in selecting the appropriate compression level based on your individual needs.

To maximize the benefits of compression therapy, it’s important to wear your compression stockings consistently throughout the day, especially when traveling,  standing or sitting for prolonged periods. Put them on first thing in the morning before swelling occurs, and remove them before bedtime.

When to Seek Professional Help

While swelling and varicose veins can be a temporary discomfort associated with pregnancy, often they are signs that the veins are not working properly and symptoms warrant professional attention. Signs such as pain, swelling, veins elevated above the skin, skin changes over the ankles, or the development of sores indicate the need for medical evaluation. Colorado Skin & Vein, with its extensive experience in vascular treatments, stands ready to assist. Early consultation allows for the assessment of vein health and consideration of appropriate treatments, ensuring safety and efficacy. Pregnant women experiencing discomfort from varicose veins or concerned about their vascular health should not hesitate to seek expert advice. Dr. Verebelyi advises, “Listening to your body and seeking professional help when needed can make a significant difference in managing varicose veins during and after pregnancy.”