They can be ugly and painful. And pregnant women are among the most susceptible to them.
That’s the unfortunate truth about varicose veins, which are bulging, swollen veins that show up most frequently in your legs. While appearance is a serious issue for women, it isn’t always the worst part. Varicose veins can itch, throb or burn.
So why are pregnant women prone to varicose veins? Because as the uterus expands, it puts pressure on the large vein on the right side of their bodies, increasing pressure on the leg veins. Not only that, pregnant women have more blood circulating, which adds to the burden on their legs. And finally, women experience an increase in progesterone levels during pregnancy, causing the walls of their blood vessels to relax.
But that doesn’t mean every pregnant woman will get varicose veins. It depends on a number of factors, including hereditary and weight. The chances go up for women who are carrying twins or multiples, or who stand for long periods during the day.
Now for the good news: Varicose veins tend to improve after you give birth! Read on to learn about more ways to prevent varicose veins.