In general, women are more likely than man to develop some form of vein disease; this probability sharply increases if they become pregnant. What is it about the state of pregnancy that leads to bulging vein problems? Leading vein doctor Dr. Robert Handley of Flower Mound Vein Center in Flower Mound, TX has years of experience speaking with his female clients regarding the varicose and spider veins that have seemingly appeared out of nowhere during their pregnancy. There are several specific changes that happen to the female body in its pregnant state that make it more likely for veins to go varicose – it’s both frequent and normal.
Why is it so common to experience spider and varicose veins during pregnancy? Find out about how the changes your body is going through could be related to vein disease.
Veins become diseased when their walls and valves weaken, causing them to become inefficient in the circulation of blood back up to the heart and lungs to reoxidize. The oxygen-depleted blood cannot fight the pull of gravity and begins to pool within the veins, causing them to distort and discolor. Although simple heredity plays quite a significant role in determining whether you’ll be affected by vein disease, there are several lifestyle factors that can also contribute to your risk factor. One of the frequent contributors to veins going varicose is carrying extra pressure. This could be a result of weight problems, or it could simply be due to the natural growth of your baby during pregnancy! As your uterus grows, it exerts more and more pressure on the right side of your body, where the inferior vena cava is located. This extra load is transferred to the veins in your legs and groin, which could translate to development of spider or varicose veins.
In order to stimulate growth of your baby, your body produces extra blood during pregnancy. Your entire circulatory system goes into overdrive working to nurture the fetus, and this includes the veins. As more blood circulates through them, they must bear a greater load than normal, which can cause them to weaken and become varicose. Your progesterone levels also rise during pregnancy. This hormone is what helps the endometrial lining develop so that a fertilized egg is able to successfully implant. However, one side effect of this hormone is that it causes the walls of your blood vessels to relax, meaning less strength to be able to properly circulate blood throughout the body.
If you’re pregnant and concerned about the sudden appearance of varicose and spider veins, there’s no need to panic. Vein specialists often see that the diseased veins correct themselves without any treatment whatsoever after the pregnancy is brought to term – particularly if you didn’t have any vein problems before becoming pregnant.
If you’re experiencing some of the uncomfortable side effects of varicose veins while pregnant, it’s a good idea of speak with a professional. Dr. Handley can offer several non-invasive options for alleviating your symptoms, plus speak with you about professional vein treatments at his Flower Mound, TX varicose vein center if they persist after giving birth. Contact Flower Mound Vein Center at 972-410-5757 to schedule your appointment today.
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