We all agree that varicose veins are unaesthetic and painful, but there is more to that: they can also be very dangerous for our health. Those who suffer from varicose veins are at risk from getting more serious diseases such as DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) which can potentially lead to an embolism.
Statistically, women suffer from this disease more than men due to factors such as hormones (estrogen, contraceptive pills) and pregnancies. Besides, women often work in jobs where they need to stand on their feet for many hours.
Varicose veins during pregnancy is very common. Sometimes, during warm month the problem is enhanced. The problem occurs when some veins of the legs wear out and become less efficient in carrying out their task: to bring blood to the heart.
In women this disturb-occurs mainly during pregnancy and for a number of reasons:
- Sex hormones: progesterone relaxes the walls of veins, while the estrogen dilate and reduce its ties to the surrounding tissues.
- Blood circulation changes, because the stream that irrigates the uterus and placenta is enhanced by increased amount of blood needed to nourish the fetus
- The belly press on the veins from the legs and prevents thus the return of blood to the heart.
Varicose veins that arise in the first half of the pregnancy (between 2 and 5 months) are more likely to stay after giving birth.
Those occurring in the second half of pregnancy, however, usually resolve themselves after the birth of the child, because they are caused by factors such as weight gain and blood, that does not compromise the health of blood vessels.
how to deal with varicose veins during pregnancy?
First, you will need to fight them ON TIME and here are some steps to prevent or limit this disorder.
