Varicose veins and spider veins

Varicose veins are purely a cosmetic problem – or so the common claim goes. Many women also find out that this is not true during or after pregnancy. Because hormonal changes and increased pressure on the blood vessels cause the superficial veins to expand. This often initially results in spider veins and, in some cases, progresses to varicose veins. Read here everything about the causes of varicosis, its accompanying symptoms, and treatment options.

What are varicose veins and spider veins?

If the connective tissue of the vein wall is stretched, the venous valves can no longer function properly. Then blood flows back into the legs, which enlarges the superficial veins. This leads in a first step towards the so-called broom recruiters , which you can see shining through the skin as a network-like line – especially on the legs. As the pressure in the veins continues to increase, they expand continuously and can grow into varicose veins What you now perceive are superficial, winding, and bluish shimmering veins that you can even feel. In medicine, they are also called varicose veins.

Why do I get varicose veins and spider veins?

Varicose veins can develop for various reasons. For example, a hereditary predisposition for example, lead to the formation of spider veins and varicose veins. But also a Adjustment of the hormonal balance ensures that the tissue loosens up and thus becomes more susceptible to venous weakness. During pregnancy, spider veins and varicose veins typically develop within the first three months of pregnancy. In addition to the causes mentioned above, other risk factors also come into play during pregnancy, leading to a backlog of blood in the lower half of the body:

• A baby is growing inside you, your Blood volume by about 20 percent. The larger blood volume can put strain on your veins.

• Due to hormonal changes during pregnancy the superficial and deep veins extend . As the pressure in the veins increases, varicose veins form.

• Due to the increasing weight the pressure on the veins in your legs and pelvis increases. During pregnancy – as the uterus grows larger – the pressure on the large abdominal vein increases. As a result, blood flows less effectively and therefore pools in the superficial veins.

What complaints may occur?

The enlargement of the veins can sometimes become uncomfortable for you and restrict you in everyday life. Most women affected by venous insufficiency complain about heavy legs as well as swollen calves and ankles . You may sometimes feel your legs numb and experience an itching sensation. Nighttime calf cramps and tingling in the legs are also not uncommon with varicose veins during pregnancy. Primarily, however, there is an increased risk due to the varicose veins increased risk of thrombosis , which is why you should take the varicose veins seriously in any case. However, individual, thin varicose veins are usually harmless.

Can I prevent varicose veins during pregnancy?

Not every woman is during or after the Pregnancy affected by varicose veins. Therefore, it cannot be predicted whether they will actually develop in you. Genetic factors also play a role here. Preventive measures are therefore not always successful, but they can still alleviate your symptoms. Why not try the following tips:

• Movement and rest in alternation : Proper movement promotes circulation in your legs. Walking, cycling, and water aerobics are especially suitable. If you mostly sit during your daily routine, try to incorporate movement from time to time, for example by taking a few steps or rotating your feet. If your legs swell and hurt, you can rest lying on your left side, as this allows your blood to circulate optimally.

• Alternating showers Cold-warm alternating showers promote blood circulation and help reduce swelling in the legs. The cold water causes the veins to contract, while the hot water results in the dilation of blood vessels.

• Save your legs : In everyday life, you can rest your legs by avoiding crossing them and not pinching them at the edges of chairs. It is best to make sure to elevate your legs periodically and also at night, for example by placing them on a pillow.

• Compression stockings : To relieve the pain caused by varicose veins, your doctor can prescribe compression stockings, which are custom-fitted to you by the medical supply store. Medical compression stockings are suitable for various conditions of the blood vessels and veins in the legs – including during pregnancy. Compression stockings or compression leggings for varicose veins exert pressure on the veins, helping to improve blood flow back to the heart. Although new varicose veins can still develop despite wearing compression stockings during pregnancy, the veins are relieved and this can reduce leg pain. Ideally, you should wear the compression stockings for four to six weeks after the end of your pregnancy.

Removing spider veins and varicose veins: Treatment options

The good news first: As soon as you have given birth to your child, the pressure on the veins in your legs and pelvis decreases. For many women, this means that the spider veins and varicose veins in the first few months after the Birth from retrain oneself . Nevertheless, it may be that severe varicose veins , that have developed during pregnancy, do not disappear. In these cases, you can have the varicose veins treated. The following treatment options are possible:

Remove side shoots

For the treatment of spider veins, a common method is to Cauterization , the sclerotherapy, set. An sclerosing agent is injected into the vein, which causes the vessels to stick together. Ultimately, the spider veins are broken down by the body. An alternative to treating spider veins is the Laser Therapy , where the veins are damaged, glued, and closed using concentrated light energy.

Remove varicose veins

Varicose veins can also be removed if your symptoms are very severe. Among other things, this involves the Vein stripping question. In this procedure, a doctor makes cuts below the groin and in the popliteal fossa or at the ankle, through which the vein can be ligated. Afterwards, the vein can be completely pulled out. Also a Phlebectomy can be used for varicose vein removal. In this procedure, the vein is pulled out using a hook, cut, and removed in small pieces.

The earlier you seek medical treatment, the sooner your pain can be alleviated – so you can enjoy the rest of your pregnancy and the with your little explorer without discomfort. So don't hesitate to seek medical help promptly if heavy and swollen legs restrict you during the day and at night. We wish you a speedy recovery!