You are more than happy to be a mother soon, but you are concerned about the changes that will take place in your body. Varicose veins are among the most common and most annoying changes that women struggle with. Learn about their nature and causes.
What are varicose veins?
These are swollen veins that usually swell just below the surface of the skin. They are usually colored blue and purple. They are quite thin and appear as irregular lines on the skin. Sometimes they can form whole traces. Sometimes they are inflamed, irritating and painful.
During pregnancy, varicose veins often appear on the legs and not only there. In fact, it is a common misconception that they only appear upright. There are also swollen veins on the vulva, although they tend to be smaller and much less noticeable. Hemorrhoids are also swollen veins that appear on the inner lining of the colon and are extremely common in pregnant women. In rare cases, the problem areas include the abdomen and arms.
What are the causes
They are usually caused by pressure on the inferior vena cava. This is the vein that leads to the feet and legs and can cause varicose veins and spider veins. Another reason why people can get varicose veins is that they are hereditary. If this happens in your family, you probably have it during pregnancy or later in life. Progesterone and pregnancy hormones can also weaken the vein walls. This is another major cause of the disease. It is particularly common in multiple pregnancies.
Are you serious?
No, varicose veins are not a serious disease. They can affect your appearance and make you feel uncomfortable, but they do not affect your health or that of your baby. Blood clots that form in these veins are extremely rare. If you have any concerns about this, you should usually discuss them with your doctor to be sure.