Varicose Veins During Pregnancy

Are you pregnant? Or will you be pregnant? Then you need to pay attention. Because the rate of women who develop varicose veins in their first pregnancy is 30%. If you are pregnant for the second time, unfortunately this rate is higher and you are in the risk group. Because the risk of varicose veins in women who have been pregnant twice or more is 55%. Apart from varicose veins, pregnant women also have a higher risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). The primary reason for this is increased blood volume. In addition, when you are pregnant, hormonal changes occur, making blood clotting easier. Using compression socks during pregnancy can help keep your feet healthy.

The most common health problems during pregnancy:

Venous disorders and leg health problems are the most common conditions in Turkey. You may encounter these problems for the first time, especially during pregnancy. For example, aching legs, feeling of heaviness in the legs, swollen feet are symptoms that pregnant women may experience every day.

These symptoms occur more frequently and complaints increase, especially in the following situations.

-          If family members have varicose veins or venous disease

-          If there are varicose veins that have already formed before pregnancy

-         Sitting or standing for long periods of time while pregnant

-          If you do not exercise regularly during pregnancy

-          If you have had a long-term pregnancy before

Pregnancy and DVT

The expanding uterus increases the pressure on blood vessels. It restricts blood flow from the pelvis and feet to the heart. Slow blood flow increases the risk of deep vein thrombosis. The risk continues throughout the postpartum period until the woman's hormone levels return to pre-pregnancy levels.

Effect of Pregnancy on the Venous System

During pregnancy, there are many hormonal changes in the body that have an effect on the veins. Due to the 40% to 50% increase in blood volume, the increase in the amount of progesterone causes the vascular walls to expand and lose their elasticity.

5 ways to keep your feet healthy during pregnancy:

1-      Remember that moving the feet is necessary to keep them healthy. Do not stand or sit for long periods of time.

2-      Stay active. Exercise frequently or periodically. For example, walking or swimming are good exercises and are important not only for your foot health, but also for your overall health.

3-      Use compression socks. These compression socks help pump the blood from your feet back to your heart, help blood circulation and protect you from the risk of varicose veins.

4-      While resting day or night, rest your feet by keeping them above the level of your heart.

5-      Sunbathing, showering with extremely hot water, sauna and similar hot conditions can cause your veins to dilate and your feet to swell.