Varicose Veins After Pregnancy

When you hold your baby in your arms for the first time, all the discomfort and pain that you experienced during those nine months seems worth it. However, there are a few conditions that may remain after the birth of your baby, too, and one such condition is varicose veins.

What Are Postpartum Varicose Veins?

Many women have varicose veins during pregnancy, but sometimes this problem may stay after pregnancy, too. In some cases, there may be an improvement in the condition after childbirth. However, even if the condition may get better, the damage that your veins may have suffered remains irreversible.

Causes of Varicose Veins After Childbirth

Following are the causes of varicose veins in women post-pregnancy:

1. Number of Pregnancies

It is observed that the chances of developing varicose veins increase with the number of pregnancies. This means if you suffered from this condition in your first pregnancy, then the chances are that you may suffer from it in your subsequent pregnancies, too.

2. Genes

If you have a family history of varicose veins then you may suffer from it, too.

3. Extra Damage to the Veins

If the veins are damaged too much during pregnancy, then this damage may not be fixable, and you might suffer from this condition post pregnancy.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Postnatal Varicose Veins?

Following are some of the signs and symptoms of varicose veins:

• You may experience pain in your legs.
• There may be swelling in your feet and legs after standing for too long.
• Your legs may feel heavy, sore, or tender.
• You may notice blue blood vessels on your legs and feet.
• You may have a burning sensation in your legs.
• You may have skin ulcers around your ankles.
• You may experience itching on these veins.

How to Treat Varicose Veins After Delivery

Varicose veins may lead to discomfort and pain, and thus it is important to treat them. If you wish to treat varicose veins after pregnancy, the following suggestions may help:

1. Keep your legs and feet elevated.

Make sure that every time you sit, you keep your legs and feet elevated. You may use a stool while sitting, and pillows while lying down, to elevate your legs and feet. Also, as far as possible, refrain from standing for long durations.

2. Exercise for better blood circulation.

Your condition can improve if there is proper blood circulation. Therefore, it will be a good idea to take out some time for exercising, as it will improve your blood circulation, and thus reduce the symptoms of varicose veins.

3. Try sclerotherapy.

This is an effective way of reducing the symptoms of varicose veins. The procedure involves the use of a solution, which is injected into the affected veins to reduce the discomfort. However, it may take time for this treatment to show the effective results.

4. Wear support hose.

This is a great way of treating this condition, as the tight stocking may help improve blood circulation. and reduce pain and discomfort.

Effective Home Remedies

Some home remedial measures may prove to be effective in treating this condition, such as:

• Honey is a great remedy to relieve the pain and puffiness. You may apply a thin layer of honey, cover it with polythene for some time and wash.
• Take high doses of vitamin and minerals by drinking carrot, beet, or spinach juice. All these juices may help in removing swelling and extra fluid.
• You may use chamomile-infused bandages to wrap the affected area to reduce the symptoms.
• Apply a mixture of olive oil and beeswax to the affected area two times a day to provide relief.

How Can You Prevent Varicose Veins?

Here are some ways that may help in the prevention of varicose veins:

• Exercise regularly.
• Follow a healthy diet.
• Drink ample amounts of water.
• Wear comfortable shoes.
• Maintain proper hygiene.
• Maintain a healthy weight.

FAQs

1. Will my varicose veins go away after pregnancy?

Varicose veins may not disappear after pregnancy. Though your symptoms may improve after the birth of your baby, they may not completely vanish, and in some cases, they may resurface, too.

2. What if my varicose veins don’t go away after delivery?

If your symptoms do not subside within 3 to 6 months after the birth of your baby, we recommend that you opt for varicose vein treatment. However, in most cases, your doctor may recommend you to wait until your body recovers from childbirth, and in some cases, until you stop breastfeeding your baby.

When to Consult a Doctor

If your symptoms are not improving after giving birth to your child, or if you are experiencing great discomfort, it is recommended that you get in touch with your doctor for the same.

If you suffer from the condition of varicose veins after pregnancy, you can try various home remedies and other treatment options. However, first, get your doctor’s approval for the same!

Also Read: Back Pain After Pregnancy