During pregnancy, one of the things that we easily notice is our varicose veins. They usually start in the second trimester and even get worse when the baby is due. So we completely understand how frustrating and irritating it is.

With that said, we have listed a few things you should know about varicose veins as well as a few tips on how to make them more manageable.

It’s a normal, common thing

Contrary to the flawless moms we see online and on TV, having varicose veins is completely normal and almost every pregnant woman experiences it. Since your uterus is expanding, the pressure on your major vein and inferior vena cava is increasing as well. This, in turn, puts more pressure on your leg veins, causing the blood in your legs to swell. That is why it is very common among pregnant women.

It would not affect your baby

Unless you are experiencing severe pain, then chances are your varicose vein would not affect the growth of your baby.

In fact, it is the other way around. Given that pregnancy is the main culprit for our hormonal changes, the increased progestin levels inside our body dilates or opens our veins, making us more prone to varicose veins.

It might be a hereditary thing

Several studies have already proved that varicose veins are hereditary most of the time. According to the University of Nebraska, it is a common occurrence among several members of the family. In contrast to the common belief, the university also stated that it is much less common to develop after a trauma or injury.

So if your parents or grandparents have varicose veins, chances are you would have it as well. Also, if you already have varicose veins before you are pregnant, then there is also a high probability that it would get even worse at some point during your pregnancy.

It’s manageable

Varicose veins might be inevitable but some have found ways to reduce them and make them more manageable. If you live in any of the five largest cities in the US, then you can easily find a vein specialist in Phoenix, Houston, Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York. Doctors and experts are all over the states so it’s not that difficult to find one.

Otherwise and if you live in a secluded town away from the city, then you can simply follow these tips to avoid making your varicose veins worse.

• Take breaks and alternate between sitting and standing
• Avoid crossing your legs when sitting
• Elevate your feet often
• Wear flats and avoid high heels shoes
• Try to wear those maternity compression stockings
• Do light and consistent exercise
• Maintain a healthy diet at all times
• Sleep on your left side to relieve pressure off your vena cava

Be ready for the side effects

As we have mentioned earlier, varicose veins are very common among pregnant women. But, on top of its unsightly look, you may experience some pain around your legs as well. That is why we highly encourage you to do these tips above so that you can lessen the pain and minimize the stress you are experiencing.

It may still improve after pregnancy

No need to add more stress and worry too much about your varicose veins!

According to the University of California San Francisco, varicose veins that suddenly appear during pregnancy usually improve within 3 to 12 months of delivery. Since your uterus is no longer pushing on your inferior vena cava, your body will return and go back to the way it was before your pregnancy.

All in all, you should not be embarrassed about your varicose vein because it is a common side effect of pregnancy. There are wonderful options if desired for varicose vein treatment.