Understanding Hormonal Vein Conditions During Pregnancy

Veins During Pregnancy: What’s Normal, What’s Not

Did you know that your blood volume increases by 50 percent during pregnancy? That extra blood is necessary to support your growing baby, and you should expect some changes in your veins due to all that increase. Veins expand during pregnancy, and varicose veins are very common, but they’re not the only vein change you might notice. Let’s look at some of the vein changes you might experience during pregnancy, so that you can know when to call your doctor.

Why Hormonal Vein Changes Happen During Pregnancy

In addition to the increased blood volume, other changes during pregnancy have an impact on your veins. Your hormones shift, and as progesterone increases, it relaxes the vein walls. This can cause the valves in the veins to function less effectively than they normally would. Additionally, as your uterus grows, it puts pressure on your pelvic veins, and this can slow the blood returning from the legs. These factors together can result in conditions like varicose veins, spider veins, pelvic congestion syndrome, and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Some of these are merely cosmetic concerns, while others present more serious health risks.

What’s Normal: Common Pregnancy Vascular Issues

There are certain things that just happen during most pregnancies, and they are nothing to worry about. Veins tend to be more visible, and some leg swelling in pregnancy is to be expected. Varicose veins occur when the valves in the veins malfunction and cause a backup of blood, but they are not usually dangerous. These veins will bulge and look discolored, and can even look ropey, but most of the time they resolve after the baby is born. With varicose veins you are likely to feel heaviness and fatigue in your legs. Spider veins are the result of increased blood volume and estrogen, and they are primarily a cosmetic concern. Like varicose veins, they will usually return to normal after childbirth.

What’s Not Normal: When to Be Concerned

As mentioned, varicose veins are not usually much of a concern. However, if you notice extreme leg pain while pregnant, your legs swell suddenly, or you notice changes to your skin, see your doctor as soon as possible. It is always best to consult your healthcare provider any time something unusual happens, so that any complications can be managed quickly. One serious condition to watch for is deep vein thrombosis (DVT). During pregnancy, you are at a higher risk of developing DVT, a serious condition in which blood clots form in the deep veins of your legs. If your skin is red, warm, or discolored, or you have pain or tenderness, these could be signs of DVT, which necessitates immediate medical attention.

Tips for Vein Care for Pregnant Women

It is not always possible to prevent varicose veins and other vascular issues during pregnancy, but there are some things you can do to improve your circulation.

Don’t sit or stand for long stretches, but change your position frequently.
Keep your legs uncrossed while you sit.
Put your feet up whenever possible.
Sleep on the left side.
Wear compression pantyhose or socks.
Don’t smoke, and limit alcohol and salt consumption.
Get regular exercise: swimming and yoga are excellent options.

Contact ReVaMP Heart & Vascular Institute for Safe and Supportive Pregnancy Vein Care

At ReVaMP Heart & Vascular Institute, our expert physicians specialize in advanced cardiovascular care, offering leading-edge technologies and minimally invasive treatments. Since 2021, we’ve proudly served patients across Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey, focusing on preventative care and personalized treatment plans tailored to each individual’s needs.

Our treatment includes interventions for coronary, structural, peripheral arterial, and vascular diseases, all designed to improve quality of life and overall well-being. We take the time to understand each patient’s condition and goals to deliver the most effective, compassionate care.