Common questions relating to pregnancy are:
Background
Many women first develop unsightly varicose and smaller superficial veins or find they get worse during pregnancy. These may just be unsightly or cause symptoms such as discomfort, itchiness, dull throb or a burning feeling. Often this is worse near the end of the day.
Veins tend to get worse with each successive pregnancy and tends to be worse if one has twins or triplets. The good news is that veins that appear during pregnancy can improve significantly within 3 months after delivery, often with no treatment being necessary.
Treatment of varicose veins is not performed during pregnancy. Varicose veins are generally harmless in the short term and can wait until after pregnancy for treatment if necessary. It is usual to wait 3 months after delivery before determining whether this is necessary or not.
When should I treat them?
Not during pregnancy. Wait about 3 months after delivery before deciding. If the veins are too uncomfortable to live with or their appearance worries you.
If treatment is necessary, then one does not have to wait until having completed ones family before having treatment. Treatment can be performed between pregnancies.
Are Varicose Veins Serious?
Varicose veins are generally harmless in the short term and so treatment, if necessary, can usually wait until after pregnancy.
A small number of pregnant women who have varicose veins develop small blood clots in the veins under the skin surface (a condition called superficial thrombophlebitis).
If this occurs then the vein may feel hard and rope-like, with the skin often reddened, feeling hot and tender.
What Can Specialist Vein Care offer?
After a medical history and discrete examination a Duplex ultrasound of your legs would be performed to determine the cause and extent of the venous problem.
Thereafter, advice re prevention and support re your particular circumstance would be given. Often support stockings would be recommended.
