For as many as 70% of expectant mothers, varicose veins can come as a somewhat frightening surprise. At Vein Specialists of Geneva & Elk Grove, Dr. Kevin P. Kern often sees patients who are concerned about these changes during pregnancy and want to understand why they occur and what can be done to manage them safely.
What Are Varicose Veins?
Pregnancy causes many natural shifts in circulation and hormone levels, and some of these changes can contribute to the development of varicose veins. These enlarged veins commonly appear in the legs, but they can also develop around the breasts, rectum, and vulva. While they may look concerning, they are a very common side effect of pregnancy.
Varicose veins are bulging, twisted veins that are generally blue or purple. You can feel them right under the surface of the skin. Veins do not have strong muscles to move blood forward, and they rely on one-way valves and leg muscles to help move blood back to the heart. When the valves are incompetent, blood can build up in the leg veins. This increased pressure forces the walls of the veins to swell and bulge.
Why Pregnancy Can Lead to Varicose Veins
Pregnancy causes significant physical and chemical changes that can influence varicose vein development.
Progesterone – This hormone is increased during pregnancy. It is essential for a healthy pregnancy, but it also causes the veins to relax. Blood does not move as easily through these relaxed veins. As blood builds up, the pressure within the vein increases and the vein enlarges.
Increased blood – The volume of blood in a pregnant woman’s body increases during pregnancy. More blood overall means there is more blood within the veins, and this increases the strain on the vein valves and walls.
Pressure from the uterus – The growing baby within the uterus pushes against the organs and blood vessels in the abdomen. Blood moves from the leg veins to veins in the pelvis, or lower abdomen, before moving back to the heart. The pressure placed on these pelvic veins by the uterus prevents blood from flowing out of the legs.
This effect is particularly pronounced near your lower body, as your legs are responsible for working against gravity to deliver the extra blood to your heart. This blood also moves more slowly than normal, increasing the pressure placed on the veins and causing them to bulge.
Why Choose Us For Pregnancy-Related Vein Care
Pregnancy places unique demands on the circulatory system, and evaluating vein symptoms during this time requires careful attention. Dr. Kern has more than 25 years of experience diagnosing and treating vein disease and understands how pregnancy can affect circulation in the legs.
Because the practice focuses exclusively on vein conditions, patients receive specialized evaluation and guidance for managing varicose veins during and after pregnancy. Early assessment helps identify circulation changes, relieve discomfort, and determine whether treatment may be appropriate after delivery.
Pregnancy Vein Care in Geneva and Elk Grove Village
Frustrated with varicose veins due to pregnancy? Vein Specialists of Geneva & Elk Grove is here to support you. Contact our office today at 224.521.4224 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Kern and learn how to make pregnancy more comfortable.