Did you know that approximately 3.79 million babies are born annually in the United States?
While pregnancy is a joyous occasion, a range of medical complications can befall on even the healthiest of pregnant women—both before and during birth. With hormonal and bodily changes comes the risk of developing vein diseases as well.
Let’s take a brief look at what happens to the veins during pregnancy and what pregnant women should do after postpartum recovery.
Vein health during pregnancy
The customary weight gain and the loss of mobility is a common occurrence for pregnant women. But what most people don’t know is that these symptoms also increase the risk of vein diseases in pregnant women.
The weight of the growing fetus, combined with the effects of the hormone called progesterone, which relaxes blood vessels in the feet and legs, can increase the possibility of varicose and spider veins in pregnant women. In addition to that, these factors can also make women susceptible to venous insufficiency.
Vein health after pregnancy
Spider veins usually disappear six months after a pregnant woman has given birth. They may take longer if a woman sustains the weight gain even after the pregnancy. Other than that, if mobility continues to remain impaired and the weight keeps increasing due to hormonal changes, the spider and varicose veins will also continue to grow.
This could also lead to a range of additional symptoms such as swollen thighs, ankles, legs, and even skin ulcers, which are a definitive indicator of varicose veins.
What should you do?
Several tips and tricks can help women maintain good vein health after pregnancy. Here are a few:
- Stick to a weight loss regimen after consulting a doctor so that the stress on your veins can be reduced, and blood circulation is restored to optimal.
- Consider indulging in light exercises such as running and walking for increased mobility as well as better cardiovascular health.
- Maintain a healthy diet and stay hydrated to maintain vein health. You should also refrain from excessive alcohol consumption.
- Make a habit of leg elevation after exercising during post-pregnancy. This reduces the pressure on the veins and limits the onset of venous insufficiency.
While these activities may seem easy to do on your own, it’s always best to consult a vein doctor to inquire about your vein health, as well as the steps you can take to improve it.
If you’re looking for certified and reliable vein doctors in NYC, head down to Varicose Veins Doctors New York!
We’re rated among the top vein treatment center in Manhattan with certified vascular surgeons that devise a comprehensive vein treatment plan pregnant women suffering from conditions such as varicose veins. Get in touch with us to book an appointment today!