Many women first develop varicose veins or find that they get worse during pregnancy before coming to seeing the best vein clinic near me. This is particularly true for women carrying twins or during subsequent pregnancies. You may have little or no discomfort from varicose veins, or they may make your legs feel heavy and achy. The skin around a varicose vein may also itch, throb, or feel like it's burning. The symptoms tend to be worse at the end of the day, especially if you've been on your feet a lot.
You may have also noticed tiny blood vessels near the surface of the skin, especially on your ankles, legs, or face. These are called spider veins because they spread out like tiny tree branches and appear as a network of small red or blue veins.
What can I do to prevent varicose veins?
You may be able to prevent, or at least minimize, varicose veins while you're pregnant if you:
· Exercise daily—the key is to allow the blood in your body to circulate. Don’t stand or sit too long in the same position.
· Stay within the recommended weight range for your stage of pregnancy.
· Elevate your feet and legs to the level of your heart or higher whenever possible.
· Avoid crossing your legs or ankles when sitting. This tends to further slow down the circulation of blood.
An additional and helpful habit is to wear compression stockings during the day. When you wear compression stockings your veins are supported and enable the blood to flow more effectively. The external pressure improves blood flow by compressing refluxing veins and redistributing flow to the healthier parts of your venous system. In doing so, it can help to keep swelling down and reduce the achiness in your legs.
