information on the types of vein issues that can arise during pregnancy and tips to prevent them.

1. www.usaveinclinics.com
BABY STRAINS
ON YOUR VEINS
VENOUS INSUFFICIENCY
• Marked by swelling, pain,
itching, skin discoloration, night
cramps, burning and heaviness
in the legs, ankles or feet
• Chronic edema (swelling)
can cause blood capillaries to
burst, leading to ulceration,
inflammation and internal
tissue damage
VARICOSE VEINS
• Large, swollen blood
vessels mostly in the
legs; can also occur
anywhere on the lower
half of the body
• While they may
look alarming, they
are common
• Lumps get larger as the
pregnancy progresses,
and recede after birth
SPIDER VEINS
• Small reddish or bluish
veins appear mostly on
the legs; can occur on
other parts of body or
on face
• Look like a spider web,
sunburst or as a series of
short, disconnected lines
• These veins disappear in
3 – 4 months after birth
DEEP VEIN
THROMBOSIS (DVT)
• Characterized by a blood
clot in a deep vein
• Symptoms include a heavy,
painful feeling in one leg,
warmth in the calf or thigh,
and mild to severe swelling
• Can be life-threatening if
left untreated
While medical vein treatments are not performed
during pregnancy, the following tips can help:
How Can You Alleviate Vein
Pain and Discomfort?
Which Vein Diseases Affect
Pregnant Women?
What Causes Vein Problems During Pregnancy?
• An increase in blood volume by up to 30 – 50 PERCENT
• EXTRA PROGESTERONE, a hormone that dilates blood vessels
• Pressure of the GROWING UTERUS on the pelvic area’s veins
• Exercise safely and regularly
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Don’t sit for too long; move legs
while sitting
• Don’t cross your legs when sitting
• Stand, walk and stretch after sitting
for a time
• If you must stand for long periods,
shift your weight from leg to leg
• Lie down and elevate your legs
as often as possible
• Wear comfortable, loose and
non-binding clothing
• Wear compression stockings
(support hose)
• Wear comfortably fitting shoes
• Reduce salt intake and increase
water intake
• Consume lots of fiber and foods
with vitamin C
• Don’t strain when lifting or on
the toilet
• Sleep on your left side