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Questions to Ask Your OBGYN About Preventing Venous Disease in Pregnancy

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July 5, 2023

Reviewed by Dr. Kenneth Harper, MD

 

If you are a mom or looking forward to being a mom, it is an exciting time in your life. Having a baby is a beautiful journey. This journey involves physical and emotional changes and it is easy to be anxious about how pregnancy might impact your overall health, including your vein health. The bottom line is, pregnancy can impact your vein health but there is hope. This blog shares things you need to know about pregnancy and protecting your vein health, and what you should ask your OBGYN about healthy circulation and how to prevent varicose veins, spider veins, and blood clots. Plus, we’ll give you information about treating varicose veins that may develop during your pregnancy despite your best efforts.

How Vein Health is Impacted by Pregnancy

Changes in pregnancy begin before you have a positive pregnancy test. Among these changes are hormonal shifts and increased blood volume to supply nutrients your baby needs. Later in pregnancy, as your baby grows, it applies pressure to the veins in your pelvis making your veins work harder. As the weeks go by, your risk of developing venous disease including varicose veins and blood clots (deep and superficial vein thrombosis DVT/SVT) increases and lasts until about 12 weeks post-delivery.

pregnant patient with her OBGYN

Five Questions to Ask Your OBGYN About Venous Disease

During your next appointment, talk to your OBGYN about venous disease and how to prevent varicose veins and blood clots.

What are My Risk Factors for Venous Disease in Pregnancy?

Not all pregnant women develop venous disease, as genetics and lifestyle factors can play a role in increasing the risk. Other risk factors include obesity, a family history of venous disease, previous venous disease, a sedentary lifestyle (including being on bed rest during pregnancy), and multiple pregnancies.

Ask your OBGYN what they recommend for you to minimize or prevent venous disease. If they are not sure, call your vein specialists for help.

Can Venous Disease During Your Pregnancy Be Prevented?

The risks of venous disease can be lowered but not eliminated during pregnancy. Some of the suggested preventive measures include:

  • The earlier in your pregnancy you begin conservative measures, the better.
  • Regular exercise (like walking) promotes healthy venous blood flow
  • Elevate your legs several times per day above the level of your heart to encourage healthy venous blood flow.
  • When you are up on your feet wear medical-grade graduated compression stockings to improve circulation
  • Maintaining a healthy weight and diet during and after your pregnancy
  • Avoid heels and wear sensible, comfortable shoes

Not sure? Ask your OBGYN about which preventive measures are ideal for you during your pregnancy.

What Are the Signs of Venous Disease During Pregnancy?

The symptoms and signs of venous disease during pregnancy include heaviness, aching pain, cramping, swelling, itching, bulging veins, spider veins, and discoloration in the legs. These signs and symptoms can be cause for concern. Tell your OB/GYN should you have concerns.

If you notice any sudden onset of shortness of breath, chest discomfort, or rapid heartbeat, you should go to the nearest emergency room, as these can be signs of a pulmonary embolism, which is a blood clot in the lungs.

What Venous Treatments Are Safe During Pregnancy?

It is possible you might develop venous disease despite taking preventive measures, and in such cases, they might require medical intervention. Venous treatments available for the non-pregnant population include sclerotherapy injections, micro vein removal, and endovenous laser or radiofrequency treatment. It’s essential to note that these treatments are generally not recommended during pregnancy. Instead, the focus shifts to preventing venous disease from escalating by incorporating what we call our Better Veins for Life® principles, in addition to routine screening.

How Can I Manage Venous Disease Post-Pregnancy?

If you developed venous disease during pregnancy and already gave birth, it takes about 3 months for the body to normalize to a pre-pregnancy state. We advise evaluation by a vein specialist to diagnose and receive treatment recommendations for venous disease that persists after 12 weeks of postpartum healing. Treatment options for persistent or worsening varicose veins, spider veins, and leg swelling include conservative care options that were safe during your pregnancy. In addition, procedures such as venous ablation, sclerotherapy, or adhesive treatments treat the underlying cause of your problems and the damaged surface veins.

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BETTER LIFE.® PLAN

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HAVE YOUR LEGS EVALUATED

ENJOY BETTER LOOKING BETTER FEELING LEGS

Why Choose Vein Specialists of the South for Vein Treatments in Georgia?

Vein Specialists of the South has been committed to treating venous disease using minimally invasive methods since 1997. We have multiple locations in Georgia, including in Warner Robins and Locust Grove, as well as our original location in Historic Downtown Macon. We are the first and only experts in the area who exclusively focus on treating veins. You can expect to receive advanced technology alongside friendly and professional service from us. Vein Specialists of the South assures you that we will prioritize your needs and exceed your expectations.

Our consultations and treatments take place in a comforting and cozy office environment. It is a ‘walk in walk out treatment with little to no downtime’ recovery. We want to make you feel comfortable throughout your entire experience with us, starting from your first communication with us and continuing through your interactions with our receptionist, clinical staff, and diagnostic assessment team, and concluding with your consultation and treatment with our vein specialists. We will share the results and suggestions with you so that you can make an informed decision about your healthcare before finishing the evaluation.

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Schedule a Vein Evaluation Today!

Whether you’re pregnant, recently had a baby, or had multiple pregnancies and you want to know how to achieve Better Veins for Life®, talk to your OBGYN or reach out to us for a vein evaluation at one of our three convenient locations in Macon, Warner Robins, or Locust Grove, GA.

Not ready for an in-office visit? We also offer Virtual Vein consultations and Telehealth options for added convenience.

Contact us today to learn more, schedule your appointment, and get answers to your questions about insurance, financing, and what to expect every step of the way.

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Macon: 478-743-2472

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Locust Grove: 470-880-8346

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