YUMMY MUMMY
A little more than you were expecting? Leading consultant vascular surgeon Michael Gaunt looks at the development of varicose veins during pregnancy
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aricose veins are very common. In fact, up to 20 percent of the population has varicose veins and many women first develop or notice varicose veins during pregnancy. Unfortunately, broken veins and spider veins are also very common with some women developing swollen ankles and suffering from poor circulation. “Weight fluctuations and hormone changes during pregnancy, may have an impact on the development and symptoms of varicose veins and thread veins” The good news is that varicose veins do not affect your baby, and most certainly do not put your unborn child at risk. However, they can be troublesome with on-going symptoms, often worse at night and increasing as the pregnancy reaches full term. Why am I susceptible to Varicose Veins during pregnancy? As your baby grows and the uterus enlarges, it adds increased pressure onto the principal vein on the right side of your body, significantly escalating the pressure on the leg veins. With the increase of blood during pregnancy, progesterone levels rise, promoting the walls of your blood vessels to relax. Your body has to work harder to return blood back to your heart; a significant factor for blood in your leg veins working against gravity. 7 6 A P R I L / M AY 2 0 1 8
What causes varicose veins? Varicose veins are caused by weaknesses in veins’ valves which prevent blood flowing properly between each of the vessels. If a one-way valve fails to let the blood through efficiently, the blood gets stored in the veins near the surface of the skin. This makes the vein expand, causing it to twist and protrude; presenting as a lumpy raised deep blue or red vein. Symptoms of varicose veins can include: • Aching, tired or heavy feeling in your legs • Painful throbbing, muscle cramping and swelling in your lower legs • Worsened pain after sitting or standing for a long time • Restless legs, especially at night • Persistent leg itching • Skin discolouration around the ankles Don’t ignore symptoms With busy family lifestyle’s many of us choose to ignore the onset of symptoms, and cover-up unsightly veins with layers of clothes. Symptoms develop very slowly over years and you may be unaware that the changes in your legs are due to varicose veins.
Self Help - recommendations • Keep moving to improve blood circulation • Try and manage your weight gain during pregnancy • Stretch and change your posture regularly • Try standing for some tasks • Wear support tights – compression tights help boost blood flow reducing blood pooling in the legs • Eat a balanced diet to reduce the risk of haemorrhoids (varicose veins in the rectum) Concerned you may need treatment? Book a mini consultation for just £95 and talk directly to Mr Michael Gaunt, Consultant Vascular Surgeon. The latest treatments can be performed under local anaesthetic as a walk-in, walk-out procedure and are recommended procedures after the birth. For more information on treatments visit: www.michaelgaunt.com Harley Street, London 01223 305858 Spire Norwich Hospital 01603 255574 BMI Bury St Edmunds Hospital 01223 305858 Spire Lea Cambridge 01223 266990 Nuffield Health Cambridge: 01223 370922 Private Secretaries: 01223 305858