Varicose Veins in Pregnancy
Written by Dr.M.D.Mazumdar, MD
Varicose veins are a common feature in pregnancy, especially in late pregnancy. They are enlarged and engorged veins which can be seen on the skin as bluish, squiggly, swollen lines.
Older women who have been pregnant earlier are more likely to suffer from this problem.
Varicose veins occur mainly on the legs but can also occur on the vulva, opening of the vagina or even at the cervix (mouth of the uterus). When they occur at the mouth of the cervix, they can cause blood stained vaginal discharge or bleeding during pregnancy.
Varicose veins which occur at the anus and rectum is known as hemorrhoids.
Symptoms of Varicose Veins in Pregnancy
- Thin bluish irregular lines on the skin.
- Swollen areas on the skin which can be pressed easily without any pain.
- When pressed with the fingertip, the swelling disappears. When the finger is removed, the swelling recurs immediately.
- Itching over the swollen areas.
- Sense of heaviness of the legs, especially when walking.
- Sometimes there may be a dull ache.
- Varicose veins on the cervix can cause mild bleeding or spotting in pregnancy.
- Varicose veins at the rectum (hemorrhoids, piles) can cause bleeding while passing stool.
- Infected or thrombosed hemorrhoids can cause pain.
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Causes of Varicose Veins in Pregnancy
How to Prevent Varicose Veins in Pregnancy
Also Read-
- Complications in Normal Labor.
- Vaginal Discharge in Pregnancy.
- Breast Engorgement .
- External Female Reproductive Anatomy- Vulva, Clitoris, G-spot etc.
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