Pregnancy and the Development of Varicose Veins

Women who are pregnant often develop varicose veins. These are veins that have become enlarged, squiggly, and/or dark in appearance. They develop due to increased pressure in the numerous veins of the body which leads to the damage of vital blood valves. When blood valves are weakened blood can pool, ultimately leading to varicose veins. These veins can be painful and displeasing to look at. While this condition can happen to anyone it is especially common in pregnant women and the general female population. This is due to the increased weight during a pregnancy and the growing fetus applying added pressure to the lower abdomen and pelvic veins. Other common causes of varicose veins include: Obesity-Excess weight puts more of a workload on veins and therefore causes them to be susceptible to turning into varicose veins. Hormone Imbalance-Hormones play an important part towards nearly all bodily functions, which includes a significant role in the process of developing vein walls. During a pregnancy, hormones like estrogen are primarily focused on the health of the fetus and regard vein walls as second priority. As result many vein walls diminish in strength during a pregnancy making them more prone to become varicose veins Obesity-Any added weight causes veins to work harder and therefore makes them more prone to varicose veins. Poor dieting and lifestyle-It is important to eat healthy and exercise regularly otherwise vein health diminishes. Excessive Standing-By standing on ...
Source: Cord Blood News - Category: Perinatology & Neonatology Authors: Tags: Cord Blood Source Type: blogs