Pregnancy is definitely a great experience but it is not devoid of challenges. One of the many physical changes that women go through during this time includes the formation of reticular veins, which shrouds many in anxiety. While these veins are generally innocuous, knowing their onset and some ways to treat them can already relieve concerns and help in comfort whilst pregnant.
What Are Reticular Veins?
Reticular veins, sometimes referred to as blue veins or feeder veins, are flat, small veins that are located beneath the surface of the skin. They can also be blue or green in color and range in size from around 1 to 3 mm. Unlike varicose veins, which are swollen and bulging, reticular veins are less prominent but can still cause discomfort and cosmetic concerns.
Why Do Reticular Veins Appear During Pregnancy?
There are numerous causes of reticular veins during pregnancy:
Blood Volume Increase
A woman’s blood volume increases by approximately thirty to fifty percent during pregnancy to provide the added nutrients to the developing child also which will help in development of reticular veins from the excess volume exerting pressure to the veins especially in lower limbs.
Hormonal Change
The body goes through many hormonal changes during pregnancy, especially high levels of progesterone. This hormone acts to smoothen blood vessels’ walls. While this is essential to enhanced blood perfusion, it may lead to enhanced visibility of veins and even increased their chances of being dilated.
Growing Uterus
As the uterus becomes bigger, it encroaches on the inferior vena cava, which is the big vein that returns blood from the lower body to the heart. This chain of events will increase the level of hydrodynamic resistance and eventually reduce blood flow which can lead to venous stasis in the leg veins as well as reticular veins proliferation.
Family History and Genetics
Family history of reticular veins poses a significant risk factor since it means that there is a genetic predisposition to the disease which will most likely show during pregnancy.
Multiple Pregnancies
Women with multiple pregnancies are predisposed mostly because there have been numerous episodes of high blood volume combined with hormone surge, leading to stress on veins.
Symptoms of Reticular Veins during Pregnancy
Reticular veins might not be very noticeable in terms of noticeable symptoms but in some cases in which they do, one can experience the following:
- They may experience slight inflammation of are affected limbs such as the legs.
- Mild pain or tiredness in the legs particularly when standing or walking for a long time.
- Itching sensation or slight discomfort around the inflamed veins.
- It consists of a network of blue or green intermediate veins that can be seen underneath the skin, quite close to the surface.
Are Reticular Veins Dangerous?
Fortunately, most reticular veins are benign, do not result in significant issues, and are scarcely in them debilitating. Nonetheless, they can indicate venous insufficiency which is the failure for blood to flow efficiently in the veins. This can be potentially worsened if left unmanaged as it can lead to the chances of developing varicose vein or venous disease.
How to Manage Reticular Veins during Pregnancy
While pregnant, alleviating reticular veins would require both therapy to relieve symptoms as well as prevention strategies. Some of these include:
Wear Compression Stockings
Compression stockings are established to encourage better blood circulation and minimize the blood that accumulates in our blood veins. They apply sufficient strain to the extremities preventing swelling and other sensations of unease.
Elevate Your Legs
As much as possible, place your legs on top of your heart level. This reduces the weight that is placed on the veins and increases blood circulation which calms the reticular veins.
Stay Active
Simple exercises or sports such as walking, swimming, and prenatal yoga help in the circulation thereby minimizing vein-associated symptoms. When you are sitting or standing, do not do so for a prolonged period to allow blood from accumulating in the legs.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Gaining extra weight while pregnant may add more strain on the veins of the able. Consider eating healthy in a well-balanced diet in order to aid in weight control and overall health of the veins.
Consume enough water and Eat High Fiber Foods
Intake of sufficient water and a diet high in fiber can help avoid constipation which is common during pregnancy and elevates the pressure in the lower body veins.
Lie on your Left Side
Lying on your left side decreases the pressure exerted on the inferior vena cava and therefore helps circulation as well as pressure that causes vein problems.
Use Arctic packs
For those who notice swelling or pain, arctic packs can be helpful in providing alleviation by minimizing the inflammation, and relaxing the veins.
Medical Treatments after Having the Baby
For some women, having bulky reticular veins after delivering a baby remains a concern, however there are treatments available after the birth of the baby. These consist of the following:
Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy involves the use of special solutions injected to veins of concern to make them shrink and eventually disappear. This is an ideal solution for reticular veins. It is advisable to undertake the procedure after a woman’s pregnancy and breast-feeding.
Laser Therapy
Laser therapy uses precise beams of focused light that can reduce the appearance of reticular veins. This is also a non-invasive method that can be suitable for women experiencing the veins’ post-pregnancy related problems.
Consult a Vein Specialist
Reticular veins that cause persistent discomfort or are a source of concern should be seen by a phlebologist or veins expert. They are able to offer the best possible treatments for you depending on the condition presented.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Even though reticular veins are relatively non-threatening, you should seek medical attention if you experience any of the following;
- Leg swelling or leg pain that is severe.
- Redness, warmth, or tenderness over a vein which may signal a clot or inflammation of the vessel.
- Symptoms of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), such as an acute sudden pain in the leg or a swollen leg.
Conclusion
During pregnancy, the picture of reticular veins is frequent and, as a rule, it is a painless disorder. However, discomfort and aesthetic inadequacy are possible. Knowing the triggers and changing certain lifestyle habits may help expectant mothers deal with the veins perfectly well. If some symptoms do not go away or worsen in any way, the health care provider consulted ensures the best care for both mother and baby. One should understand that pregnancy is a rare time in one’s life and the correct approach can enable an enjoyable experience during the whole period.