When Pregnancy Veins Won’t Go Away

When Pregnancy Veins Won’t Go Away

One of the many ways pregnancy can affect a woman’s body is through the appearance of varicose veins and spider veins. Although not all women develop them during pregnancy, they are more common after multiple pregnancies and in women with a family history of them. While pregnancy is a beautiful time in a woman’s life, it is also very challenging. Supporting a baby stresses the body and brings about some obvious and uncomfortable changes that leave many women wondering: When pregnancy veins won’t go away, what can be done?
If you develop varicose veins during pregnancy, you shouldn’t worry immediately.  It’s very common.  It would still be wise to let your doctor know about them.
If you didn’t have spider or varicose veins before pregnancy, your chances are pretty good that they’ll improve and possibly heal on their own.  Spider veins are usually temporary and improve a few months after you give birth.  If you did not have varicose veins before giving birth, they will likely shrink or disappear in a few months as well.  Although, they’re less likely to go away after multiple pregnancies.

What Can You Do in the Meantime?

  • Get rid of those extra pounds you gained during pregnancy.
  • Eat a healthy diet.
  • Get regular exercise.
  • Don’t cross your legs.
  • Don’t stand for extended periods.
  • Wear compression socks.
  • Be patient.
If three or four months have passed since giving birth, and you still have veins that bother you it’s probably time to seek treatment. Fortunately, there are safe and effective treatments available today that are far less invasive than older approaches.

Compression Therapy

It’s often recommended that women wear compression stockings to improve the circulation in their legs, either to prevent varicose veins during pregnancy or to deal with the symptoms. Compression therapy can be very helpful, but it should be overseen by a vein specialist. The level of compression needs to be correctly evaluated.

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure that only takes 15 to 60 minutes and requires no downtime. A solution is injected into the problem vein, causing it to collapse and be reabsorbed by the body. Larger veins may require multiple treatments.

Endovenous Laser Ablation

Endovenous Laser Ablation or EVLT remarkably effective treatment is also known as laser vein ablation. A catheter with a laser tip is inserted into the vein, guided by ultrasound. The laser then seals off the vein, diverting the blood flow. It only requires local anesthesia, is done in about an hour, and doesn’t require multiple sessions. 98% of patients experience immediate relief, and there is no interruption to your daily activities.

If you have concerns or questions about pregnancy veins and treatment options, please contact us. We offer care and treatment during and after pregnancy.
Why Winter Is the Best Time for Varicose Vein Treatment

Why Winter Is the Best Time for Varicose Vein Treatment

Varicose vein treatment is on the rise across the United States. New research indicates that this growth is likely to continue at a rate of 6.9% by the year 2021. If you are one of the millions of people who are planning to seek vein treatment, you might be wondering when you should schedule your treatment.

Below are five reasons why winter is the best time for varicose vein treatment. 

1) Compression Stockings are Easier to Tolerate in the Winter

Compression stockings play an instrumental role in optimizing vein care treatment. However, some people find them a bit hot and confining – especially in warmer weather.

By scheduling your treatment in the winter, these sensations are not as pronounced because the weather is cooler.

Wearing pants over compression stockings will be much more tolerable in cooler weather than in the summer months.

2) Your Legs Will Have Time to Respond to Treatment Before Spring and Summer

People who receive vein treatments sometimes do not notice positive results for weeks or months.

If you want to show off your treated legs during spring or summer, winter is the best time for varicose vein treatment. This will allow plenty of time for healing.

3) Your Treated Legs Will Likely be Hidden from View

In the days following sclerotherapy, your legs may show signs of bruising and discoloration. Additionally, you will likely be asked to wear compression stockings after treatment.

If treatment is completed during the winter months, people will not even notice that you have undergone a procedure to eliminate spider and varicose veins.

4) Patients are Less likely to Engage in Strenuous Activity

Rigorous exercise and weight lifting are both discouraged in the weeks following sclerotherapy or other vein care procedures. This can prove to be difficult for some people who are accustomed to regularly exerting themselves.

Because most people tend to exercise less in the winter months, it is a bit easier to adjust their exercise routines.

If you love the summer sun and swimming, take note that avoiding sun exposure and public swimming pools for a time after vein treatment is recommended.

5) Varicose Veins are Often at Their Worst During the Winter

A more sedentary lifestyle during the winter months can exacerbate varicose veins and highlight the need for treatment.

Lack of exercise can cause more pooling of blood in the legs.

It’s common for people to put a little weight on in the winter which doesn’t help either.

Failure to seek treatment for your varicose and spider veins can cause pain and other symptoms to worsen.

Winter really is the best time for varicose vein treatment. But if you are suffering and don’t want your condition to get worse, you should seek treatment right away regardless of the time of year.

Winter is the perfect time to visit The New Jersey Vein and Vascular Center to change the look and feel of your legs. Contact us today to find out how we can help you escape the escalated discomfort of varicose veins during the winter and become more confident in the look of your legs for Spring 2018.
Sports/Exercising and Varicose Veins – Get Up and Move!

Sports/Exercising and Varicose Veins – Get Up and Move!

A mainly sedentary lifestyle can contribute to the pain and appearance of varicose veins. One of the best ways to improve them is to participate in an exercise program that improves circulation without putting too much stress on your legs and helps with maintaining a healthy weight. Sports and exercising prevent varicose veins so get up and start moving.

 

Walking couple exercising varicose veins

Do get out and walk! Walking is probably one of the most important and recommended exercise for varicose vein sufferers, as it is fairly gentle on your legs while promoting circulation. So instead of just grabbing the mail, walk around the block and get your body moving!

 

Running grass woman

Don’t jog or run on hard surfaces. The literal “pounding the pavement” can stress the legs, causing swelling of varicose veins. Instead, try a gentle jog on an even, softer surface such as grass.

 

woman pool swimming

Do get in the water! Swimming is a great low-impact exercise that can further develop your calf muscles and aid in improving circulation. This exercise can be done at any level and is great for summer fun.

 

mature woman heavy weightlifting

Don’t participate in high-impact exercise. Heavy weightlifting, while a great workout, can be dangerous for a varicose vein sufferer, as it can put too much strain on the veins of your legs. Using lighter weights with fewer repetitions may be an option if weightlifting is something you love to do. Other such exercises include squats, lunges, and even yoga. Any exercise that increases abdominal pressure can increase leg vein pressure, leading to pain and swelling of varicose veins.

 

family biking park grass

Do get out and bike! Cycling, like walking and swimming, is an ideal low-impact activity that improves circulation while building and strengthening leg muscles. Take a family bike ride in your neighborhood or bring your bike to the park to see more wildlife.

 

mature woman tennis

Don’t participate in contact sports. In sports such as football, rugby, and even tennis and skiing. The high probability of injury and sudden, quick movement can be counterproductive to leg vein health.

 

walkers legs

Starting with walking, cycling, or swimming for 30 minutes a day is a great way to alleviate the pain and appearance of varicose veins.

For more information about your vascular health, contact NJVVC today!

 

Call Now
Contact Us