Expert Tips From A Leader In Vein Care, Dr.
Kenneth Harper, MD, FACS, RPHS,
RPVI
MACON, Ga., May 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- If you are a mom,
you know that pregnancy is one of the most exciting journeys life
brings! This journey involves physical and emotional changes, and
it is easy to be anxious about how pregnancy might impact your
overall health, including your vein health. There are several
important things moms-to-be need to know about pregnancy and
protecting their vein health, as well as what they should ask their
OB/GYN about healthy circulation.
How Vein Health is Impacted by Pregnancy
Changes in pregnancy begin before you have a positive pregnancy
test. Among these changes are hormonal shifts and increased blood
volume to supply nutrients your baby needs. Later in pregnancy, as
your baby grows, it applies pressure to the veins in your pelvis
making your veins work harder. As the weeks go by, your risk of
developing venous disease including varicose veins and blood clots
increases and lasts until about 12 weeks post-delivery.
Five Questions to Ask Your OBGYN about Vein Disease
Here are 5 questions you should ask your OBGYN about venous
disease and how to prevent varicose veins and blood clots.
1. What are My Risk Factors During Pregnancy?
Not all pregnant women develop venous disease, but if you have a
family history of vein disease, have had multiple pregnancies,
stand or sit for long periods of time, or do not regularly
exercise, your risk may be higher.
2. Can I Prevent Vein Disease During My
Pregnancy?
The risks of venous disease can be lowered but not eliminated
during pregnancy. The earlier in your pregnancy you begin
conservative measures, the better.
Some of the suggested preventive measures include:
- Regular exercise (like walking)
- Elevate your legs several times per day above the level of your
heart
- When you are up on your feet wear medical-grade graduated
compression stockings
- Maintaining a healthy weight and diet during and after your
pregnancy
Be sure to check with your OB/GYN or a vein specialist about
which preventive measures are right for you.
3. What Are the Signs of Vein Disease During
Pregnancy?
The symptoms and signs of venous disease during pregnancy
include heaviness, aching pain, cramping, swelling, itching,
bulging veins, spider veins, and discoloration in the legs. These
signs and symptoms can be cause for concern. Tell your OB/GYN if
you begin experiencing these symptoms.
If you notice any sudden onset of shortness of breath, chest
discomfort, or rapid heartbeat, you should go to the nearest
emergency room, as these can be signs of a pulmonary embolism,
which is a blood clot in the lungs.
4. What Vein Treatments are Safe During Pregnancy?
It is possible you might develop venous disease despite taking
preventive measures, and in such cases, they might require medical
intervention. Venous treatments available for the non-pregnant
population include sclerotherapy injections, micro vein removal,
and endovenous laser or radiofrequency treatment. It's essential to
note that these treatments are generally not recommended during
pregnancy. Instead, the focus shifts to preventing venous disease
from escalating by incorporating what we call our Better Veins for
Life® principles, in addition to routine screening.
5. How Can I Manage Vein Disease Post-Pregnancy?
We advise evaluation by a vein specialist to diagnose and
receive treatment recommendations for venous disease that persists
after 12 weeks of postpartum healing, as it takes about 3 months
for the body to normalize to a pre-pregnancy state. Treatment
options for persistent or worsening varicose veins, spider veins,
and leg swelling include procedures such as venous ablation,
sclerotherapy, or adhesive treatments address the underlying cause
of your problems and the damaged surface veins.
For more about preventing varicose veins during pregnancy, you
can read more here:
https://www.veinspecialists.com/blog/how-to-prevent-varicose-veins-in-pregnancy/
About Dr. Harper
Dr. Kenneth Harper is the
founder of Vein Specialists of the South, LLC,
https://www.veinspecialists.com/ Since 1997, Dr. Harper
has focused on the diagnosis and minimally invasive treatments
for varicose veins, spider veins, venous ulcers, and leg swelling.
As a leader in Comprehensive Vein Care®, Dr. Harper
performed the first endovenous radiofrequency closure procedure in
Georgia (early 2000). Endovenous
radiofrequency closure is a minimally invasive alternative to vein
stripping. Since 2000, he has personally evaluated more than
30,000 patients and performed more than 18,000 vein procedures. Dr.
Harper lives in Macon, Georgia and
is a father of four children and the grandfather of 6.
Contact:
Madison Bishop
mbishop@veinspecialists.com
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SOURCE Vein Specialists of the South