- A varicose vein is a vein that is lengthened, twisted or dilated. These types of veins often occur on the feet and legs but can happen to any vein in the body. Veins work with arteries to transport blood. The arteries transport the blood from the heart and lungs to the many different parts of the body that need oxygen and nutrition. The veins then take the spent blood back to the heart and lungs to be infused with more nutrients and oxygen. However, veins usually have to fight against gravity. This can add to a variety of problems, including varicose veins. This is especially true in pregnant women.
- When women become pregnant their entire body make up literally changes. One of these changes involves an increase in the volume of blood volume circulating in their bodies. (This is to make up for the blood within the baby as well.) However, the body's capacity for circulating blood volume does not change. The additional volume can cause backups of blood into the woman's legs and feet.
- The growth of the uterus during pregnancy can also complicate the work of the veins. As the uterus grows, it puts pressure on the inferior vena cava in the leg. This adds pressure on veins as they carry blood back to the heart. As the pressure increases, the vein is forced to expand, which tends to create bulges.
- During a pregnancy, the body produces a hormone called progesterone. As a side effect of this hormone, the walls of the veins begin to relax . In a regular system the veins are strong enough to withstand the pressure without changing their shape. However, when the walls are weakened, the veins are unable to withstand the pressure and bulge into varicose veins.
- Pregnancy related varicose veins usually subside within 3 months after the birth of the child. Once the body has had time to return to normal blood volume and the walls have restrengthened, the veins will usually return to their regular shape and size.
