Thigh pain and varicose in pregnancy are quite common concerns. For some women, they may cause only mild discomfort. For others, they can cause swelling or pain in the legs. Mostly, vein health improves gradually after delivering a baby. At times, they persist and require proper medical attention to ease pain or address cosmetic issues.
But no worries! If you have insight into the reasons these changes take place, it can greatly assist in the management of an expectant mother. Gentle movements, use of food and drinks, non-surgical options, and the advice and guidance from someone directly trained to treat and observe these changes can be very beneficial for improving blood flow and overall comfort.
Go through this varicose veins guide to care for your legs and stay comfortable throughout this special journey.
Thigh Pain and Varicose in Pregnancy: What Do They Actually Mean?
Thigh pain, especially when you are pregnant, is often thought of as a sign of varicose veins. Varicose veins are simply rope-like swellings under the skin that can feel painful. Medical professionals state it is normal for a woman to experience this during pregnancy, mostly in the final trimester.
Commonly observed veins may seem visible in the thighs, around the ankle, and even vertically around the pelvic area. If you have varicose veins early stages symptoms, you may not be able to observe bulging varicose veins but may see spider veins, which look like red or blue lines and this manifestation.
Both can happen due to increased blood volume, pressure on the veins, and improper circulation. And this is why many expecting mothers experience aches in their thighs and changes in vascular health.
Causes of Thigh Pain and Varicose in Pregnancy
Hormonal shifts and the extra weight of your enlarging baby during pregnancy raise the risk of thigh pain and varicose veins. This is because:
- Increased levels of progesterone relax the walls of blood vessels. This can lower the effectiveness of the vein valves and decrease blood flow.
- Blood volume increases more than usual. This causes added pressure on your veins.
- The baby presses on the pelvic veins. This can interfere with proper circulation in the legs and pelvic area.
Usually, doctors advise you to avoid sitting with legs crossed during pregnancy. It restricts the blood from flowing against the force of gravity from the legs to the heart.
Risk Factors for Thigh Pain and Varicose in Pregnancy
If you have any of these risk factors, you should start varicose veins diagnosis and treatment to prevent further complications.
- Diet:
Eating too much salt, not drinking enough water, and insufficient fibre content may result in water retention. This can lead to varicose veins and even haemorrhoids sometimes. - Genetics:
Varicose veins are in your family line. i.e., mother or grandmother. Then, you are more likely to get varicose veins when you are pregnant. - Weight:
Carrying excess weight or having more than one baby adds extra strain on the veins. Hence, varicose veins are more prevalent.
Whatever the causes may be, consulting a vascular specialist and learning how to treat varicose veins in pregnancy is the first step to getting out of this condition.
How to Treat Thigh Pain and Varicose Veins in Pregnancy
Thigh pain and varicose veins that develop during pregnancy resolve on their own after giving birth for most women. Particularly for some, pain would be severe. So medical treatment varicose veins in pregnancy is necessary.
Conservative Pregnancy Management
- Compression Therapy
Compression stockings assist in enhancing blood flow and alleviating swelling, thigh pain during pregnancy, and heaviness in the legs. - Topical Agents
Applying creams or gels may relieve the itching and irritation of varicose veins and any minor discomfort. - Lifestyle Adjustments
Elevating your legs, limiting your standing time, and gentle exercise. These can all relieve your symptoms of thigh pain and varicose veins.
Pregnancy may warrant more severe symptoms for women who suffer from painful or recurrent varicose veins, and they can seek treatment options for varicose veins treatment in Mumbai.
Postpartum Therapies
When varicose veins persist after pregnancy, a number of minimally invasive therapies are possible:
- Endovenous Laser Ablation – EVLA:
Utilises laser light to close malfunctioning veins effectively and safely. - Sclerotherapy:
The process of injecting a liquid into smaller veins to close them. - Vein Stripping (Rarely Needed):
In serious cases or when other options fail.
When to See a Doctor
See a doctor if:
- Pain or swelling becomes noticeably worse.
- There are changes in the skin. It includes discolouration or ulcers.
- There is left leg swelling during pregnancy or sudden tenderness that could indicate a blood clot.
Seeking timely treatment and following simple precautions during pregnancy can reduce discomfort and manage varicose veins complications and preventions without much stress. As a result, your vascular health will improve gradually.
Conclusion
Thigh pain during pregnancy and varicose veins should be treated early in pregnancy. This keeps the mother and baby comfortable and averts complications. Dr. Kunal Arora, M.B.B.S., M.D. Radiodiagnosis, F.V.I.R, A Vascular and Interventional Radiologist in Mumbai with more than 9 years of experience, specialises in minimally invasive procedures to treat varicose veins during pregnancy and other vascular diseases.
Based at the Endovascular Care Centre in Mumbai, he specialises in safe, effective, and surgery-free measures. Make an appointment today to enjoy a pregnancy free from thigh pain and varicose veins!
FAQs
1. What can you do for varicose veins in pregnancy?
Compression stockings, elevation of the legs, and gentle exercise. You will also want to maintain a healthy weight, stay hydrated, and avoid sitting for long periods.
2. Is normal delivery possible when you have varicose veins?
Yes! Varicose veins rarely trouble pregnancy. So the majority of women can experience a healthy vaginal birth.
3. How to improve blood circulation in the legs during pregnancy?
Raise your legs while resting and do not cross them. Move around often, and do low-level, gentle exercises.
