Pregnancy and Varicose Veins...Know the Risks

I just read a very interesting article in Venous Times discussing the risk factors for blood clots in women and pregnancy. We know that varicose veins increase the risk of venous thromboembolism (venous blood clots) because the flow in these large ropy veins is abnormal. The study in the Venous Times confirms that within the first six weeks after delivery, clot risk remains high due to elevated hormone levels. As to the increased risk associated with varicose veins, we strongly believe that women with symptomatic varicosities should undergo evaluation and treatment between pregnancies, as opposed to waiting until she is done with all pregnancies. Each successive pregnancy causes more and more vein damage with exacerbation of symptoms and additive risk.

Not only will varicose vein treatment, usually with VNUS Closure or microphlebectomy, alleviate symptoms of aching, heaviness, throbbing and fatigue in the leg, it will also reduce the risk of phlebitis as blood flow is normalized.

The various office based procedures we use to treat varicose veins are all done under local anesthesia and allow immediate return to normal activity. Your medical insurance plan usually considers these treatments medically necessary because the risk of non-treatment is progressive vein enlargement with the potential for skin damage, skin ulcers and DVT.

Again, women in child bearing years should undergo varicose vein evaluation and treatment between pregnancies so further pregnancies are better tolerated. As vascular surgeons with many years of extensive experience treating venous disorders, both Dr. Rosenberg and Dr. McNeill are best suited to give you the thorough evaluation you need for optimal results.