An estimated one in every five adults has varicose veins, and pregnancy often predisposes to developing them. One reason for their frequent occurrence in the legs of pregnant women is because of the pressure exerted on the lower extremities from normal pregnancy-related weight gain. Meanwhile, the US Office on Women’s Health notes that increased venous blood-pumping activity and volume occurs during pregnancy to support fetal growth, and also pressure exerted by the expanding uterus on a large vein (inferior vena cava) likewise increases pressure on vein walls.
Once a lower...
Read More
