Pregnancy does so much to a woman’s body, but one change you may not expect to see is varicose or spider veins. You have been through pregnancy and you have been through childbirth – breastfeeding is the next challenge for you and your body. Is it safe to do something about those veins while you are breastfeeding?
Where did these veins come from?
Unfortunately for many women, varicose (those ugly veins that bulge out from underneath the skin) and spider (those tiny purple or blue veins that resemble spider webs) veins are a part of being pregnant. They are the result of a few things that come along with pregnancy: hormones, an increase in blood volume to support the baby, and the increased amount of work your body has to do to keep your blood flowing. All of this puts a lot of stress on your veins, which can create varicose veins, spider veins, or both.
Treatments for veins
There are several things you can try at home to relieve painful veins: avoid standing or sitting for an extended period of time, take 15 to 30 minute walks two to three times per day, elevate your legs when you can, and wear graduated compression stockings.
If these tips just aren’t helping, you should contact your doctor. Each individual physician may have a different opinion on what treatments for veins are all right to use for a breastfeeding mom – but you should see your doctor for help with your veins, especially if they are causing you discomfort.
Possible treatment options include radiofrequency ablation, laser treatment, and sclerotherapy. These treatments are minimally invasive and can be done in your doctor’s office.
Breastfeeding can be a very rewarding experience, and it is so good for your baby! The good news is that there may be a treatment for you so that you and your baby can get all of the benefits of breastfeeding and you can still get your beautiful, vein-free (and pain-free) legs back. Call the office of Dr. Sammy A. Zakhary for a vein treatment consultation. Contact the Glendale, Arizona, office today, at (623) 258-3255 for an appointment!