Though the joys of pregnancy are many, so are the frustrations. For many expectant mothers, the sudden appearance of varicose veins is a primary concern. Not only are they unsightly, but varicose veins can be painful, adding to the overall discomfort often experienced during the later months of pregnancy. But while you’re carrying your baby, and for several months afterward, vein treatment s put on the backburner.
Pregnancy spider veins are temporary in many cases
The good news is that most pregnancy-related spider and varicose veins will disappear on the back burner in the months following your baby’s birth. Dr. Jame.s St. George of the St. Johns Vein Center in Jacksonville, Florida, recommends waiting three to four months after you’ve given birth before considering vein treatment to see if and to what extent bothersome spider and varicose veins remain. Pregnancy can be challenging enough without undergoing an unnecessary treatment like sclerotherapy. Also, many vein specialists are wary of treatment during pregnancy, as it is unknown what effect the sclerotherapy medications may have on your baby.
Treatments are best to wait until after delivery
Another danger of varicose vein treatment delivered too soon is its potential effect on breastfed babies. It’s not yet known whether or how the chemicals used in. the manufacture of sclerosing agents may affect a mother’s milk and, therefore, a nursing baby’s health. To be safe, waiting until your baby is weaned before considering sclerotherapy or other vein treatment is best. Alternatively, you may undergo sclerotherapy by pumping breast milk before treatment to use for your baby, and you will then “pump and dump” the milk for the first 48-72 hours after treatment.
If you suffer pregnancy-related varicose veins that are painful or highly uncomfortable, you may get relief from wearing a graduated compression hose. Contact the St. Johns Vein Center at 904-402-VEIN (8346) to schedule a consultation.
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