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Varicose veins during and after pregnancy – what you need to know.

Photo by Pelayo Arbués on Unsplash

Why am I susceptible to varicose veins during pregnancy?

Many women first notice varicose veins during pregnancy, when significant weight fluctuations and hormone changes impact on the development and symptoms of varicose veins. Unfortunately, broken veins and spider veins may also develop, with some mothers-to-be experiencing uncomfortable swollen ankles and suffering from poor circulation.

With the increase of blood during pregnancy, progesterone levels rise, prompting the walls of your blood vessels to relax. Your body has to work harder to return blood back to your heart, significantly increasing the risks of developing varicose veins in your legs.

Will varicose veins affect my pregnancy?

The good news is that varicose veins do not affect your baby and most certainly do not put your unborn child at risk.  However, they can be troublesome, with on-going symptoms, often worse at night and increasing as the pregnancy reaches full term.

What causes varicose veins?

Varicose veins are caused by weaknesses in veins’ valves which prevent blood flowing properly between each of the vessels. If a one-way valve fails, the blood refluxes and gets stored in the veins near the surface of the skin. This makes the vein expand, causing it to twist and protrude, presenting as a lumpy raised vein, either deep blue or red in appearance.

Top symptoms of varicose veins

  • Aching or heavy feeling in your legs
  • Painful throbbing, muscle cramping and swelling in your lower legs
  • Swollen ankles
  • Worsened pain after sitting or standing for a long time
  • Restless legs, especially at night
  • Persistent leg itching
  • Skin discolouration around the ankles

How can I reduce varicose vein discomfort?

  •  Move around as much as possible and take frequent breaks if you have to stand or sit for long periods of time
  • Wear maternity support or compression tights

What varicose vein treatments are available?

 Successful treatment depends on careful pre-operative assessment. Reviewing visible swollen veins are just the tip of the iceberg. Mr Michael Gaunt assesses the underlying vascular condition before deciding upon the most suitable treatment for each patient.

“I perform a full diagnostic assessment with a Duplex ultrasound scan to identify the problematic veins and underlying problem before recommending the best procedure and treatment plan for you”

 As one of the most experienced and respected surgeons in the UK, Michael Gaunt takes pride in delivering the highest quality of award-winning patient service and he specialises in minimally invasive treatments for varicose veins using:

  • Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA)
  • VNUS Closure
  • ClariVein
  • Sclerotherapy
  • Microsclerotherapy
  • VeinWave

Recommended after the birth, these procedures can be performed under local anaesthetic as walk in / walk out treatments, allowing you time to enjoy your new family with little impact on your busy lifestyle.

To learn more or to book an appointment with Mr Michael Gaunt call his specialist team on 01223 305858

 

Photo by Pelayo Arbués on Unsplash

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Feeling Good, Looking Good.

Happy, healthy legs with Michael Gaunt

Don’t neglect your legs! Consultant vascular surgeon Michael Gaunt is no stranger to treating Varicose and Thread Veins that impact on active lifestyles and sporting performance.
There’s no doubt feeling good and looking good certainly go hand in hand. Whether you are keen to maintain intensive aerobic sports or enjoy low impact exercise, such as swimming and yoga, Michael Gaunt can help improve your vascular health and wellbeing. Exercise is of primary importance to maintain a healthy lifestyle and has beneficial effects on varicose veins supporting good blood flow.

Michael Gaunt specialises in the treatment of varicose, thread and facial spider veins and is one of the most experienced and respected surgeons in the UK. He performs personal and minimally invasive treatment of veins using Endovenous Laser ablation (EVLA), VNUS Closure and ClariVein. He also performs ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy, microsclerotherapy and VeinWave techniques.

“Many of my sporting patients complain of heavy and tired legs. They’ve often noticed a gradual decline in their performance, taking longer to recover after training”

Varicose veins are not commonly thought of as a condition that can affect sporting performance but they can. Veins are responsible for removing the waste products of muscle metabolism, such as lactic acid, out of the legs. Varicose veins are veins that are not working properly. Varicose veins impair the function of the normal veins in the legs.
Treating varicose veins immediately improves the venous function of the leg, advancing the clearance of toxic waste products and naturally helps to improve activity.

“I have successfully performed over 4000 minimally invasive techniques with amazing results. People are back on their feet immediately”

Stay Active

Maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle is something we all strive to do yet many of us neglect our varicose veins. The condition can be painful and if untreated can lead to leg swelling, pigmentation of the skin of the lower leg and ulcers. Unsightly varicose veins may affect your confidence. Many patients complain of having to cover up during the summer months.
The truth is, even athletes and active people can have varicose and spider veins. There are many variations of varicose veins and it’s always worth getting a personal consultation to access what your treatment options are. Proper vascular assessment is necessary prior to treatment to exclude any underlying conditions.

“Recent advances mean that the underlying causes of varicose and spider veins may be easily identified and the correct personalised treatment plan offered”

Book a consultation and receive Michael Gaunt’s expert opinion and a tailored treatment plan including information on treatment options available.

“I was surprised at how easy it was to get my varicose veins treated. I made a local appointment and had a personal consultation followed by successful treatment with Michael Gaunt”

Consultations with Michael Gaunt are available at Harley Street London, BMI Bury St. Edmunds, Spire Norwich, Nuffield Health Cambridge or Spire Lea Cambridge . 01223 305858.

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Embarrassed by red thread veins? Do you long for clear unblemished skin?

Leading consultant vascular surgeon Michael Gaunt says modern treatment methods offer a quick and effective solution.

Most of us want to hold back the signs of ageing and reduce skin blemishes. Thread veins or spider veins are a familiar problem for men and women. The tiny red or purple broken veins are most commonly found on the face, around the cheeks and nose, but also appear on ankles and legs. They initially emerge as one or two tiny fine lines but develop a web like pattern, that enlarges across the skin; hence the term spider vein. Continue reading “Embarrassed by red thread veins? Do you long for clear unblemished skin?”