SIGVARIS information on venous disease and pregnancy

PREGNANCY AND VENOUS DISEASE

The hormonal impact

Pregnancy is a very special time for woman. The pregnancy hormones and the growing child-bearing uterus have effects on the veins of the mother-to-be. Consequently, one women out of three experiences common symptoms such as heavy, tired, aching legs and swollen feet and ankles. Varicose veins may also develop. They often appear around the fourth month of pregnancy and regress usually after the baby is born. Existing varicose veins tend to get worse during pregnancy.

There are several reasons for these conditions, including the following :

increase of blood volume ;
loss of venous walls tonicity ;
pressure increase in the leg veins, caused by the position of the baby ;
change of blood consistency increasing the risk of blood clot formation.
The risks of venous disorders during pregnancy are further increased if the following factors are present :

history of venous disease in the family ;
pre-existing venous condition ;
multiple pregnancies ;
prolonged sitting or standing .

Varicose vein during pregnancy

During pregnancy, spider veins and varicose veins may become painful, warm, and take a purple color. Cramps occur more often and are painful.

The risks of complications like phlebitis and trombophlebitis are increased. Venous thrombo-embolism is the most common complication of pregnancy.

>>> see "Complications of venous disease"

The benefits of compression while pregnant

Wearing compression stockings during pregnancy prevents blood pooling in the veins and an increase of the heart rate in the mother and child associated with it. Furthermore, it may reduce the risk of varicose veins, phlebitis, thrombosis. Compression therapy also reduces the most common symptoms such as swollen feet and ankles, tired and achy legs.

If you discover the benefits of compression stockings during pregnancy, you may realize that after your pregnancy you may want to continue wearing them for improved leg health for years to come.

Consult your doctor about the benefits of compression therapy during pregnancy.

SIGVARIS® is known throughout the world for providing premium quality compression products combining wearing comfort, fashionable looks and a broad selection of products matching different life styles.

SIGVARIS Tips:

Avoid prolonged standing or sitting
Elevate your feet and legs
Avoid exposure to hot temperatures (hot baths, saunas, sunbathing)
Move, walk, swimm, bike!!
Refresh your legs with a cooling shower
Wear SIGVARIS medical compression stockings

SIGVARIS, LIFE FOR LEGS and the lig icon are registered trademarks of Ganzoni & Cie AG, St.Gallen/Switzerland in many countries worldwide

Copyright © 2009

PREGNANCY AND VENOUS DISEASE
The hormonal impact
Pregnancy is a very special time for woman. The pregnancy hormones and the growing child-bearing uterus have effects on the veins of the mother-to-be. Consequently, one women out of three experiences common symptoms such as heavy, tired, aching legs and swollen feet and ankles. Varicose veins may also develop. They often appear around the fourth month of pregnancy and regress usually after the baby is born. Existing varicose veins tend to get worse during pregnancy.
There are several reasons for these conditions, including the following : increase of blood volume ; loss of venous walls tonicity ; pressure increase in the leg veins, caused by the position of the baby ; change of blood consistency increasing the risk of blood clot formation. The risks of venous disorders during pregnancy are further increased if the following factors are present :
history of venous disease in the family ; pre-existing venous condition ; multiple pregnancies ; prolonged sitting or standing .		Varicose vein during pregnancy
During pregnancy, spider veins and varicose veins may become painful, warm, and take a purple color. Cramps occur more often and are painful. The risks of complications like phlebitis and trombophlebitis are increased. Venous thrombo-embolism is the most common complication of pregnancy. >>> see "Complications of venous disease"
The benefits of compression while pregnant
Wearing compression stockings during pregnancy prevents blood pooling in the veins and an increase of the heart rate in the mother and child associated with it. Furthermore, it may reduce the risk of varicose veins, phlebitis, thrombosis. Compression therapy also reduces the most common symptoms such as swollen feet and ankles, tired and achy legs. If you discover the benefits of compression stockings during pregnancy, you may realize that after your pregnancy you may want to continue wearing them for improved leg health for years to come. Consult your doctor about the benefits of compression therapy during pregnancy. SIGVARIS® is known throughout the world for providing premium quality compression products combining wearing comfort, fashionable looks and a broad selection of products matching different life styles.

	SIGVARIS Tips: Avoid prolonged standing or sitting Elevate your feet and legs Avoid exposure to hot temperatures (hot baths, saunas, sunbathing) Move, walk, swimm, bike!! Refresh your legs with a cooling shower Wear SIGVARIS medical compression stockings


SIGVARIS, LIFE FOR LEGS and the lig icon are registered trademarks of Ganzoni & Cie AG, St.Gallen/Switzerland in many countries worldwide Copyright © 2009