Pelvic Congestion Syndrome (PCS) is a rare medical condition that comes with so much discomfort as your veins stuff extra blood and get swollen.
It’s more like having varicose veins but this time, it is in your pelvis rather than the legs. Pelvis is the area just beneath your tummy button and between your hips.
Now, if you’re pregnant or thinking about pregnancy, you might have thought about whether this condition could lead to a miscarriage.
The connection between PCS and miscarriage isn’t straightforward. Medical studies have not provided clear evidence that your PCS would increase your risk of miscarriage.
However, having any health condition during pregnancy may complicate your journey. Each woman has a unique journey, of course, and underlying health conditions might affect pregnancy outcomes in ways that aren’t always predictable.
This article discusses everything you need to know about this condition and pregnancy.
What Are The Symptoms Of Pelvic Congestion Syndrome?
Symptoms of PCS can be a little bit tricky because they usually differ for everyone. However, some common signs include:
- Persistent pain in the lower abdomen
- Backpain
- Leg/thigh pain
- Painful periods
- Heavy sensation in the pelvis
- Unusual discharges
- Varicose veins on the vulva, thighs, or butt
- Unusual fatigue
- Mood swings
What Happens If You Get Pregnant With Pelvic Congestion Syndrome?
When you’re pregnant, your body is pumping more blood to sustain your baby. This can worsen PCS symptoms because there’s extra pressure on those swollen veins in your pelvis. The pain and uneasiness could just be unbearable especially around your lower belly and back region.
However, even though PCS can make you quite uncomfortable during pregnancy, the good news is that it does not directly hurt the baby. The symptoms are more about what you feel rather than affecting your pregnancy.
It becomes overly important to talk to your doctor if you have PCS and are pregnant or thinking about conceiving. Your doctor can help you manage the symptoms to be as comfortable as possible.
They might advise that you wear supportive garments, pop in specific pregnancy-safe medications or simply exercise to relieve your pain. While having a PCS during pregnancy can be more complicated, you can still have a sound and healthy journey with the right care and attention.
What To Do About Pelvic Congestion During Pregnancy?
Of course, I’ve had my share of experience managing this condition in pregnancy so I understand how challenging it can be. The symptoms may be worse now because of the extra weight. But the good news is there are ways to manage it. Here are some suggestions:
1. Resting and Positioning
One of the most effective methods for managing this condition in pregnancy is to lie down on your left regularly. This position, unlike lying on your back, can prevent extra pressure on your pelvic veins, improving blood flow and lessening queasiness.
Also, elevating your legs while lying down is a great way to have you feel relief. You can use pillows and cushions to shore up your legs. This position would enhance blood flow from your lower limbs to your heart, eventually taking away the pressure in your pelvic veins.
Don’t hesitate to take breaks and rest, especially after a hard day work or being on your feet for a while.
2. Wearing compression stockings:
Compression stockings can be helpful, too. They are crafted to shove a little bit of pressure on your legs, pushing blood towards your heart. This will prevent blood from collecting in the lower body including the affected pelvic area and eventually relieve your pain and swelling.
They also provide support to the veins and prevent them from enlarging. By gently squeezing the legs, compression stockings help to reduce the heaviness often experienced with PCS during pregnancy.
Choosing the right fit is crucial. There are different levels of compression available and you may not know which one to go for, so your safest option is discuss with your obstetrician to help you choose the right size and level.
Also, wearing them as directed, typically early mornings before much movement can make it more effective. You could also wear it throughout the day, especially during times when you’ll be on your feet a lot. Don’t forget to take them off before going to bed though.
3. Medications
The options are generally restricted when it comes to medications at this period. Usually, over the counter pain relievers like Tylenol (also acetaminophen) should be fine to help reduce the pains and some symptoms, but be sure to check the correct dose with your doctor. Also, certain lifestyle changes and non-surgical treatments can contribute to your comfort.
4. Avoid standing for too long
Standing for extended periods will build up tension in your legs and pelvic area and worsen your symptoms. Your veins are already in torture because of the added weight, and standing for a longer time would prevent blood to flow smoothly. That’s why you should break and take rest.
5. Talk to your doctor
Starting a dialogue with your obstetrician about the condition and symptoms you’re experiencing is ideal. Your doctor can closely track your condition throughout the pregnancy and help you make adjustments to manage it.
Go ahead and ask any question at all, be it labor, PCS impacts on your pregnancy, delivery or even postpartum recovery. Your doctor is there to provide answers and reassurance. No question is too small when it comes to your health.
What Is The Outlook For Women With PCS Who Are Trying To Conceive?
Living with pelvic congestion syndrome comes with its share of challenges. If you’re hoping to grow your family, you might overthink how this condition could impact fertility and pregnancy.
The good news is that the outlook for women with PCS who are trying to conceive is generally positive.
Understanding PCS and fertility
This condition can be distressing and might involve symptoms like pain in your lower tummy region especially after standing longer. However, it is not a condition that affects fertility directly. Many women with PCS can get pregnant just like those without the condition.
Pregnancy with PCS
Once you get pregnant, symptoms may worsen because the pressure on your pelvis area/veins increases as the baby grows. Many women with PCS, including myself, go on to have healthy pregnancies and deliveries.
It’s all about managing symptoms effectively with remedies I discussed earlier and working closely with your doctor. Eating balanced meals and performing regular, gentle exercises can also help keep your blood flowing and may reduce symptoms.
Postpartum with PCS
After pregnancy, some women find that their symptoms have improved. Every woman is different so you can’t for sure predict that yours will fully heal after delivery.
Overall, the outlook for women with PCS who want to conceive is quite positive. The condition doesn’t typically stop you from getting pregnant. It’s something you can easily manage along the way with your doctor.
So, Can Pelvic Congestion Syndrome Cause Miscarriage? – Final Say
We know that pelvic congestion syndrome can cause pains and uneasiness, making pregnant women and those trying to conceive overthink it. However, per our research, there isn’t any data or information to prove that your PCS will make you miscarry your baby.
Its impact is basically more about managing the symptoms rather than posing threats to the pregnancy. Expecting mamas with PCS should communicate almost regularly with their doctors and ensure they receive consistent support and guidance for a healthy journey.
