Varicose Veins in Pregnancy: A Health Professional's Questionnaire

Abstract

Objective: To acertain the knowledge of varicose vein disease amongst health professionals dealing with pregnant women. Method: Postal questionnaire survey. Results: General practitioners (GPs) and midwives estimated an incidence of varicose veins in pregnancy of 20-50%. Factors associated with varicose veins included second and subsequent pregnancies, thrombophlebitis, family history and obesity, although obesity was thought to be less of an association by the vascular surgeons (57%). Half the respondents linked varicose veins to deep venous thrombosis. Support hosiery is the main management, with 10% of obstetricians asking for a vascular surgeon's opinion, but never vice versa. Surgical treatment was recommended on family completion but 38% of vascular surgeons will consider surgery between pregnancies. Eighty per cent of GPs and 91% of midwives would welcome guidelines. Fifty-seven per cent of vascular surgeons stated that they already have guidelines although these are the professionals least likely to deal with pregnant women. Conclusion: Knowledge amongst health professionals of varicose vein disease in pregnancy is generally good. However, guidelines would be welcomed.