Varicose Veins During Pregnancy

A common pregnancy nuisance

A lot of women experience the unsightly varicose veins for the first time during their pregnancy.

They tend to get worse with subsequent pregnancies.

The good news is that however unattractive and sometimes uncomfortable, most of the time varicose veins are not a serious medical condition.

• Your growing baby in the uterus puts pressure on inferior vena cava, which is a major vein in your body.

  This in turn puts more pressure on all your veins in the legs.

• The fluid volume in pregnancy increases, making the veins work much harder to return the blood back to the heart.

• Increase in progesterone relaxes the veins walls making them more prone to bulging.

• Heredity increases the chances of seeing the unsightly blue veins.

• Exercise on regular basis. No, you do not need to run a marathon or hit the gym! Walking or swimming is all you need to improve your circulation.

• Wear support hose. This is especially beneficial if your job requires a lot of standing or walking. Make sure you put them on either before you get out of bed or right after your morning shower. You don’t need a doctor’s prescription, unless you claim the cost on your medical insurance. Check with your provider to be sure.

• Avoid tight clothing that puts pressure on your groin or any part of your leg. Knee high stockings are a good example of clothing that might decrease your circulation.

• Do not cross your legs. It puts strain on your circulation.

• Avoid standing or sitting in one place for a long time. If you have to, make sure you take breaks and walk around on regular basis. Long trips in a car or a plane are no exceptions.

• Try to elevate your legs when sitting down. The higher, the better but any elevation is beneficial. Foot stool or coffee table will do the trick.

• When sleeping, make sure you lie down on your left side if possible. The inferior vena cava is on your right side, so by laying on your left side you relieve the pressure on it. Putting pillows behind your back will help you to stay on the side at night.

• Stay within your recommended weight range. The more you weigh, the more pressure you put on your veins. Of course you must gain the recommended weight for the health of your baby, but do not use pregnancy as an excuse to eat junk food and pack on too many pounds.

• Wear comfortable shoes to reduce the stress from walking.

Majority of supplements are discouraged at that time and the treatments will wait till after your baby is born if you still need it.

Keep in mind that varicose veins usually improve a few months after giving birth.

If you have any concerns or if the varicose veins are giving you a lot of pain or discomfort, I highly recommend you see your medical practitioner for expert medical advice.

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