Many women first develop unsightly varicose veins or find that they get worse during pregnancy. As your uterus grows, it puts pressure on the large vein on the right side of your body, which in turn increases pressure in the leg veins.
The amount of blood in your body increases when you're pregnant, adding to the burden on your veins overall.
There are many health problems that can develop from varicose veins such as irritation, swelling, painful rashes, skin ulcers, blood clots and severe infection, and every pregnant woman especially needs to know what they can do to prevent or treat them.
Phlebologist, Dr. Luis Navarro of the Vein Treatment Center offers the following ways to avoid varicose veins during pregnancy:
- Exercise daily, even if its just a brisk walk, to help your circulation
- Strive to keep within the recommended weight range for your stage of pregnancy
- Elevate your feet and legs whenever possible
- Sleep on your left side with your feet on a pillow. Lying on your left side releases the weight of the uterus, thus decreasing pressure on the veins in your legs and feet
- Wear special support hose to make it easier for blood to flow back up toward your heart, prevent swelling and may keep your varicose veins from getting worse.
While varicose veins may itch or hurt (not to mention unsightly!), they're generally harmless in the short term, thus treatment (if needed) can wait until after the pregnancy.
Write a Comment