Developing varicose veins from pregnancy is very common – as the uterus grows, it puts pressure on the large vein on the lower part of the body, which in turn increases pressure in the leg veins. The amount of blood in the body increases when pregnant, adding to the burden on a woman’s veins overall. Likewise the increased female hormones also plays a role. It’s important to address these veins as there are many health problems that can develop from them, such as: irritation, swelling, painful rashes, skin ulcers, blood clots and severe infection. Though varicose veins can sometimes be genetic, there are simple steps women can take to help prevent varicose veins during pregnancy.
How To Prevent Varicose Veins During Pregnancy
Move Around
Sitting or standing for long periods of time can decrease circulation, which contributes to the formation of varicose veins. Make the effort to walk around throughout the day, and keep blood flowing.
Get Regular Exercise
Any type of exercise that strengthens the “second heart” – the muscles of the calf and foot – is beneficial for reducing varicose veins from pregnancy. Ask your doctor about the recommended amount of exercise for your trimester of pregnancy. Suggested activities, include: walking, running, swimming and bicycling.
Elevate Your Feet
Pregnancy is tiring to begin with, and elevating your feet will rest tired legs and help prevent pressure on weak veins. Raise your feet 6 to 12 inches above your heart whenever possible to assist circulation and also at night.
Wear Graduated Compression Stockings
Compression stockings act like an added layer of muscle, aiding the performance of the “second heart” and venous circulation. They are tight at the ankle, and looser as they go up, which helps prevent swelling and vein formation. These can be purchased at medical supply stores.
Conclusion
Following these steps do not necessarily guarantee vein free legs, but they definitely lower the chances of varicose veins from pregnancy. If they can’t be prevented, there are quick and easy treatments available for after pregnancy. Six months after delivery most of the veins will return to normal size. Any remaining veins should have treatment. I would suggest sclerotherapy – a painless injection treatment that collapses the vein, which reabsorbed back into the blood stream.
These tips for how to prevent varicose veins during pregnancy were contributed by Dr. Luis Navarro, Director of The Vein Treatment Center in New York, NY. For more information on varicose veins from pregnancy, vein tips and treatments, visit www.VeinTreatmentCenter.com
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Judy Wilson says
After I found out that I was pregnant, I was worried about getting varicose veins. It’s great that there are a few different ways to prevent them from forming on my legs. Getting exercise is something that I should work on right away. I don’t really exercise very much, but maybe I should start doing that to increase blood flow to my calves and ankles. Thanks for the tips!
Vein Center says
Varicose veins are painful and sometimes unbearable. There are a lot of tips and techniques which can be used to prevent or to get relief from varicose veins. But to get rid or or it completely, you should go through varicose veins surgery that has better results and are affordable.