Skip to main content

Dealing with Varicose Veins during Pregnancy and after the Birth

Varicose veins are an unwelcome side effect of pregnancy, rather like stretch marks. Many women develop varicose veins during pregnancy, so if one of them is you, there is no need to feel upset – you are not alone!
The good news is that although varicose veins don’t look so hot, they are not harmful. They can sometimes itch and feel hot, but once the baby comes along they often settle down and, sometimes, disappear. But, even if you end up stuck with unsightly varicose veins, there are plenty of venous disease treatment options.

What Causes Varicose Veins?

Carrying a baby for nine months puts a huge strain on the body and your circulatory system is particularly vulnerable to stress. As the baby grows inside of you, your body has to make extra blood to support a second (or more) circulatory system. It is hard work pumping blood back up to the heart and blood vessels in the legs and groin sometimes fail.
There is also a genetic element to varicose veins, so if your mom has them, you are more likely to end up with them too.
Varicose veins may appear anywhere in the lower body, but they are most common in the legs and groin region. Many women suffer from hemorrhoids during pregnancy, which is, in fact, varicose veins around the anus.

Preventing Varicose Veins

You can’t always prevent varicose veins, but there are some self-help techniques you can try.
Try to avoid gaining too much excess weight. Pregnancy is not a time to start a diet or count calories, but eating for two is not recommended. Stick to healthy foods, as the more weight you gain, the riskier your pregnancy becomes. It is normal to gain around 30 pounds during pregnancy, but listen to your OB-GYN and take advice from them.
Keep moving as much as possible. Blood is less likely to pool in your lower body if you are reasonably active during pregnancy. If you have a desk job, resist crossing your legs and try to get up and stretch your legs as often as you can. Practice exercises at your desk, such as ankle rolls and leg raises.
Avoid wearing tight clothing, especially around your legs and waist. Apart from the fact that tight seams feel uncomfortable, especially during the last trimester, they will prevent good circulation and contribute to varicose veins.

Coping with Varicose Veins

Prevention tips are also valid once you develop varicose veins. Wearing high heels, sitting down for long periods, and carrying too much weight all make varicose veins worse.
Support hose can help ease varicose veins if yours are bothering you. Compression hose isn’t exactly sexy, but you can wear it under pants, and nobody will know.
Prop up your legs when you do sit or lie down to rest or feed the baby, as this helps blood circulation.

If your veins are painful or very unsightly, speak to your physician to see what your options are. Many doctors are happy to treat varicose veins because they have a tendency to ulcerate in later life.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Top Tips for Moms Taking Online Degrees

  Online degrees can often be the best option for moms who want to get back into education due to their flexibility and the wide range of subjects that there are available for them to study. However, online degrees are not always plain sailing, and to make sure that you can get the grade that you deserve, read on for some top tips for moms interested in taking online degrees.  Choose the Right Degree Choosing the right online degree is vital to your success. Picking a subject that you are passionate about and that you have a natural talent for will ensure that you can breeze through your course and ensure that you have the motivation to continue even when you do struggle. If you are looking for an online degree that is perfect for moms, a Bank Street Early Childhood Leadership certificate can help you to advance your career in teaching, build upon your previous qualifications, and allow you to get a career that can be easily juggled with the commitments of parenting.  Balance Family a

Liquid Chalk spray! Chalk Idea #7

Last week we tried out the fizzing sidewalk chalk- click here to read that review. This week it is liquid chalk spray.  They are a bit similar but yet different.  Here is how to make it: Supplies: 1 tsp. washable tempura paint 1 cup of hot water 1/2 cup of cornstarch squirt of dishwashing liquid 1 squirt bottle- I found them at the dollar store 1.  Add cornstarch to one cup of hot water whisking to mix so that there are no clumps. 2.  Add one teaspoon of washable tempura paint and a quirt of dishwashing liquid.  Mix well. 3.  Pour it into your squirt bottles and shake well. 4.  Go have fun!!!   This kept my daughters attention much longer the the fizzy chalk last week.  I also think this was easier to work with and just more fun in general.  I love seeing the chalk wet but then to see it dry.  I think it dried darker so it was fun to see the changes.  :)  Ready, Set, Go!  Have some fun! She is my little model... she kept saying "take my picture mom." She is like her

Toddler Rainbow Craft for St. Patricks Day

St. Patrick's day is March 17th so its approaching quickly.  I have a few ideas on art and food projects that i want to do with the kiddos.  Hopefully I will have enough time to complete them and share them with you.   This was a super easy one for those little hands.  I cut the stripes of colored paper but if you are working with a preschooler or school aged child then they can practice cutting.  The two toddler boys here only had to glue the pieces on their piece of paper.  EASY, but they enjoyed it!  :)  It sure has brightened my kitchen with them hanging on the fridge!  :)   I also talked more about the Promise God gave us with the rainbow since I know that history a whole lot better then the history of the Irish Holiday!