There’s a lot to love about all of the physiological changes that take place in your body during pregnancy. Unfortunately, along with all of the great things that take place during this time of growth, there are also some less-than-glamorous changes as well. One of the most complained-about issues that many women experience during their pregnancies is varicose veins. These veins are enlarged and twisted and primarily appear in the legs. They are typically accompanied by symptoms of heaviness, swelling, pain, and itchiness. While they are common among pregnant women, there are many ways to help reduce your risk of developing Varicose veins and promote healthy legs during this exciting time.
What causes varicose veins during pregnancy?
Varicose veins are caused by a variety of factors:
- You produce more blood when pregnant, which is used to increase blood flow to support your developing baby.
- Hormonal changes cause the walls of your blood vessels to relax.
- As your baby grows, your uterus puts more pressure on the blood vessels in your abdomen and legs, slowing the blood that is being returned from your legs to your heart. This leads to swollen and enlarged veins.
- Avoid Standing or Sitting for Too Long
You can help reduce your risk of developing Varicose veins by avoiding prolonged periods of sitting or standing. Poor blood flow to your legs is one of the biggest risk factors for the development of varicose veins. By frequently changing your position, regularly getting up to walk around, and stretching your legs regularly, you are allowing your blood to return to your heart more efficiently.
- Elevate Your Legs
When you’re resting or sleeping, it’s ideal to keep your legs slightly elevated. Elevation of the legs reduces the amount of pressure in the veins and increases the circulation, which promotes better blood flow.
Using a pillow for your legs when lying down may make a big difference.
- Moderate Exercise
Low-impact exercises, like walking, prenatal yoga, and swimming, will help to improve circulation and strengthen the muscular support system for the veins.
Be sure to check with your physician before beginning any form of exercise while pregnant.
- Use Compression Stockings
Doctors recommend that pregnant women who have a tendency to get Varicose veins wear compression stockings. These specially designed stockings apply a gentle amount of pressure to the legs to assist with the upward flow of blood while helping to decrease the swelling and discomfort associated with varicose veins.
- Sleep on Your Left Side
Sleeping on your left side will help to alleviate pressure from your inferior vena cava, which is the main vein that returns blood to the heart. This position increases circulation and will decrease the amount of strain on the veins in the legs.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight
Gaining a healthy amount of weight while pregnant reduces the amount of excessive pressure that will be placed on the veins.
Eating a variety of foods such as fruits, vegetables, grains, and plenty of water can also help to lower the risk of constipation, which adds more pressure to the veins.
Sohana Hospital Mohali is easily one of the top choices for patients considering Varicose veins treatment in the tricity, thanks to its advanced infrastructure and North India’s most trusted and experienced varicose veins specialists. Book your appointment today!