Varicose Veins In Pregnancy: How To Prevent Or Relieve Them
Circulation-related disorders are very common in pregnancy. Hormonal activity, weight gain, the pressure exerted by the uterus on the veins are just some of the factors that lead to the development of varicose veins in pregnancy, especially in the legs.
What are varices?
They are venous dilations that appear due to an insufficiency of the valvular system with a multifactorial etiology and which subsequently become the site of inflammatory processes. Varices, therefore, are not inflammations per se.
During pregnancy, the female body produces a greater amount of blood which, passing through the veins, tends to swell them (which can cause the appearance of varicose veins). On the other hand, it must be remembered that the weight of the belly compresses the veins, making it more difficult for the blood to pass.
The appearance of varicose veins can be accompanied by tingling, a feeling of heaviness in the legs and, consequently, fatigue. While all of these ailments tend to resolve after delivery, it is helpful to know how to relieve symptoms and treat varicose veins in pregnancy.
What can be done to combat varicose veins in pregnancy?
1. Do gymnastics
Exercise improves circulation and prevents varicose veins from forming. Not only that, the benefits are numerous for the mother and for the baby. Moving will make you feel fitter and help your child develop well.
2. Maintain your ideal weight if you want to control varicose veins in pregnancy
This is one of the most important rules for preventing varicose veins. Excessive weight is a factor that causes swelling in the legs; weight gain puts more pressure on the veins, hindering circulation in certain areas of the body.
3. Change your position
While it is not good to sit for too long, it is not good to stay on your feet all the time either. As gestation progresses, your weight will increase and it is not advisable to stay more than 50 minutes in the same position. So, remember to get moving!
4. Pay attention to posture
Often, simple gestures such as always keeping your legs crossed, not changing position for a long time, leading a sedentary lifestyle and, in general, adopting poor postural hygiene, aggravate the symptoms of varicose veins. Therefore, it is essential to remember to check your posture from time to time.
5. Cold water against varicose veins in pregnancy
Taking a shower with cold water reduces tension and pressure on the legs. If you can’t stand the cold, wash yourself with warm water and, at the end, let a little cold water run over the parts of the body where varicose veins tend to form. Instead, avoid hot water.
6. Sleep on the left side
This is a tip that expectant mothers can follow when the tummy begins to be very pronounced. The reason is that the inferior vena cava is located on the right side of the body. Sleeping on your left side, then relieves the pressure on this area.
7. No to smoking
It might seem superfluous to remember, but cigarettes are prohibited during pregnancy. Not only is this a very harmful habit for your and your baby’s general health, but it also affects the circulatory system in a negative way.
8. Say goodbye to salt
Since foods already contain a certain amount of salt, it is best to avoid salting them while cooking. Try replacing the salt, for example, with herbs and spices.
9. Eat foods rich in potassium
Maintaining good hydration and consuming healthy food is the best way to relieve the symptoms of varicose veins. Foods that provide a lot of potassium are the best against the water retention and inflammation it produces.
10. Yes to compression tights
They improve circulation and relieve pressure on the legs. They are thicker than regular tights and can provide great relief.
Varicose veins in pregnancy: other ways to get relief
Within alternative medicine you can find several methods useful to reduce the discomfort caused by varicose veins. Before choosing one, and to avoid inconveniences, however, we recommend that you ask your doctor for advice.
Relaxing massages, acupuncture and shiatsu are among the most popular techniques. They usually have a very positive effect and also improve emotional health.
These methods can be combined with aromatherapy, making the experience even more pleasant and intense for the senses.
