Varicose Veins Pregnancy– Some Do’s and Don’ts

Varicose Veins Pregnancy

Pregnancy is one of the major causes of varicose veins in women.  The presence of progesterone in the woman’s blood stream, the larger volume of blood and increased pressure on the blood vessels because of a growing uterus causes veins in the legs to enlarge. Varicose veins pregnancy causes some discomforts that get worse as the baby grows and as the weight of the baby and mother increases.

When a woman is pregnant weight gain is unavoidable. Some women however become overweight and this worsens their problem with varicose veins.  Aside from consciously exerting effort to control excessive food intake, exercise is recommended during pregnancy to minimize fat build up, tone the blood vessels and maintain good blood circulation. Rigorous exercises like running and cycling are not recommended for they tend to increase pressure on the veins which will worsen varicose veins pregnancy. 

Regular, light exercises like swimming, walking and even yoga for pregnant women are very beneficial. It is a good practice for pregnant women to lie down or sit down and raise their legs above their hips for at least 10 minutes a day to ease the congestion in the veins in the legs.  While in this position doing some abdominal or deep breathing will further relax the body and improve circulation. So as not to worsen congestion in the pelvic area pregnant women are advised to not to wear tight clothing especially jeans or other outfits that are tight in the groin area.  Wearing the right shoes during pregnancy can also minimize the stress on the legs.  High heeled shoes which would overstretch calf muscles are discouraged and of course tight shoes.  Pregnant women should avoid sitting down for long periods of time and avoid crossing their legs because these will affect circulation and add strain to the veins.

Varicose veins pregnancy is something many women go through.  The discomforts they bring are unbearable for some women that they would want to get rid of the problem veins fast.  After pregnancy though, almost 80 percent of varicose veins disappear within 3 months.  If however, the varicose veins persist after that period and discomforts are still felt then medical treatment or advice might be considered.