Varicose veins are swollen veins which appear bulged near the skin. Even though they are mostly found in the legs, they can be seen anywhere in the lower part of your body. They are sore to touch, itchy and often make you feel tiredness and pain in your legs. The symptoms may get worse especially if you have to remain standing for long. If your family member has a history of varicose veins or it is older age perinatal period, you are at risk of suffering from varicose veins during pregnancy.
Here are some of the common concerns of women about varicose veins during pregnancy.
I am developing blue lines under my skin. Especially on my breasts and abdomen
This is a part and parcel of pregnancy. These blue lines are a network of veins that have expanded to carry the increased blood supply through your body. For some women, these lines become more noticeable later in pregnancy.
Are the purplish red lines on my thighs varicose veins?
No. Hormonal changes during pregnancy result in telangiectases or spider nevi. They usually fade after delivery.
Is it true that pregnant women develop varicose veins?
If you are susceptible to varicose veins, this condition is likely to arise during pregnancy. This is because of expanded blood volumes, increased pressure on the pelvic veins and the veins in the leg as well as hormone induced elevation of the muscle tissue in the veins.
What are the symptoms of varicose veins?
Varicose veins may or may not cause pain. The apparent symptoms of the discomfort are:
The colour of the veins becomes purple or blue.
Sometimes veins appear twisted and bulged.
Heavy feeling or pain in legs.
Muscle cramp, swelling, throbbing and burning in lower part of the legs.
Pain gets worse when sitting or standing for long time.
Itching in the surrounding part of the bulged veins.
Bleeding from the varicose veins.
Changing of the colour, hardening of veins, inflammation of skin or presence of skin ulcers show that the varicose veins are serious and you need to see a doctor.
How to cope with the discomfort caused due to varicose veins?
Have a quick look at some tips for dealing with the discomfort caused due to varicose veins during pregnancy.
Follow a right exercise regimen under the supervision of a certified trainer after consulting your doctor.
Avoid excessive weight gain.
Try to keep your legs elevated with the help of a small table. You can also use pillows to keep your legs elevated while you are sleeping.
Prefer sleeping on your left side to ensure that the pressure on your veins is minimal.
Make use of stockings so that the flow of blood is regulated.
Important Information
One of the most important things that you should know that varicose veins are not going to harm you or your baby. Also, often this discomfort occurs during pregnancy and goes away in few months after childbirth. Since this discomfort is hereditary, you should be aware that if your mother suffered from this problem during pregnancy or even after that, you are at high risk of that too.
Tips to Prevent Varicose Veins
Preventing varicose veins is not completely possible, but these tips would help you lower your level of discomfort if you suffer from it and keep it away if you are at risk.
Keep Moving
Exercise is the best way to keep varicose veins away. Even if you have a job that requires long hours of sitting or standing, you should make movements from time to time. Add light exercise or walk in your daily routine.
Stay Comfortable
Make sure you wear comfortable clothing. Special care should be taken of the undergarments. Make sure they fit well and do not bind especially on the top of your legs. Avoid wearing tight clothing, belt, tops with elastic and anything that is tight on your legs. Also avoid high heeled sandals and tight fitting shoes.
Allow Easy Flowing of Blood
Always get off your legs and elevate your legs whenever you have to sit. Avoid sitting with legs crossed and also flex your ankles often when standing for long.
Sleep on Left Side
This helps keep circulation of blood strong and also helps avoid pressure on main blood vessels.
Watch out Your Body Weight
During pregnancy body weight tends to increase. Make sure you keep it maintained to the limit your practitioner recommends.
Avoid Straining
This means that you should avoid straining in toilet and always avoid lifting anything heavy during pregnancy.
Get Vitamins
During pregnancy you should get your daily dose of vitamins through supplements which are prescribed by your doctor and in natural ways too. Eat lots of fruits containing Vitamin C so that your body produces collagen and elastin. These are the tissues which help repair and maintain blood vessels.
It is always recommended to take care of your health and keep in mind the above tips to avoid suffering from varicose veins. If after childbirth the problem persists, you can consult a doctor and go for the treatment. However, you should not try to get it medically treated or go through surgery while you are pregnant.
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- The Indiaparenting Team
I am having severe pain in my legs and my doctor told me that i have varicose veins. this article has helped me a lot. i have found much relief following the methods given in the article.
