Varicose veins in pregnancy, can they be prevented?

Varicose veins in pregnancy

Pregnancy involves a great physical and emotional change for women, and in many cases, it produces a series of sequelae that continue beyond the pregnancy itself. Varicose veins are one of those annoyances that appear as a result of changes during this period. It is a rather annoying problem, both aesthetically and because of the inconvenience that this produces.

Varicose veins in pregnancy occur as a result of increased blood in the woman's body, in addition to the numerous hormonal and physical changes. If you are pregnant, it is possible that you may suffer from these types of problems, so you should not miss these tips to prevent their appearance as much as possible.

Varicose veins in pregnancy

During pregnancy, there is an increase in the volume of the woman's blood to meet the needs of both the mother and the fetus. This increase in blood causes veins become inflamed under the skin layer. In addition, there are other factors such as dilation of the capillaries or the increase in size of the uterus.

The most common way to suffer varicose veins in pregnancy is in the legs, since the increase in weight and the pressure exerted by the uterus, causes the blood flow to be less towards the legs. But It is also possible to suffer varicose veins in more complicated and annoying areas, as in the vulva and even in the anus, where they are known as hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoids in pregnancy

The most common is to suffer from varicose veins in the legs, so let's see what can you do to avoid suffering these discomforts during your pregnancy.

How to prevent varicose veins in pregnancy

The best way to prevent varicose veins in the legs is doing physical activity on a regular basis. By exercising, your body will stay strong, healthy, and your internal organs will function more efficiently. Sedentary lifestyle and the overweight are two of the main causes of varicose veins. Try eat healthy, to avoid the consequences of gaining too much weight during your pregnancy. It is also essential to stay properly hydrated, this way you will help the blood flow correctly.

You can also follow the following tricks:

  • Avoid spending too much time in the same position. That is, if you are sitting, try to change your position regularly, move your legs and exercise your ankles to avoid varicose inflammation.
  • Try to keep your legs up. When you are sitting and when you sleep too, you just have to place a cushion under your legs.
  • Apply cold showers. The water should be as cold as you can bear, apply directly with the shower head. Go making circles with the water and always apply in an upward direction, from the ankles to the knees.
  • Avoid wearing clothing that is too tight. In addition to being uncomfortable, it will favor the compression of the veins and the accumulation of blood.
  • You should also not use very closed shoes or high heels.
  • Perform leg massages with some moisturizer. In this way you will be treating two problems in one. On the one hand, you will be promoting blood flow and on the other, you will avoid the appearance of stretch marks, sagging and other problems typical of pregnancy skin. Be very careful when choosing the product you use for massage, some creams are contraindicated in pregnancy and you should avoid them. In this link you will find some tips to help you choose the best product.
  • Walk all you can. You can also practice other sports highly recommended in pregnancy, such as swimming, pilates or yoga for pregnant women.

Exercising during pregnancy is healthy for mother and baby

Varicose veins cannot always be prevented

There are other factors that cannot be controlled, so it is possible that despite following all these tips and others that your doctor may provide, you suffer from varicose veins in the legs or in other areas of your body. Nevertheless, you can always improve the condition of varicose veins following the mentioned tricks. Remember that the best way to avoid this and other physical complications is by having a healthy pregnancy.



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