When you
think of varicose veins, what comes to mind? Is it your Great
Aunt Cindy with the spidery blue veins popping from her legs?
You envisioned yourself pregnant with a glow, but yet one by
one you are discovering new nuisances that go along with the
joys of pregnancy. Not only are varicose veins unpleasant to
look at, they are also a cause of discomfort. Unfortunately,
varicose veins are common during pregnancy.
During
pregnancy, your blood volume increases. With this increased
blood comes increased pressure on your veins. Think of a hose.
When you up the amount of water, you increase the pressure
of the water coming out. During pregnancy, the pressure in
the upper extremities doesn't change significantly. However,
there is an increase in pressure on the lower extremities.
As the uterus expands this adds even more pressure on your
veins. Varicose veins are simply enlarged, dilated veins.
What
can I do about varicose veins?
Rest.
Elevate your feet as often as possible. Aim for thirty minutes
at least twice daily.
Avoid
prolonged standing or sitting. To provide good venous return
(return of blood back to your heart) you should get up and
walk around at least once an hour. You should try to rest
your legs also if you have been standing for a length of
time.
Use
support hose. Talk to your doctor about a prescription for
support hose. Prescription support hose can often provide
greater relief than what can be purchased retail.
Surgery
is rarely needed and is not recommended until six months
postpartum. Varicose veins typically improve on their own
once baby is born.
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