Varicose Veins in Pregnancy: Causes of Varicose Veins during Pregnancy
When the veins may appear to be swollen near your skin, it is called varicose veins. They may be blue or purple in colour. The most common area where you get varicose veins in pregnancy is legs and the vulva.
There is a little discomfort accompanied with varicose veins in pregnancy. It may make your legs ache and feel heavy. It may also cause itching sensations. You may feel more pain when the day starts ending especially if you has been walking all day long.
Most of the women experience varicose veins during their pregnancy period. As the size of the uterus increases it exerts pressure on the right side of your body which again exerts pressure on your leg which causes the veins to swell.
When you are pregnant, the amount of blood in your body increases, thereby exerting more pressure on the veins. Also, the progesterone levels increase by which the walls of the blood vessels relax.
A varicose vein is a genetic disease. So, if any member of your family has had it, there are more chances of you having it. It worsens with time, the older you are, the worse it is.
Also, if it is not your first pregnancy, if you are carrying more than one baby, if you are overweight, and if you take a lot of excursion, it tends to worsen all the more.
Remedies for Varicose Veins in Pregnancy:
- One should exercise daily. If you walk a little everyday, it will be of great help.
- Try to maintain your weight, and avoid eating too much of fatty food.
- Give rest to your feet. Keep them on an elevated level. Try and keep a stool besides you and you can rest your feet on them.
- Keep your feet on a pillow when you sleep. Tilt towards the left side and sleep.
- Eat healthy food. Food rich in fibres, protein content and carbohydrates is advised. Excessive salt and food with high sugar content should be avoided.
- A massage of the affected part can be of great relief. Massage with some pain relieving oils brings instant relief.
- Wear stocking or something that gives support to your body. It will help you feel comfortable.
The good thing about varicose veins in pregnancy is that it tends to disappear after pregnancy. It generally doesn’t re-occur in the succeeding pregnancies, but it can occur in some women. It is also possible that it may become all the more visible with time.