Varicose veins
Varicose veins are bumpy blue veins that usually appear on the legs during pregnancy. There are several reasons for this. The amount of blood in the body becomes greater and this must be pumped around the body. Due to the changing hormone level, the vein walls can weaken. Also, a growing uterus can block the flow of blood from the legs to the heart. This results in swollen veins in the legs and anus (hemorrhoids).
Varicose veins are more common in women who have previously had children. The more pregnancies you have, the greater your chances of getting them. They look like swollen veins. They can be dark blue or purple in color.
Try these tips to reduce the risk of getting swollen vessels:
- If you make a long car journey or train trip, take a break to walk every half hour.
- If watching tv, make sure your legs are elevated.
- Movement helps blood circulation, so walk around.
- Swimming, or walking in water also helps.
- Sleep with your feet higher than the heart, causing the blood to flow out of the legs and ankles. (Not recommended if you have heart problems).
- Do not wear tights / straps and elastic bands. These impede blood circulation which will increase the pressure on the veins.
- Regularly put your legs up during pregnancy to relieve them.
- There are stockings that are specially designed to reduce or prevent hypotension. The stockings are so woven that it exerts a maximum pressure on the ankles. The further you go up, the less the pressure becomes. These stockings prevent or reduce swollen ankles and hypersensitivity and are completely safe during pregnancy.
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