How to Deal with Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are swollen veins on your legs. They appear blue in colour and occur during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. They may become large and painful. These are usually quite common during pregnancy. It is a good choice to keep your doctor informed when varicose veins start developing. Varicose veins usually disappear after delivery.

Causes

One major reason of varicose veins is the action of the hormone, progesterone. Progesterone causes the blood vessels to relax. This increases the chance of developing varicose veins.

Another reason is the pressure applied by the growing uterus on the inferior vena cava. This results in increased blood pressure on the lower limbs.

Family history also plays a contributing factor towards the occurrence of varicose veins.

Symptoms

Some symptoms of varicose veins are:

• The veins in your legs are swollen or bulged.
• The veins appear blue in colour under the skin in your legs.
• You feel an itching and painful sensation in your legs.

Prevention

It may be possible avoid varicose veins during pregnancy. However if you cannot avoid them, some ways to keep them to a minimum are:

• Do not apply too much pressure on your legs.
• Exercise your feet and legs regularly to improve circulation. Walking is a good exercise.
• Do not keep standing for long time intervals. Relax in between and give your legs some rest.
• Do not wear tight fitting clothes which will cut down blood circulation.
• Pelvic rocking helps to enhance blood circulation and prevent varicose veins.
• When you are seated, keep your feet raised as often as possible.
• Maintain an ideal weight gain through a healthy, balanced diet.
• Do not remain in the same position for long periods of time.
• Do not carry heavy weights on your own.

Treatment

Some ways to treat varicose veins are:

• Foods rich in Vitamin C contain antioxidants that help in toning up the veins.
• Do not eat food with excessive salt or sugar content and refined grains.
• Avoid sitting cross legged for long periods of time as this hampers blood circulation.
• Massage the veins regularly with essential oils.
• Sleep on your left side to avoid pressure on the largest vein vena cava. This vein is located on the right.
• Keep your feet raised when you are seated and use a pillow to support your legs when you sleep.
• Change your positions often to ease blood flow in your body.
• Get help in carrying heavy weights.