Varicose Veins

VARICOSE VEINS

                The bad news is that varicose veins are ugly, bluish, worm-like veins on your legs, and are characteristic of pregnancy. The good news is that they fade after the baby is born. If your mother had them, you probably will too.

                Varicose veins have two general causes (besides being hereditary): your circulation has to deal with an increased amount of fluid in your body, and your growing uterus is putting more pressure on the veins in your legs.

                There are steps you can take a minimize varicose veins. Don’t were “knee high”-stockings with elastic bands along the top which stop just below your knee. In fact, don’t any kind of stocking that cuts off circulation along any part of your leg. Support hose are expensive compared to regular pantyhose, but worth it if you tend toward varicose veins.

                Elevate your legs whenever possible, and don’t sit in any one position for too long. Walk and exercise as much as possible. You should also rig up a way to elevate your legs while you’re sleeping, such as a raising the foot of your bed slightly by placing wooden blocks underneath.

 

”Support stockings may be advisable to help ease the symptoms of varicose veins-a common problem of pregnancy, but one that usually lessens after the baby is born.”