Preventing varicose veins

Varicose veins are a pesky pregnancy symptom everyone wants to avoid and the good news is that there are several things you can do to prevent or at least limit the appearance of varicose veins during your pregnancy. What’s even better is that many of these tactics also reduce the likelihood of leg cramps!

Walking is a great form of exercise!

• Exercise everyday.
• Maintain steady pregnancy weight gain.
• Elevate your legs as often as possible. At work, use books or files under your desk and at home, use as many pillows as you need.
• Get your daily requirement of vitamin C.
• Maintain a low-sodium pregnancy diet.
• Don’t strain. Whether this is in the bathroom or lifting things, putting any additional pressure on your veins puts you at higher risk for varicose veins.
• Don’t cross your legs or ankles.
  

  Maternity stockings will prevent varicose veins in your legs.

• Don’t sit or stand for long periods of time. Walking around at frequent intervals keeps your blood flowing.
• Sleep on your left side. Your vena cava is on the right side of your body so this position releases the pressure on it.
• Wear maternity stockings, which also help to reduce swollen ankles. They may be hot in the summer, but they are worth it!
• Avoid tight clothes, especially socks and underwear.

If you still experience varicose veins, don’t worry. Most varicose veins disappear 3-4 months after birth and continuing with the above steps will help move the process along. If they don’t disappear after birth and you are unhappy with them talk to your doctor about seeing a specialist who can help you treat them. Be warned, these treatments will probably be considered cosmetic procedures so it’s very likely the NHS or your insurance will not cover them.