What causes them?
When you are pregnant, the walls of your blood vessels
stretch because they have to carry more blood. As well, your uterus is growing
and this puts extra pressure on the veins in your legs. Blood circulates more
slowly. More blood stays in pools in your veins. When this happens, it is
called varicose veins. Varicose veins
can also happen in the vulva or the rectum (hemorrhoids or piles) if you sit
too long in one place or if you have weak pelvic floor muscles. If you had
varicose veins before, you may find that they are worse when you are pregnant.
What can I do about it?
• Stay active. Walking and moving improve circulation.
• Stand up straight. Good posture will improve your
circulation.
• Do leg, foot, and pelvic floor exercises often each day.
• Lie down with your legs raised for 10 to 15 minutes often
each day. Support your feet on pillows so that your legs are a bit higher than
your heart.
• Do not stand for a long time. Be sure to sit down and put
your feet up often each day.
• If you sit during the day, change position often. Using a
footstool may help. Get up and walk around for a few minutes once an hour.
• Do not sit with your legs crossed.
• Sleep and rest on your left side.
• Avoid tight clothing, especially socks with elastic tops
and knee-high stockings.
• Wear shoes with low heels and good support.
If you get varicose veins in your legs:
• Wear fitted support stockings. Put them on before you get
out of bed in the morning. If you get up first and your legs begin to swell,
lie down and raise your legs for 10 minutes before you put the stockings on.
What if none of this helps?
• Talk to your doctor about it.
• Do not take any medication unless your doctor says it is
okay.
