Varicose veins
Varicose veins are bulging blood vessels that occur mainly on the legs and in the hollows of the knees. They can be recognized by their blue color, and in time bulge out and become visible on the skin. If varicose veins run in your family, you are more likely to get them too.
If you developed varicose veins during your first pregnancy, unfortunately they tend to become larger and more extensive during subsequent pregnancies. Sometimes, varicose veins can even extend into the labia.
CAUSE
Under the influence of the hormones during pregnancy, your vascular walls are weakened. Because the blood must be pumped back to the heart via your full, heavy uterus, it stays in your legs longer. This increases the pressure in your veins and stretches them. This is one reason why the vessels in your legs can 'bulge'.
Varicose veins often start with a heavy and pressing feeling in your lower legs and 'restless legs'. It becomes increasingly difficult to suppress the urge to move your legs. This is especially after exertion or at the end of the day. Cramping in the calves at night can also be a sign of varicose veins.
TIPS
- Don't sit or stand for too long, keep moving regularly.
- Do not wear tight clothing.
- Wear comfortable and low shoes.
- After showering, shower your lower legs and knee hollows with cold water. This will promote circulation in your legs.
- Massage your legs or have someone do it for you. Stroke in the direction of your heart to massage the blood out of your legs, as it were.
- Have compression stockings fitted if you suffer from varicose veins. These provide pressure on the leg and allow blood to flow back out of the veins.
