Moms To Be Need All the Compression Support They Can Get!
There is a lot to look forward to when you or your spouse is pregnant, and for many,
unfortunately varicose and spider veins are one of them.
Many women first develop varicose veins or find that they get worse during pregnancy,
and nearly 70 percent of women develop spider veins.
Besides heredity, there are other factors that are implicated in producing varicose veins
during pregnancy: hormones, increased blood flow, weight gain, increasing pressure from
the enlarging uterus, and hormonal influences all conspire against you to weaken the
strength of your veins. The end result is stretching of the vein to the point where it can
no longer channel blood up the leg against gravity back to the heart.
Some women have little or no discomfort. For others, if you’ve been on your feet a
lot, by the end of the day your legs will feel heavy and achy. Still for some varicose
veins can lead to common complaints of leg cramps, excessive tiredness, pain, swelling,
heaviness, itching and tingling in the legs.
If you haven’t already, talk to your doctor about simple measures to alleviate the
problem. Leg elevation helps empty the veins by moving the blood out of the leg thereby
relieving the discomfort. Walking has a similar effect. Special maternity compression
support hosiery will also aid in supporting the veins during this time of extra pressure.
Strive to keep within the recommended weight range for your stage of pregnancy.
The good news….in addition to the bundle of joy, after childbirth, the pain and swelling
should subside and varicose veins will improve within three or four months after giving
birth. But continue to care for yourself as you care for your baby. It’s a good idea to
continue to elevate your legs when possible and wear graduated compression support
hosiery during this time. Any steps you take to take pressure off the veins, is a step in the
right direction.
