Pregnancy Varicose Veins

When there is a large increase in the amount of blood in your body, veins enlarge and this is exactly why you may find varicose veins during pregnancy. Added pressure on the large veins behind the uteruse causes the blood to slow in its return to the heart which futher enables varicose veins in the legs and anus (hemorrhoids) to appear during pregnancy.

Not sure what varicose veins are? They appear as swollen veins raised above the surface of the skin, typically appearing twisted or bulging and are dark purple or blue in color. Most often it’s common to get varicose veings on the backs of the calves or on the inside of the leg.

Try these tips to reduce the chances of varicose veins:

• Avoid tight knee-highs or garters.
• Sit with your legs and feet raised when possible.
• Sleep on your left side. This will relieve pressure on blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the fetus.