Pregnancy is a unique and special process with details that you must consider if you want both the optimal growth of your baby and your well-being, happiness, and figure. During such an experience, this cycle’s natural hormonal and metabolic changes can make you more prone to specific problems. One of them is fluid retention, which can lead to the appearance of varicose veins and swelling in the legs.
At FastlyHealwe bring you varicose veins in pregnancy: natural treatment and practical and accessible home remedies.
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Causes of varicose veins in pregnancy
The problem of varicose veins is characterized by the accumulation of fluids (blood), mainly in the feet and legs, mainly due to vasodilation and a sedentary lifestyle that make it difficult for blood to return to the center of the body. More than something aesthetic, this complication can become a nightmare by mainly generating pain, heaviness, and fatigue in those who suffer from them.
Now, the risk of this situation occurring in pregnancy increases by up to 500%, especially if it is the first pregnancy, due to the following causes:
- Increase in the amount of blood in the body.
- Effect of the hormones estrogen and progesterone, produced in more significant quantities.
- Abdominal pressure and possible obstruction to circulation during the last months of pregnancy.
- The abandonment of physical activity and the adoption of rest during the process.
- Genetic predispositions to vasodilation.
In addition to the pregnancy itself, health conditions from before pregnancy can also influence the appearance of this problem and food and lifestyle care before and during pregnancy, since chronic stress has among its frequent consequences fluid retention.
Natural treatment of varicose veins: hot and cold baths
Getting into a tub, bathtub, shower, or looking for hot springs where you can vary the water temperatures every 3 to 10 minutes would be optimal against varicose veins since these temperature changes stimulate the circulatory pathways to vasoconstriction and vasodilation to allow the blood flow back to the body and renew circulation in the legs.
If it is in your bathtub or a space with options for it, you can add aromas to make the experience something extraordinarily relaxing and even therapeutic.
Speak well with your trusted doctor to indicate any warnings about this procedure, such as if it is appropriate to lie down in a bathtub or if your pregnancy is advanced, and see the possible safe alternatives.
Home treatment for varicose veins in pregnancy: massages
This treatment could not be absent. Massages are essential to take into account to prevent or treat this problem. It would help if you remembered that the massages must go mainly in a distal-proximal direction, from the feet to the knees. The movements can be both linear and in circles advancing little by little towards the body’s center. You can perform these massages after the bath indicated above to maximize the effect.
Natural treatment against varicose veins in pregnancy: elevate the legs
This is a classic against varicose veins, well known among those who suffer from it. Lying down and placing your legs upright against a wall is therapeutic against varicose veins. If your pregnancy is already advanced, consult with your doctor to what extent this position is safe. You can support your legs on pillows or whatever it is that raises them a bit from the horizontal—at least a 30-degree incline. The idea is to help bring the blood down to the center of the body using the force of gravity to do so.
Treatment for varicose veins in pregnancy: keep moving
Respecting the periods of rest indicated by the trusted professional, go for a walk and go for a walk whenever you can. Stay in physical activity without effort, especially during the last few months (for example, avoid jogging on very steep roads). You can practice swimming, Pilates, and yoga for pregnant women, among other aerobic sports, but only as a physical activity for your health, without competition that compromises your pregnancy process.
Both are standing for long periods, and sitting for more than 40 minutes is already harmful and will increase varicose veins or their severity; therefore, avoid these positions for a long time at home. You should also avoid sitting cross-legged.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
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I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.