7 tips to help prevent varicose veins during pregnancy:
1. Keep moving - Getting around can get tricky when you're pregnant. You may be tired or your growing belly seems to be getting in the way. But to pump blood up your legs, you need to move your leg muscles. If you're worried about walking, talk to your obstetrician to see if it's a safe way to keep moving when you're pregnant.
2. Watch your weight - You may have an intense appetite while pregnant, but weight gain puts more pressure on your veins. Of course, weight gain is expected, but you should avoid gaining it too quickly. Your obstetrician can help you determine how much weight you need to gain between doctor visits.
3. Unloading the legs - Lift your legs higher than your heart throughout the day. When you're in bed, put a pillow under your feet to help drain blood while you're resting. If you stand a lot during the day, try to find time to rest, sit down and put your feet up.
4. Compression stockings - Support tights or thigh-high compression stockings work by putting pressure on the outside of your legs. This helps to counter the pressure within the veins and prevents swelling and swelling. You can wear them in the morning, but you should take them off at bedtime every night.
5. Avoid high heels - High heels prevent leg muscles from working, which allows blood to pool in the veins. If you must wear high heels, save them for special occasions and try to wear flatter shoes every day.
6. Avoid crossing your legs - Crossing your legs increases blood pressure in the vein.
7. Sleep on your left side - Sleeping on your left side can relieve pressure on the veins in your abdomen and help drain your leg veins while you sleep.
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