Varicose veins are swollen veins that develop when the small valves inside the veins stop working properly. Varicose veins are common outside of pregnancy and happen to around 30% of women and 15% of men in their lifetimes. They often develop in the legs and feet because standing and walking puts extra pressure on the veins on these parts of the body.
This is particularly the case with pregnancy, as the growing baby puts pressure on the pelvic veins and increases the blood pressure in the legs, causing the veins to bulge.
Varicose veins are not usually serious, but can cause aching, swollen and painful legs. They can look unsightly but usually varicose veins that occur during pregnancy improve or disappear completely within three or four months of giving birth.
During pregnancy, a combination of factors can contribute to varicose veins. The pressure of the growing uterus puts a strain on the veins in the pelvic area causing them to bulge.
Another cause is that women carry more blood than usual when pregnant in order to help the baby grow and this puts a pressure on the cardiovascular system.
Also, increased hormone levels can cause the muscular walls of the blood vessels to relax making the veins more visible.
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Bluish twisted and enlarged veins
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Aching, heavy, and uncomfortable legs
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Swollen feet and ankles,
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Burning, or throbbing, in your legs,
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Muscle cramp in your legs (particularly at night)
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Dry, itchy, and thin skin over the affected vein
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Homeopathy has been traditionally used to help with the symptoms of varicose veins. Ask your practitioner or doctor for advice on how homeopathy can help you. ∏ Ω
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Reflexology can help significantly reduce the swelling associated with varicose veins.
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Acupuncture may be of use in rebalancing the blood flow.
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Manipulation such as chiropractic and osteopathy may help by manipulating bones, joints and ligaments in the pelvis, easing pelvic congestion and improving circulation in the lower body.
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Aromatherapy can be beneficial. Simply add a little Cypress or Geranium oil to a warm bath or treat yourself to an aromatherapy massage.
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Wear compression stockings in order to encourage the blood flow to travel back up the legs.
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Try to keep within the healthy weight range for your stage of pregnancy and avoid gaining weight suddenly.
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Exercise every day to improve circulation in order to prevent varicose veins. Something simple like a 20/30 minute walk will help a great deal.
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Try sleeping on your left side as this will ease the weight of the uterus and will decrease the pressure on the legs.
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Avoid drinking too much caffeine and milk as this can increase the pain in varicose veins.
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Elevate the legs as much as possible and don’t stand or sit around for long periods of time.
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Eat a balanced diet, high in fibre which will relieve constipation and help varicose veins developing around your back passage.
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Drink plenty of red fruit juices such as the juice of raspberries, blackberries and blueberries.
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Stop smoking as this can exacerbate varicose veins.
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Drink plenty of water as keeping hydrated can help with symptoms of varicose veins.
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Eat foods rich in vitamin E such as broccoli and leafy green vegetables.
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Garlic has been linked to helping tone up the blood vessels so try and include plenty in your diet.
† Medical referral is advisable if symptoms worsen or persist.
∏ On no account should prescribed medication be discontinued, except under a doctor’s supervision.
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Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult a doctor before taking any medicines.
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