Pregnancy creates a lot of obstacles for women year after year. Weight gain, skin changes, headaches—all of these are common health and wellness concerns faced during and after pregnancy by millions of women. Another ailment that maybe gets less attention than it deserves is varicose veins. In Boca Raton, thousands of pregnant women and new mothers are plagued with the development of unsightly swollen, twisted veins on their legs and don’t know how to deal with vein treatment during pregnancy.
Varicose veins often develop during pregnancy due in part to the excess pressure placed on the stomach and legs from the growing child. While there are many forms of vein treatment in Boca Raton that can reduce and even eliminate embarrassing veins, the most effective treatment methods aren’t recommended during pregnancy. The longer you leave the unsightly veins untreated the greater the risk you put yourself at for developing blood clots, and the more difficult they will be to get rid of.
So what is a pregnant woman to do with varicose veins and limited treatment options? Taking preventive measures for varicose veins helps a lot, as does the use of certain non-invasive home treatment methods.
Here are a few tips to prevent varicose veins during pregnancy:
- Wear compression socks. You’ll want to avoid wearing clothing that is too tight, but compression socks are a different story. These are specially crafted support hose that enhance blood circulation by applying positive pressure on the veins and preventing blood from pooling in the legs. Dr. Schoenhaus can help you find a pair of compression stockings ideal for your needs.
- Move around more. While you will want to take your doctor’s instructions in regards to bed rest very seriously, it is also important that you move around regularly. Throughout the course of your pregnancy, take the time to walk around as much as possible and engage in light activities. Exercise will enhance blood flow and reduce your risk of developing varicose veins.
- Sit with your legs straight. Crossing your legs impedes blood circulation and increases your risk of developing varicose veins.
- Elevate your feet when you can. This will help the blood in your legs flow naturally out of the extremities and prevent the blood from pooling in your legs, which causes varicose veins.
- Don’t stand or sit for too long. You can stand and you can sit, but try not doing either of these activities for too long at one time.
Before starting any form of treatment or prevention program for varicose veins it is essential that you first talk with Dr. Schoenhaus. By evaluating your medical and family history as well as other lifestyle factors, Dr. Schoenhaus can determine your risk of developing varicose veins and help you learn strategies to prevent their occurrence during pregnancy.
