1. Spider Veins vs. Varicose Veins
Spider veins and varicose veins are often confused, but they are very different things and both may be experienced during pregnancy. Spider veins are small red blood vessels that spread out like the branches of a tree. They often appear on the face, neck, chest and arms during pregnancy, but cause no pain or harm and will most often disappear quickly after giving birth. Varicose veins are large bluish veins that form on the legs during pregnancy due to extra blood flow necessary for your growing baby. Varicose veins may be uncomfortable and even painful, and may or may not disappear after pregnancy.
2. A Healthy Diet Promotes Healthy Veins
Diet is the number one way to prevent varicose veins, so eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds and drink lots of water. It is normal to put on weight during pregnancy; however, the more you keep your weight at a healthy level, the less stress you will place on your legs, helping to prevent varicose veins. Supplement your diet with vitamin C every day. Vitamin C not only helps to boost your immune system and free the body of toxic pollutants, it also helps to build healthy and elastic veins, reducing the chances of forming varicose veins.
3. Take a Load Off
When you sit in a stationary position with your feet flat on the ground, blood tends to pool in the legs, decreasing circulating and stressing the veins which causes varicose veins. Try not to sit for long periods of time, and whenever you sit or lie down, prop your feet up on a stool to help the blood flow back to the heart. Try to remove as much tension from the legs as possible, stretching them often when sitting or riding in a car, standing and walking a bit if you work a desk job and avoiding standing for long periods of time. If you are in the habit of crossing your legs, now is a good time to break that habit, as crossing your legs stops the flow of blood and increases the chances of developing varicose veins.
4. Slip Into Some Snug Stockings
Because blood circulation towards the heart is key in the maintenance of healthy legs and the prevention of varicose veins, it is important to wear clothing that promotes blood flow instead of restricting it. Avoid wearing tight panties or girdles which can block or slow blood flow at the waist, keeping it in the legs. Instead, wear tight stockings which help to push the blood up towards the heart, helping to prevent varicose veins.
5. Go With the Flow
Exercise is an important prevention method as it helps to keep your blood circulation flowing. Gentle walking and stretching helps to keep your weight in check and your body strong but also improves circulation in the legs, keeping them beautiful and free of varicose veins.
