Tips to keep your gams glam.
Sure, we can put up with some pesky
pregnancy problems: water even morning sickness. But varicose study estimates
up to 73 percent of women develop varicose disease during pregnancy.
What are they?
Your growing uterus puts pressure on large
nearby veins, slowing the blood flow to your heart. Blood then pools in your
legs (thanks, gravity), causing veins to swell and become “varicose.” “Increase
in both blood volume, estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy are also
factors,” says phlebologist Luis Navarro M.D., director of the Vein Treatment
Center in New York City. “In most cases, varicose veins disappear on their own
after delivery.” If not, a vein specialist will discuss a range of remedies, from
10-minute outpatient procedures to surgery. If you’re predisposed by heredity,
obesity or if you had them in a previous pregnancy, prevention isn’t likely.
What can I do?
Ease the discomfort with these tips from
Dr. Navarro:
We know you know
“Regular exercise strengthens veins, keeps
blood flowing and helps manage your weight, which is a big factor in developing
varicose veins,” says Dr. Navarro.
Be choosy with your shoes
Flat, comfy shoes stretch your calves and
improve circulation
Think before you eat
Salty foods can exacerbate swelling.
Constipation contributes to varicose veins, so load up on whole grains, berries
and beans to avoid this problem.
