Varicose veins during pregnancy

Diet 

Eating certain foods during pregnancy may help to ease the discomfort of existing varicose veins, or prevent them from getting worse.

A healthy diet, which helps your blood vessels to function properly, should help to ease the pain of varicose veins. But it may not prevent them from forming if you have a high risk of developing them. A high-fibre diet can prevent piles from becoming worse as this will guard against constipation.

Fruit juice, particularly if it contains red berries such as raspberries, blackberries, blueberries or bilberries, may help to prevent varicose veins. These fruits contain a pigment which may strengthen the walls of the veins.

Not having enough vitamin E is linked to varicose veins. Sunflower seeds and wheatgerm are rich in vitamin E, so try adding these to your morning cereal or yoghurt. Garlic may tone up blood vessels. Use whole cloves of garlic in cooking, or if you prefer garlic capsules, make sure they are rich in allicin, the active ingredient in garlic.

Steer clear of refined and processed foods such as cakes and biscuits. Drinking too much tea, coffee, cola and milk may make varicose veins more painful and lead to constipation, making piles worse.

Try to drink at least eight glasses of water every day. Taking a pregnancy multivitamin as well as having a healthy diet may help to improve varicose veins. But always talk to your midwife or doctor before taking supplements.

Exercise

Some weight gain is natural and healthy during pregnancy. But regular exercise will reduce a build-up of fat, while maintaining good circulation and toning your blood vessels. Try gentle walking, swimming or pregnancy exercise classes. However, excessive aerobic exercise, such as cycling and jogging, increases pressure in your leg veins, and may make the problem worse.

Deep breathing will aid your circulation, which is important in the prevention of varicose veins. But it will also help you to relax and focus. Spend about 10 minutes each day in a position in which your feet are raised above your hips. Inhale deeply and slowly to fully inflate your lungs.

If you have a family history of piles, or had them in a previous pregnancy, regular pelvic floor exercises may prevent them from getting worse this time.

As your bump grows, don’t be tempted to wear your usual clothes. Tight clothes around your groin area, whether it’s too-skinny jeans or tights, may make your varicose veins worse. Avoid wearing shoes which are too tight or which are high enough to overstretch your calf muscles. Avoid sitting or squatting for long periods, and try not to sit with your legs crossed.

 Aromatherapy 

Blend four drops of geranium oil to a teaspoon (5ml) of grapeseed base oil and add this to your bath water. Or try a compress by adding these essential oils to warm or cool water, soaking a cloth in the water and wrapping this around the varicose vein.

If your legs ache constantly, add two drops of peppermint oil to a small spray bottle and spritz it on to your vein. This should freshen it up and ease your discomfort.

Don’t massage directly over your varicose veins, as vigorous massage may be painful, or make your existing veins worse. Spraying your legs with cold water using the shower head may give temporary relief. Or try applying a cloth soaked in apple cider vinegar to your legs, twice a day. Though there is no evidence that this works, it is safe to try in pregnancy.

Herbal remedies

A few herbal remedies may be used for varicose veins, though some should be avoided during pregnancy.

Horse chestnut is commonly used for varicose veins, but should be avoided during pregnancy unless on the advice of a qualified herbalist. Witch hazel is, however, safe if used as a compress, and can ease the throbbing in your legs if combined with plenty of rest. Aloe vera gel may also be helpful, though the herbal remedy is not safe in pregnancy.

 

Try  VRCSE VNS (INTERNAL) and Vein Relief Salve