Babylune

Vicious Varicose Veins

by kate baggott on February 22nd, 2006

Don’t gain too much weight, don’t sit for too long, don’t stand for too long…

No matter what you do, or rather don’t do, you may find the varicose veins that tried to jump out of your legs during late pregnancy, are just a swollen after you give birth. The good news is that varicose veins can fade somewhat as you lose the fluid accumulated during pregnancy. Massage and compression stockings can help.

More important though, is the use of compression stockings immediately after birth. My mid wife explained that for the first nine days post partum, new mothers are at a higher risk of developing blood clots (especially if you had a c-section) and some health care providers believe this risk is greater in women who have varicose veins. Varicose veins are caused, in part, by poor circulation. Compression stockings put pressure on the veins and prevents the blood from pooling in your legs, forcing it back up toward your heart.

After you resume normal activity, taking the stockings off will feel especially good. I found that massaging the veins with lavander-cyprus oil made a huge difference in how much the veins stuck out. Still, there are times when the stockings will come back out: When travelling long distances, especially by plane and when I know I am going to be trapped at my desk without a break for hours on end.

I know compression stockings aren’t glamorous, but I take comfort in knowing that I am not alone in the battle against varicose veins.
Men can get varicose veins too.

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POSTED IN: Infancy