This morning, I woke up and noticed ugly purple marks on my legs. I started to panic until I realized they’re spider or varicose veins. They don’t hurt, but I do want to understand all I can about them as I make sure I stay healthy during my pregnancy.
What are Spider Veins?
Purple or blue, spider veins are typical during pregnancy and occur on your legs, ankles or face. They don’t usually cause discomfort, but they can make your legs feel achy or heavy. The skin around these veins can also feel itchy and burn or throb, especially at the end of the day or after you’ve spent a long time on your feet.
What Causes Spider Veins?
Babies are a wonderful thing! But pregnancy puts a big strain on your body. It increases the amount of blood in your body, which strains your veins. It also increases progesterone, which causes your blood vessel walls to relax. It can put excess pressure on the large veins on your right side, too.
How to Reduce Spider Veins
Spider veins can be hereditary and are often worse if you’re pregnant with multiples. They usually go away by the time your baby is four months old. Until then, try these tips to reduce them.
-Exercise daily.
-Keep your weight gain under control.
-Wear compression socks or support hose.
-Keep your ankles uncrossed when you sit down.
-Elevate your feet and legs as often as possible.
-Sleep on your left side with a pillow wedged behind your back.
I’m seriously committed to reducing spider veins during my pregnancy Are there any tips I’m missing? If something else has worked for you, let me know so I can get relief and stay healthy!
