Pregnancies and Leg Health

Pregnancy and Circulation
Pregnancy causes an amazing, but stressful, transformation in the female body. Blood flow is dramatically affected during this period due to the added demands of the fetus. In fact, the volume of blood in woman's body almost doubles. Hormones, which add elasticity to the body during this time, also weaken and stretch the veins.

As you know, the arteries carry the extra oxygen-rich blood to the extremities of the body; their thick walls actually help the heart "pump" the blood by contracting during each heart-beat. Veins functions as "one-way" thoroughfares returning blood to the heart. Veins have much thinner walls; these less-durable blood vessels can suffer irreparable damage when subjected to the added pressures of pregnancy.

With each heartbeat, the veins open to allow blood to flow towards the heart. Between heartbeats, the depleted blood is kept from flowing backwards by thousands of tiny "valves" lining the veins.

But the additional blood pressure from pregnancy can cause permanent damage to the valves and vein walls, thus allowing blood to flow backwards (pulled down by gravity) and pool in the lower extremities. This is what causes swelling and that tired, aching feeling in your legs... and the reason why circulatory problems are most prominent in the ankles and lower legs.

Vein Problems
Veins may return to normal after a baby is born. Frequently, however, the vein walls are permanently stretched and damaged. For many women, the vein damage during pregnancy is apparent. Damage veins that are twisted and stretched are referred to as varicose veins. Smaller veins closer to the surface of the leg that show damage are called spider veins.

Vein damage caused during pregnancy can be more than just a cosmetic problem. Mild discomfort caused by continued pressure on weakened vein walls can be a signal that deeper, more serious problems are developing. An important fact to remember is that once damaged, veins cannot repair themselves. They can only be protected, or they will become more damaged over time.

Our factors that can contribute to vein problem are:

          Heredity

          Excess Weight

          Occupational Causes (such as excessive standing)

          Previous damage or inflammation of the vein system

In most cases, your personal risk of "vein disease" is determined by a combination of these factors. For that reason, it's nearly impossible to predict with certainty how each person will be affected.

Tips for better Leg Health During Pregnancy

When resting, elevate your legs above your heart. This will give your veins a well-deserved rest by allowing gravity to assist in returning blood to the heart.

Avoid standing for extended periods of time. Remember, gravity pulls blood downward when standing, putting extra pressure on veins.

Ask your doctor's advice about mild leg exercise. Mild exercise utilizes your legs' muscles as a "muscle pump," assisting the veins in pushing blood towards the heart.

Avoid crossing your legs. Crossing your legs adds extra circulatory pressure on vein walls.

Avoid wearing tight-fitting undergarments and clothes. The goal is to avoid anything that might impede the flow of blood in your body.

Don't sit for extended periods of time. Long periods of inactivity, like car or plane trips, can cause blood to pool in the lower extremities. If you do travel, get up and walk around every so often.

Massage your legs at the end of the day. Massaging your legs helps produce many of the same benefits as mild exercise by utilizing leg muscles to assist in blood circulation.

Wear graduated compression stockings. Graduated compression maternity stockings are specially designed to help leg veins maintain their resiliency during the added pressures of pregnancy. These stockings offer sheer, comfortable and precise support for each part of your leg. They're usually covered by insurance. Ask your doctor about this important option.