Pregnancy: Varicose Veins, Piles and Haemorrhoids, oh my!
Varicose Veins
Women who are prone to varicose veins (swollen or dilated veins that appear under the skin) may find that these develop in their legs during their pregnancy, especially in later months.
Varicose veins may occur due to hormone effects, which lead to relaxation of blood vessels, or to pressure from your increasing size on blood vessels. However, they usually disappear after giving birth.
To ease or prevent varicose veins in the legs, avoid standing still for a long time or, if you do need to stand, move your feet around if possible to improve circulation.
Doing exercise (including foot exercises), putting your feet and legs up as often as you can, sleeping with your feet and legs raised if possible, wearing support hosiery and avoiding hot baths, sunbathing, depilation with hot wax, crossing your legs and excessive weight gain (which can put increased pressure on your veins) will also help.
Piles/Haemorrhoids
Pregnant women also tend to suffer from varicose veins in the rectum (back passage), a condition commonly known as piles, or haemorrhoids, that may be caused by pressure from your growing baby on your circulation or straining due to constipation.
Piles are basically dilated veins that may protrude and which can bleed, itch and feel sore. Although they can make it uncomfortable or painful when you go to the bathroom, they tend to disappear shortly after you give birth. On rare occasions, you may also find that the veins around the opening of your vagina (vulva) have increased in size.
If you have piles, try to adopt the various measures recommended to relieve constipation, which include eating a fibre-rich diet, drinking plenty of fluids and exercising on a regular basis to improve circulation. In addition, your doctor may be able to prescribe something for you, which can help to soothe any pain or itching and relieve discomfort.
For more information and expert advice on pregnancy, please visit Ireland's largest and most trusted pregnancy and parenting website, http://www.eumom.ie
Women who are prone to varicose veins (swollen or dilated veins that appear under the skin) may find that these develop in their legs during their pregnancy, especially in later months.
Varicose veins may occur due to hormone effects, which lead to relaxation of blood vessels, or to pressure from your increasing size on blood vessels. However, they usually disappear after giving birth.
To ease or prevent varicose veins in the legs, avoid standing still for a long time or, if you do need to stand, move your feet around if possible to improve circulation.
Doing exercise (including foot exercises), putting your feet and legs up as often as you can, sleeping with your feet and legs raised if possible, wearing support hosiery and avoiding hot baths, sunbathing, depilation with hot wax, crossing your legs and excessive weight gain (which can put increased pressure on your veins) will also help.
Piles/Haemorrhoids
Pregnant women also tend to suffer from varicose veins in the rectum (back passage), a condition commonly known as piles, or haemorrhoids, that may be caused by pressure from your growing baby on your circulation or straining due to constipation.
Piles are basically dilated veins that may protrude and which can bleed, itch and feel sore. Although they can make it uncomfortable or painful when you go to the bathroom, they tend to disappear shortly after you give birth. On rare occasions, you may also find that the veins around the opening of your vagina (vulva) have increased in size.
If you have piles, try to adopt the various measures recommended to relieve constipation, which include eating a fibre-rich diet, drinking plenty of fluids and exercising on a regular basis to improve circulation. In addition, your doctor may be able to prescribe something for you, which can help to soothe any pain or itching and relieve discomfort.
For more information and expert advice on pregnancy, please visit Ireland's largest and most trusted pregnancy and parenting website, http://www.eumom.ie