For many women, entering the third and final trimester of pregnancy can be filled with both excitement and trepidation. This is because often many of the most "inconvenient" symptoms of pregnancy start to develop such as pregnancy acne and pregnancy stretch marks. In the 7th month varicose and spider veins can also begin to develop.
When it comes to varicose/spider vein lesions, many expecting moms wonder three things: "What is the difference between a varicose vein and a spider vein?", "Why are pregnant women more prone to them?" and thirdly "Is there anything I can do to prevent them?"
Varicose veins and spider veins are similar but actually aren't the same thing. Varicose veins appear on the legs as thick, squiggly lines, green or blue in color, and often slightly raised above the level of the skin. The "spider vein"-- which is thinner, shorter, sometimes reddish in color, and often found in a starburst pattern. (Frighteningly enough - pregnant moms can actually get spider veins on the face.)
As far as question #2 around why pregnant women are more likely to get them, Dr. Jason Rubin, Founder of Belli Skincare, explains:
"The pregnancy hormones estrogen and progesterone are thought to make the walls of your veins weaker, and the large amount of excess water in your bloodstream makes them swell and dilate. They can happen at any time during your life but are especially common during pregnancy, and can range from completely painless to mildly uncomfortable."
To prevent spider and varicose veins, Dr. Rubin suggests the following:
"A good prevention strategy includes regular exercise to increase circulation, leg massage (which also increases circulation), elevation of the legs, and avoiding prolonged sitting or standing. Constipation and straining can also increase pressure in the veins, so be sure to eat enough fiber in your diet, and consider taking six capsules of soluble fiber each day with a glass of water.
Once the varicose vein has formed, you can try wearing supportive stockings to keep it from getting worse. After you've delivered, a dermatologist or a vascular surgeon will be able to offer several treatment methods. Spider veins and small varicose veins can be treated with sclerotherapy, where a chemical is injected directly into the vein that causes it to shrivel and disappear. Larger veins can be surgically removed. Laser and ultrasound treatments are another good option."
A great pregnancy-safe massage cream is Belli's Foot Relief Cream. The Foot Relief Cream is an aroma-therapeutic, anti-bacterial, moisturizing massage treatment that comforts swollen, tired feet and relieves calf cramps. It features peppermint, tea tree oil and shea butter, Foot Relief Cream leaves skin feeling cool and refreshed. (A lot of pregnant moms will be thankful for cool and refreshing feet in these upcoming summer months!)
If you can get your significant other to massage your legs and feet -- all the better! To use, gently massage into affected areas. For best results, keep feet elevated for 10-15 minutes after treatment.
Health Tip of the day: Never massage directly over the varicose vein, because there may be a clot which you could dislodge.
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