Varicose veins during pregnancy are common as a result of increased abdominal pressure and hormonal changes. However, in some women, varicose veins persist after delivery. This of course can interfere with appearance and even activities.
One of the reasons varicose veins persist after delivery is because the body needs time to heal. The appearance and size of varicose veins usually improves within 3-4 months after delivery. Even so, in some women, varicose veins can last longer or even not go away at all.
Causes of Varicose Veins After Childbirth
There are a number of factors that can make varicose veins after childbirth do not go away:
1. Pregnant with twins
In twin pregnancies, hormone production and blood supply may be more than in singleton pregnancies. Pressure due to the weight of the fetus until the delivery process can also be heavier. These things will increase the pressure on the veins and make you more likely to have persistent varicose veins.
2. Have you given birth before?
The risk of varicose veins will increase with the increase in the number of pregnancies, the number of deliveries, and the age at pregnancy and childbirth. This is caused by a decrease in the quality of the blood vessels and their ability to recover.
3. Have a family history of varicose veins
Genetic factors also affect the appearance of varicose veins. About 50% of people with varicose veins have a family member who also has the condition.
4. Overweight
One of the reasons varicose veins are common during pregnancy is due to weight gain. Pregnant women usually gain about 12 kilograms of weight. This weight gain can put extra pressure on the veins and cause varicose veins. The same is true after giving birth.
5. Rarely move
After giving birth, the habit of rarely moving can inhibit blood circulation. This causes the pressure in the veins to increase and cause varicose veins.
How to treat varicose veins after childbirth
To prevent and relieve varicose veins after childbirth, you can do the following:
Doing exercise regularly
Exercise can help improve blood flow, thereby relieving the condition of varicose veins. If there are no health problems during pregnancy and childbirth, do light exercise regularly, such as walking, yoga, pelvic exercise, and Kegel exercises.
However, still discuss with your doctor first about the type, intensity, and duration of exercise that you want to do.
Pay attention to foot position
Mothers should avoid the same foot position for a long time. Don't cross your legs or bend them too deeply when sitting, and don't stand for too long. When lying down, support your feet with a pillow or other object. These methods will make your blood circulation smoother.
Lose weight if you are overweight
If you are overweight, try to lose weight with a healthy diet and lifestyle. Excess weight not only makes varicose veins last longer, but also triggers various other diseases.
Before going on a diet to lose weight, you need to consult a nutritionist, especially if you are breastfeeding. The doctor will provide dietary arrangements that can lose weight without reducing the nutritional content in Mother's breast milk.
If varicose veins persist or even get bigger and interfere with comfort, you should see a doctor. The doctor will recommend medical procedures to treat varicose veins according to your condition.
