How To Prevent Haemorrhoids And Varicose Veins During Pregnancy
Ready to get intimate and talk bowel movements? It’ll only be for a minute. Here goes…
According to our research, 10-40% of women experience constipation in pregnancy. And constipation may result in haemorrhoids. Haemorrhoids are enlarged, swollen veins around the anus that can cause anorectal bleeding, painful bowel movements and anal itching. The pressure of trying to pass a bowel movement whilst pregnant (especially if constipated), along with your baby pressing on your bowel can cause the veins to swell, leading to haemorrhoids.
Similarly, the increase in overall weight and blood volume during pregnancy can cause the blood vessels in your legs to enlarge. Varicose veins often look like large, twisted, raised blue or purple veins on the legs – often on the backs of the calves or inside the legs. They may cause mild swelling in the ankles and feet, or aching, heaviness or throbbing in the legs. They can also cause leg cramps. If varicose veins occur in the genital area, they also appear as large, twisted, raised veins.
Here are our top 15 tips for preventing and helping haemorrhoids and varicose veins:
Eat foods rich in Vitamin C such as broccoli, cauliflower, kale, kiwi fruit, papaya, capsicum, sweet potato, strawberries and tomatoes.
Eat a rainbow of berries as they’re rich in compounds called anthocyanidins.
Rest your legs daily by placing them at a 90-degree angle for 5-15 minutes.
Regular gentle exercise like yoga, swimming or walking supports healthy circulation. (Read our article about the benefits of exercise of during pregnancy).
Avoid standing or sitting for long periods of time.
Prop your feet up whenever possible.
Try not to cross your legs.
Avoid wearing tight clothes around your waist, thighs and legs as this can worsen varicose veins. Wearing maternity pantyhose is recommended.
Try not to wear high heels.
Add epsom salts to your warm bath to soothe irritation and help haemorrhoids to heal. You could also soak in a sitz bath for 10-30 minutes, 1-3 times a day.
Witch hazel bark has astringent and anti-inflammatory properties. Soak a cotton pad and apply to the area.
Sleep on your left side as this will help relieve pressure on the veins in your abdomen and help your leg veins drain while you’re sleeping.
Follow our tips for relieving and avoiding constipation during pregnancy.
Follow our tips for relieving swollen ankles to also provide relief from varicose veins.
Follow our tips for minimising leg cramps and restless legs.
Eat a nutrient-dense diet that prevents unnecessary weight gain. Refer to our article about what’s considered ‘healthy’ weight gain during pregnancy.
N.B. This information is designed to be used in conjunction with, and is not a substitute for, the advice of your doctor or health care practitioner.