Healthy Pregnancy

• Swelling in Pregnancy
  Swelling, or edema, is a very common discomfort of pregnancy. It is es »
• 5 Strange Pregnancy Symptoms
  Pregnancy is an odd thing to live through. Though most women expect ce »
• Breast Changes in Pregnancy
  You may have heard that one of the first pregnancy symptoms many women »
• Late Pregnancy Discomforts
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• Varicosities
  Pregnancy causes changes to the blood volume and hormone levels. The i »
• Stretch Marks
  Contrary to popular belief, stretch marks cannot be prevented. Your be »
• Skin Changes
  Skin changes abound during pregnancy. Some are pleasant, others are no »
• Pelvic Pain
  As your pregnancy continues, the weight of the baby and your changing »
• Nausea and Vomiting
  Nausea, vomiting and queasiness are all a part of the most famous preg »
• Leg Cramps in Pregnancy
  Cramps in your muscles are common during pregnancy. They may be caused »
• Insomnia in Pregnancy
  Insomnia can be caused by a lot of factors: restlessness, the need to »
• High Blood Pressure
  High blood pressure may be physiological or a reaction to stress or an »

Pregnancy causes changes to the blood volume and hormone levels. The increased flow of blood and the relaxation of the muscular walls of the blood vessels leads to a more difficult return of blood from the lower body. They can appear in the legs, vulva, or rectum. The varicose veins in that area that are a result of these changes can be painful, itching, and unsightly. However, heredity does play a part in this process. Here are some ideas to help.

Suggestions:

Massage may help prevent, but avoid if varicosities develop
Avoid standing for long periods of time
Exercise regularly (Swimming, yoga and walking are great)
Eat well, including plenty of fiber, Vitamins A, C, E and B complex
Eat raw garlic, onions and parsley to increase the elasticity of your veins
Never cross your legs
Avoid tight clothing
Support stockings may help if you raise your legs up before putting them on
Raise the foot of your bed 3-4 inches
Put your legs up whenever you can
Exercise the pelvic floor and inner thigh muscles
Horse chestnut, nettle, yarrow, St. Johns Wort and Shepards Purse help improve blood flow
Ointments of comfrey, yellow dock root, plantain or yarrow may help stop bleeding, reduce pain and ease swelling
Hammamelis 6X three time daily for up to a week for painful varicose veins (stop when you get symptom relief)
Calcarea fluorica 6X is good for building up elasticity

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