MASALAH KETIKA HAMIL - VARICOSE VEINS

Sekarang ni, ini la pulak masalah dalam end trimester 2 nak masuk 3 nih....susah giler nak berjalan masa mula-mula kene tuh...nak baring susah..duduk susah...berdiri susah...nak solat pun susah....kene ari jumaat...isnin & selasa siap amik Emergency Leave lagi...skang nih dah ok skit...tapi bila tgk dlm cermin masa jalan mcm penguin....huhuhu..tanya hubby i kalo tak cayer....

Why am I getting varicose veins in my legs?

Varicose veins develop or are aggravated in pregnancy because the growing uterus puts pressure on the pelvic veins and on the inferior vena cava (a large vein on the right side of the body that receives blood from the lower limbs and the greater part of the pelvic and abdominal organs). This increases blood pressure in the leg veins, and thus influences the development of varicose veins. As the baby grows and the uterus enlarges, the veins become even more prominent.

An increase in the hormone progesterone causes the walls of blood vessels to relax as well. You may just see the blue veins under your skin, or the veins may bulge; you may feel some pain, or no discomfort at all. Not pretty, we know, but varicose veins do tend to improve when pregnancy is over. Several factors, including family history and being overweight, can also contribute to the condition.

During pregnancy you're more prone to varicose veins in your legs -- though you can get them anywhere. Haemorrhoids, in fact, are technically varicose veins of the rectal area, while some women develop varicose veins in the vulva (the area around the vagina) while they are pregnant.

Can I prevent them?

You may be able to prevent them, or at least minimise them. The trick is to avoid putting too much pressure on your legs during pregnancy. Incorporate the following tips into your lifestyle even before you have a problem:

• Exercise daily -- even just a brisk walk around the block can help.

• Elevate your feet and legs whenever possible: Keep a stool or box under your desk, and try to lie down on your left side with your feet elevated on a pillow when at home. Since the inferior vena cava is on the right side, left-sided rest relieves it of the weight of the uterus; thus decreasing venous pressure in the lower extremities.

• Try sleeping on your left side with your feet on a pillow. Wedge a pillow behind your back to keep yourself tilted to the left side.

• Before getting out of bed in the morning, put on special support tights. By putting them on before standing, you'll prevent excess blood from gathering in your legs. Keep a clean pair of knickers and your tights under the pillow so you can easily put them on before getting out of bed. If you have a major problem with varicose veins your doctor can prescribe heavy duty tights but they are rather thick and can be uncomfortable in hot weather.

• Don't stand on your feet for long periods of time.

• Don't cross your legs when sitting down.

• Be aware that excessive weight gain can contribute to the problem.

Are they serious?

While varicose veins may itch or even hurt, their biggest effect is probably on your vanity. Chronic circulatory problems or blood clots resulting from varicose veins are unlikely. Only about five percent of people unfortunate enough to develop varicose veins in the first place develop small blood clots in their veins.

If you have a tender, reddened area on the surface of a varicose vein, coupled with fever, leg pain, or a rapid heartbeat, report it to your doctor without delay. In a small percentage of cases, rapid heartbeat and/or shortness of breath could be signs of a pulmonary embolism (when the blood clot has travelled to the lungs). If you experience shortness of breath and a rapid heartbeat, go to the nearest casualty department, or ring for an ambulance.

How do I get rid of them?

Sometimes varicose veins will subside on their own within three or four months of your baby's birth. But if the bulging veins become too uncomfortable to live with, you can have them corrected surgically. If you think you might want such surgery, you should probably wait until you've had all the children you want because unfortunately, varicose veins tend to worsen with each pregnancy.