Mother, Recognize the Causes of Varicose After Childbirth and How to Overcome It

Varicose veins during pregnancy are common as a result of enlarged stomach pressure and hormonal changes. However, in some women, varicose veins remain after giving birth. This certainly can interfere with appearance and even activity. One reason varicose veins remain after giving birth is because the body needs time to recover. The appearance and size of varicose veins usually improves within 3-4 months after delivery. Even so, in some women, varicose veins can stay longer or even not disappear at all.

Causes of Varicose After Childbirth

There are a number of factors that can make varicose veins after delivery never disappear:

1. Twin pregnancy

In a twin pregnancy, hormone production and blood supply may be more than in a single pregnancy. Pressure due to the weight of the fetus to the birth process can also be more severe. These things will increase the pressure on the blood vessels and make you more likely to experience permanent varicose veins.

2. Have given birth before

The risk of varicose veins will increase with increasing number of pregnancies, number of deliveries, and age during pregnancy and childbirth. This is caused by a decrease in the quality of work of 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 family members who also experience the same condition.

4. Overweight

One reason common varicose veins occur during pregnancy is due to weight gain. Pregnant women usually gain weight around 12 kilograms. This weight gain can put extra pressure on blood vessels and cause varicose veins. The same thing applies after childbirth.

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 Overcome Varicose Veins After Childbirth

To prevent and alleviate varicose veins after giving birth, you can use the following methods:

Doing exercise regularly

Exercise can help improve blood flow, thereby alleviating the condition of varicose veins. If there are no health problems during pregnancy and childbirth, do light exercise regularly, such as walking, yoga, pelvic exercises, and Kegel exercises. However, still discuss with your doctor first about the type, intensity, and duration of exercise you want to do.

Pay attention to the position of the feet

Mother should avoid the same leg position for a long time. Don't cross your legs or bend them too deep when sitting, and don't stand too long. When lying down, support your feet with pillows or other objects. These methods will make your blood circulation more smoothly.

Lose weight when overweight

If you have excess weight, try to lose weight with a healthy diet and lifestyle. Being overweight not only makes varicose veins last longer, but also triggers a variety of other diseases. Before going on a diet to lose weight, you need to consult a nutrition doctor, especially if you are breastfeeding. The doctor will provide dietary arrangements that can reduce weight without reducing the nutritional content in Mother's Milk. If varicose veins persist or even get bigger and interfere with comfort, you should check with your doctor. The doctor will recommend a medical procedure to treat varicose veins in accordance with the condition of the Mother.