Varicose Veins & Hemorrhoids

The weight of your uterus pressing down on a major vein called the inferior vena cava can slow blood flow from your lower body. The result may be sore, itchy, blue bulges on your legs called varicose veins. These veins also can appear near your vagina and vulva. When they appear on the anus and rectum, they are called hemorrhoids. In most cases, varicose veins do not cause significant problems and are more of a cosmetic issue.

Varicose veins are more likely to occur if this isn’t your first pregnancy. They also tend to run in families. Although there is nothing you can do to prevent varicose veins, there are ways to relieve the swelling and soreness and perhaps help stop them from getting worse:

• If you must sit or stand for long periods, be sure to move around often.
• Don’t sit with your legs crossed.
• Prop up your legs — on a couch, chair or footstool — as often as you can.
• Wear support hose that do not constrict at the thigh or knee.
• Don’t wear stockings or socks that have a tight band of elastic around the legs.

For hemorrhoids, try these remedies:

• Talk to your doctor about using over-the-counter creams and suppositories.
• Eat a high-fiber diet and drink plenty of liquids.
• Keep your weight gain within the limits your doctor suggests. Extra pounds can make hemorrhoids worse.
• Sitting for a long time puts pressure on the veins in your pelvic area. Get up and move around to shift the weight of your uterus off these veins.
• If you do get hemorrhoids, apply an ice pack or witch hazel pads to the area to relieve pain and reduce swelling.
• Try soaking in a warm (not hot) tub a few times a day.