Q & A: Varicose Veins

Q: I'm almost 18 weeks pregnant now and my varicose veins are very angry! They are painful some days and big (and ugly!). In fact, my midwife
admitted in a nice way that they are the worst she's seen! Spider veins are developing and seem to be associated with the varicosities. Had them for my first pregnancy too but not this bad. My midwife also said that I take the
best care of myself of many of her clients (I exercise regularly, eat
well, am slim, etc.) Those faulty genetics! Anyway, I am taking rutin
three times a day but don't know what else to do. I tried compression
stockings with the last pregnancy and didn't love them. Any ideas? :)

A: Yes, much of which you are already doing. Good food, exercise, and Rutin are all good, so are compression stockings. You said you didn't love them, but you didn't say whether you wore them anyway and found them helpful or not! Most women find them very helpful, most women hate them, never met one that loved them. If you truely can't stand to wear them, at least be sure to elevate your feet as much as possible.

This is one area where a significant amount of research has been conducted on natural remedies, although the only one listed on that link with which I have personal experience is Butcher's Broom. I agree with the research that Butcher's Broom is effective in reducing the symtoms of varicose veins. Be sure to talk with your midwife before taking any of the remedies.

Finally, you may want to consider surgical removal of the misbehaving vessels after the baby is born.