FIGHTING HEAVY LEGS WHILE PREGNANT

FIGHTING HEAVY LEGS WHILE PREGNANT

During the last trimester of pregnancy in particular, venous circulation in the legs is compromised: this is called venous insufficiency. A feeling of heavy legs is felt. Varicose veins or edema may also appear. Circulating hormone levels during pregnancy contribute to reducing the elasticity of the veins and the uterus compresses a major abdominal vein: the inferior vena cava.

To prevent heavy legs during pregnancy, you can:

Run a jet of cold water over your legs, massage them from the ankles to the thighs, and raise the foot of your bed;

Wear shoes with small heels of 2 to 4 cm and take short regular walks.

Your doctor and pharmacist can advise you to wear support stockings, which are particularly effective, as well as take veinotonic medications, which are mostly plant-based.