Why do my legs feel so heavy in pregnancy?

Heavy legs during pregnancy

When pregnant, the problem of venous return is common. Heaviness, feelings of tension, swelling... Fortunately, this syndrome of heavy legs during pregnancy is not without a solution. 

Where does the problem of heavy legs during pregnancy come from?

Pregnant, the strong hormonal impregnation causes many ailments. Including the increase in blood volume (20% from the beginning of pregnancy and up to 45% at the end), which directly impacts your venous walls. This poor blood circulation results in particular in poor blood return from the feet to the heart. As a direct consequence, this damned feeling of heavy legs. If this can occur from the first trimester, it is especially from the sixth month of pregnancy, when Baby begins to weigh, that it manifests itself. In addition to the weight, of the child but also that of its mother, the heat also comes into play. As soon as the mercury rises, the legs seem to weigh a ton, feelings of tightness and tension appear, the ankles swell... inexorably! As bad news rarely comes alone, painful legs syndrome also often announces the appearance of varicose veins and other venous pathologies that are particularly unsightly but above all, painful. Fortunately, to limit the feeling of heavy legs, homeopathy for pregnant women can help. Find out which treatment to consider in the dedicated article below.

Does wearing maternity support stockings help with heavy legs?

The answer is a big yes!  When pregnant, support stockings  help prevent venous thrombosis (the risk is 3 to 5 times higher during pregnancy) or even phlebitis. Also, do not hesitate to wear them from the beginning of pregnancy. And if they keep you too hot, a refreshing spray of thermal water diffused over them can help you. During rest periods, elevate your legs, this will have a positive impact on venous return. 

Also keep in mind that support stockings help prevent varicose veins. This phenomenon affects 20% of pregnant women. Fortunately, varicose veins regress within two months after birth. 

How to treat heavy legs when pregnant?

Pregnancy or everyday aches and pains, heavy legs during pregnancy are fortunately not inevitable. The solution: do "blood circulation boosting" exercises during pregnancy , but also sports such as swimming (with the approval of your midwife), opt for daily cool showers for the legs, and avoid, as much as possible, sources of heat. In addition to these daily actions, targeted care is added. Menthol, lavender or copper-based, as a food supplement, herbal tea or refreshing jelly: they bring you that touch of lightness necessary to find your smile again... and slender legs! However, be careful, when pregnant, certain anti-heavy legs products are prohibited, due to their composition.