Throughout pregnancy many physical changes that affect the welfare of the mother and following healthy habits can control them or minimize the risks. The problems of blood circulation during pregnancy are very frequent and we will see how they manifest.
During pregnancy, for the uterus and the fetus to receive enough oxygen, more liters of blood flow through the woman's body. This increase in blood volume, which is around 40%, circulating in the body, may favor the appearance of varicose veins .
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These are swollen veins (blood exerts more pressure on them) and often painful in the legs, the lips of the vulva (varicose veins) and anus ( hemorrhoids ).
The increase in blood volume also causes the tissues to accumulate fluid, which can lead to the first signs of edema , the most common: swelling of the ankles and feet (to a lesser extent, the hands and face can also be affected).
This happens because as the pregnancy progresses the pressure of the uterus causes the blood to rise to the heart to circulate more slowly: the fluid from the veins is retained in the tissues of the feet and ankles.
They have a higher risk of circulation problems during pregnancy (and more serious) those women who have problems of this type before becoming pregnant. Overweight women and those who lead a sedentary lifestyle also have a high risk of developing circulatory problems during pregnancy.
So, can we do something to avoid or minimize circulatory problems during pregnancy?
Pregnancy circulation exercise
Minimize circulation problems during pregnancy
The practice of regular exercise during pregnancy (if there is no risk) is very beneficial in many ways, also to improve blood circulation. There are some more suitable exercises during this stage that can help you: swimming, yoga, walking ... Other specific exercises are:
When we lie down, we can and raise our legs above the level of the heart and do "bicycle" type exercises, pedaling; also drawing circles with the feet to activate circulation.
Also lying on your back, raise your legs little by little, bending your knees, trying to form a 90º angle with your trunk. It is easier to do it with one leg first and the other later.
Lying on the side, raise the leg that is above, stretched like a scissor and repeat the exercise several times and changing sides.
Seated with the legs together and stretched, performs a flexion and extension of both feet alternately, bringing the tips forward and backward.
Sitting and barefoot with a tennis ball on your feet, roll it over, pass it from the tip to the heel of your foot.
Standing, support the heels and the toes alternately. Without moving from the site you can also simulate the march by raising the knees a lot.
Carrying a healthy diet with a rich hydration (water is your best ally) also helps the circulation is fluid and we have no problems in this regard.
Pregnant women should avoid sitting for a long time or standing without moving, as well as crossing their legs.
During the rest lying down, raise your legs on cushions so that they are above the level of the heart, to "discharge" them.
Relaxing massages during pregnancy can also contribute to better circulation (and also bring many other benefits).
Do not wear clothing that oppresses the body, tight shoes , or heels (especially at the end of pregnancy). A comfortable footwear is fundamental for the feet, normally swollen. Avoid saunas and extreme heat.
In summer, try to be in cool places and do exercises in the less hot moments and without direct exposure to the sun.
In short, although circulation problems during pregnancy are very frequent , there are many ways to minimize the risks. The best thing is to lead an active and healthy lifestyle and if the discomforts do not allow you to maintain a normal rhythm, consult the gynecologist.