Leg pain in pregnancy

Leg pain during pregnancy can significantly darken such a happy period of every woman's life as expecting a child. Alas, only a small proportion of the fair sex is given the opportunity to survive pregnancy without a single health problem.

The vast majority experience a whole range of difficulties: constipation, vomiting, stomach problems, constant back and leg pain, swelling. Even the healthiest athletes complain about their health. Any ailments are experienced even more difficult due to the exceptional importance of the situation. Naturally, no suffering can compare with the joy that will befall young parents after nine months of continuous waiting. However, if unpleasant sensations during pregnancy can be reduced to a minimum, why not do it?

So, almost every pregnant woman complains of leg pain. Most often, the root cause is an increase in body weight and a shift in the center of gravity. At the same time, the most common problem that causes aching pain and makes long walks almost impossible is varicose veins. Let's answer possible questions about what this disease is, what it is fraught with and how to deal with it.

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How does leg pain occur during pregnancy?

The walls of our veins have the ability to stretch, and significantly. Venous valves have two flaps, when they close, blood, as a rule, does not flow from one section to another. However, during pregnancy, the blood volume increases, as does the amount of certain hormones, which can lead to failure of the flaps to close, which leads to circulatory disorders. As a result, the legs can swell, ache, and even cramps may occur. But this disease can harm not only you: the child may not receive the substances he needs. Therefore, you need to treat this problem with special attention.

Symptoms of Leg Pain During Pregnancy

The most characteristic symptoms of varicose veins are:

• The appearance of vascular "stars";
• Swelling;
• Fatigue. You will have difficulty climbing stairs or walking even short distances;
• Heaviness;
• Burning, itching;
• Cramps that get worse at night. They often go away if you bend your knee.

What to do if you have leg pain during pregnancy?

As mentioned earlier, feet almost inevitably swell during pregnancy. Because of this, your old shoes may be tight. Since the conditions of many types of work force a girl to look perfect in the office, and buying new comfortable shoes, sneakers, boots is not a cheap business, pregnant women often have to "squeeze" their feet into an old pair of shoes until the last minute. As a result, a common problem that expectant mothers face is ingrown nails, scientifically called onychocryptosis. Both flat feet and a carelessly done pedicure can lead to this disease.

The pain experienced when a nail grows in is very intense and unpleasant, it increases significantly when walking. Naturally, in your situation it will be quite difficult to tolerate it.

What can be done to get rid of the painful sensations?

• Perhaps you have a pair of soft and comfortable shoes left? Try to give up narrow fashionable shoes, replacing them with something cozy. Don't worry about public opinion: your friends will understand and won't judge!
• Make salt baths for your feet.
• Don't cut your nails too short.
• In some cases, surgical treatment is necessary: using a laser, special brackets, radio waves.

What else can be done to relieve pain?

In general, to get rid of heaviness in the legs during pregnancy, follow these simple instructions:

• Under no circumstances should you engage in heavy physical labor or carry heavy objects;
• Drink plenty of water, watch your diet: don't eat too much salty or spicy food. Eat more protein foods;
• Book a therapeutic massage;
• If possible, relax by the sea, near a lake or in the forest;
• Use special creams and ointments.

How to Prevent Leg Pain During Pregnancy?

To prevent the disease, it is best to consult a gynecologist in the early stages of pregnancy, who will then be more careful in prescribing hormonal drugs that only worsen the problem. You can be helped by using special compresses and drugs used for this disease (phlebotonics).

Leg pain during pregnancy should not become your constant companion throughout this wonderful period! May your child be born healthy and always bring joy to the happy parents!