Swelling and Varicose Veins in Legs and Vulva

Swelling and Varicose Veins in Legs and Vulva Swelling or “Edema” o Cause: low albumin concentration, difficulty with blood returning to the heart in late pregnancy; usually positional o Blood returning to the heart via your veins is impacted by pregnancy hormones and weight of uterus Management: Avoid tight clothes Vary positions often Elevate legs during day Rest left side-­‐lying position to maximize drainage of leg vessels A lazy boy is not keeping your feet up – still putting pressure on inferior vena cava (large vein) and impacting blood flow return to heart Ø Treatment: cucumber (natural diuretic – no salt!); drink more water, compression stockings, elevate feet/legs, activity Ø
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Varicosities (legs, vulva) o From legs to labia; due to same reasons as edema o Strain during bowel movement can cause varicosity Management: Ø
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Support hose before getting out of bed Don’t cross legs Engage in mild exercise Avoid long standing/sitting Compression stockings Left side lying position Wear loose clothes 100 mg of vitamin C and 400 IU vitamin E Fish oil (NOT cod liver oil – is high in vitamin A, teratogenic-­‐harmful to baby) For Vulva Varicosities-­‐using a large peri-­‐pad to apply pressure to the perineum