This page is currently being developed march 11th 2008 Further topics to be added include

Pelvic floor exercises and weakness, back pain and pregnancy

LEG PROBLEMS DURING PREGNANCY

Are you experiencing any of the following?

Varicose veins

Swollen feet

Heaviness and tension in the legs

A tingling sensation and muscular cramp in the calf at night

These problems can be caused by blood pooling in the legs.  The blood flow back to the hear tis normally supported by intact venous valves which allos the blood to flow in the veins in only one direction AND if the so-called muscle pump supports the flow of blood in the direction of the heart.

During pregnancy veins are effected by

Increased blood volume – Blood volume increases early in the pregnancy by a total of about 20% in order to supply both the uterus and the fetus.

Loss of vascular tone (due to pregnancy hormones). Engogrement of the veins in the legs and in the vaginal region can occur.  The bloodciruclation slows down in these overfilled veins.

Pronounced increase in pressure in the leg veins in both lying and standing, due to pressure on the pelvic veins caused by the growing fetus.  The pressure in the leg veins can increase to several times the normal pressure outside of pregnancy.

Changed composition of the blood, so that water can pass more easily into the tissue.

The blood pooling in the legs causes less blood to return to the heart.  With each beat, the heart therefore pumps less blood.  It thus needs to beat FASTER to maintain its normal output.  (Called Cardiac Output)  If it can’t maintain an appropriate cardiac output you may suffer palpitations, dizziness, or breathlessness.

Increased age.

A family tendency to connective tissue weakness.

Number of pregnancies

.

While swollen legs and circulation problems may be considered a ‘normal’ part of pregnancy, that doesn’t mean you just have to put up with them. 

They are uncomfortable, varicose veins and swollen legs are unattractive, they place a great strain on the circulation for both the mother and the child, they constitute a risk of phlebitis and thromboses.

Anything that prevents blood pooling and helps to drive the blood up hill towards the heart is useful.  Here are some tips:

During pregnancy avoid standing still as much as possible

Do not sit too low down and avoid the hard edges of chairs

Walk, hike swim and cycle (a stationary cycle is safest as falling off the bike can harm the baby)

If forced to remain seated for a long time actively move your legs as often as possible, stand up from time to time and wear medical compression stockings.

Do not take hot baths

Avoid long periods of sunbathing.

In hot weather or on days of strenuous activity, actively cool the legs down by pouring lukewarm or cold water over the legs from the feet upwards.

At night or when resting during the day, lie comfortably with the legs slightly reaised.

Put on medical compression stockings regularly every morning.

Compression Stockings

These can reduce the incidence of varicose veins, swelling, and discomfort. 

The heart can beat slower while ejecting the same amount of blood. (cardiac output).  This is more economical for the heart.

Due to the high pressure in the veins of the leg during pregnancy only compression stocking of Class 2 are suitable.

If you think you would like to order compression stockings, call 07 3420 4474 and make an appointment with Katrina Coleman Physiotherapist for an assessment, and you can be measured for your stockings which will be ordered that same day.  Cost is between $80-$150 for stockings. 

BODYFLOW can also reduce swelling in the legs by helping the smooth muscles in the vein wall to contract.  This machine can be applied on site at Bodymoves Physiotherapy, and a portable version taken home for daily usage.