Let's take a trip over the imaginary line between the excitement of your growing baby and "Why do my legs look like that?"
Varicose veins, kankles (or ankle swelling for those unfamiliar with the derogatory term) and hemorrhoids all have a similar, quasi-evil source: impeded blood flow as a result of your growing baby.
Think about where those joyful...things...appear: all "dependent" areas, or areas where blood flow must work against gravity. Rather than the blood swiftly returning to the heart, it must work against gravity and the pressure created by the bun in your oven.
When blood pools, the liquid part of blood (called plasma) can leak out and cause swelling of the lower extremities. Or, the back-up of blood can weaken vessels, in some cases, and cause hemorrhoids or vericose veins.
What can you do? Move!
Regular exercise promotes venous return, which can prevent the stress on your veins. Also, avoid prolonged sitting or standing.
As always, discuss your level of activity with your doctor before changing your habits.
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