Vein, Vein, Go Away!!

Oh the joys of pregnancy: growing new life, bonding with baby-to-be, and varicose veins....wait...what?

Last pregnancy, this was a non-issue. But suddenly these veins are popping up like a spider is creating a colony on my upper thighs. I've been trying to find out why now? why me? and so far this is what I've got:

Why?

• Prolonged standing (thank you teaching position)
• Warm weather (ha...in Florida warm is an understatement!)
• Increased pressure on pelvis creating bloody pooling in legs
• Increased blood 
• Fatigue (i have been unusually tired this pregnancy)

Now... what can I do about it?

Doc's offer medical solutions, like injections, which possibly work instantly to collapse the vein at a mere $100-$400 a pop. But if you are on a teacher's salary, this is not an option. So what's a blue veined girl to do? First theres the matter of prevention:

1. Low impact activity such as walking, yoga, bike riding. Anything to keep that blood circulating well.
2. Sleep on your left side so your heart works more.
3. Put your feet up whenever possible. Gravity-in yet another way- is not a woman's friend.
4. Special pantihose- I know a little granny-ish but docs recommend them to help the blood flow.

And if you- like me- already have a few, the best suggestions are "tanning"them for coverup with self tanning lotions. Or concealer tricks.

May the blood flow be with you!
Kerry, the Momster