Around fifty percent of women are affected by varicose veins at sometime during their life, and pregnancy is one of their main causes. During pregnancy, your blood volume is increased, your abdomen presses on your veins, and your hormones change drastically, all of which contributes to varicose veins. Although they are usually harmless, they can be unsightly and irritating, and you will want to get rid of them as soon as possible. While most doctors do not recommend varicose vein treatment during pregnancy, you have several options after you deliver, even if you are breastfeeding.

Wait 

The good thing about pregnancy induced varicose veins is that they usually go away on their own. However, this can take three months or longer after you deliver your baby and often they do not go away completely after your second or third child. To help the process, you should make sure you drink plenty of water and get exercise on a daily basis. 

If you do not want to wait, you see no improvement after three months, or your varicose veins are uncomfortable or itchy, you should try one of the following methods of treatment. 

Topical Treatments 

Topical treatments are generally more desirable when you are breastfeeding because they are generally safer for your baby. However, you should always check with your pediatrician before you start a natural topical treatment. 

Apple cider vinegar is an unverified treatment for varicose veins, but many women use it and it is considered safe for breastfeeding. You simply mix two tablespoons of vinegar in one cup of warm water and apply liberally twice a day. 

Alternatively, creams or oils with vitamin E may give you some relief. You can try rubbing your legs with sunflower or grape seed oil in the morning and before you go to bed. 

You should avoid creams or oils that contain mint or camphor, as these can cause serious problems in young babies. Although only a small part of the cream may pass through your skin, if your baby touches your skin, they can absorb these ingredients. 

Tonics 

As a breastfeeding mother, you probably are aware that many of the substances you imbibe can pass to your baby through your breast milk. For this reason, many of the traditional remedies for varicose veins are not recommended for breastfeeding mothers. As an example, horse chestnut and rosemary are not considered suitable for breastfeeding mothers. 

Citrus fruits, such as lemon and oranges, are thought to aid in circulation. You can safely squeeze the juice of a full lemon into tea once a day to help get rid of your varicose veins. 

Chamomile is a good tea of choice as it can relax both you and your baby and it reduces inflammation associated with varicose veins. Fennel, which is in most milk stimulating teas is also helpful in this respect. 

Endovenous Laser Therapy   

If natural remedies are not enough and you are hesitant to take medications for your varicose veins, you will want to talk to your doctor or a place like Vein Clinic Of Las Vegas about endovenous laser therapy. Although it is a more expensive treatment, costing around $2,000 for one leg, it is safe for you and your baby and almost immediately relieves your symptoms. It involves local anesthesia and the momentary closing of one of your veins to restore proper circulation. It can be a great choice if you are done having children and have had serious varicose veins from multiple pregnancies. 

Living with varicose veins during pregnancy is one of the unfortunate realities for most women. However, you should not have to continue suffering after you give birth. Talk with your doctor and try a few of these methods to see what works for you.