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  |  Pregnancy  |  Concerns  |  Bulging veins and other nasties
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Breastfeeding tips
Feeding and wellbeing advisor Vicki Scott provides some top tips on breastfeeding in public

Bulging veins and other nasties

by Pat Thomas
continued from page 2
  • Alternatively, you can make your own ointment by blending several essential oils. Try mixing 10 drops each of essential oils of cypress and lavender (or geranium) and 5 drops each of rosemary (or juniper) and chamomile. A massage oil can then be made by adding 15 drops of this mix to an ounce of carrier oil, which should be rubbed gently into the legs, above the varicose area, several times a day. For haemorrhoids, mix 10 drops of the essential oil blend into one tablespoon of KY jelly, then apply.
  • A cool sitz (a shallow bath in which only your bottom and hips are immersed) may help improve circulation. Add distilled witch hazel to reduce swelling. Another trick is to alternate a hot and cold shower spray several times over the affected area.
  • Deficiencies in vitamins E (found in sunflower seeds, soya, broccoli, wheat germ and salmon) and C (found in citrus fruits, berries, kiwi fruits, peppers and watercress) have been linked with varicosities. You should have 400iu E and 1000mg C daily.
  • Acupuncture and shiatsu massage will improve circulation, and so will regular exercise. Varicosities of the vulva will usually disappear after birth. Those in the anus or legs may or may not improve, depending on what action you take to prevent or relieve them during pregnancy.

    If you are prone to varicosities and hope to avoid haemorrhoids post-natally, remember that the way your child is born will also affect whether you get piles, and how easily they are dealt with after birth – a good reason to avoid forceps and ventouse deliveries and really strenuous ‘pushing’; believe it or not the baby will come out without them.

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