Tips For Maintaining Healthy Circulation During Pregnancy

Pregnancy marks a remarkable phase in every lady’s life. Almost all women face circulation-related complications during the third trimester of pregnancy. It happens for multiple reasons, from increased blood volume, hormonal changes, and pressure due to the growing baby in the belly being the foremost. Symptoms it causes include swelling, pain, cramping, headaches, and long-term complications like varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and more. Poor circulation is detrimental to the health of both the mother and the growing baby, as it might result in issues like placental insufficiency and premature birth. While averting these inconveniences isn’t possible, there are some tips that you can follow to maintain healthy circulation during pregnancy. Following are some of such tips.

1. Wear Supportive Stockings

Wearing compression stockings during pregnancy is an effective way to deal with circulation issues. These are specialized garments that are specifically designed to combat the problem of poor circulation. Their special design improves circulation by applying a graduated pressure that decreases as it moves upwards toward the knee. This way, blood pooling in the lower extremities is prevented, which causes issues like aching, swelling, and heaviness in the legs. It’s up to you how long you want to wear these stockings. Either wear them for the whole day or use them for a limited time only.

2. Try Sleeping On The Left Side

Another worthwhile measure to enhance circulation throughout the body is to sleep on your left side. Doing so reduces strain off the large vein of your leg (inferior vena cava) that is responsible for sending blood back to the heart from the body’s lower extremities. Furthermore, it also allows the body’s lymph fluid to get drained properly, which shows its effects to reduce and enhance immune system functioning. For more support, you can even use a pillow to keep your legs elevated, which further betters circulation.

3. Do Regular Exercise

You can even choose to do regular exercises as a part of your fitness regime. This way blood circulation will be improved throughout the body, including the placenta as well. It’s beneficial not just for you but for the baby's health as well, as the baby receives enough oxygen and nutrients as well. Possible options for it include walking, swimming, yoga, short walks, and small pelvic exercises. Just ensure that you don’t continue with any strenuous exercise that might take a toll on your body.

4. Eat Circulation-Promoting Food

Cayenne pepper, pomegranate, onions, cinnamon, garlic, walnuts, fatty fish, beetroot, ginger, and turmeric are some of the commonly eaten food items that are known for their blood flow and circulation-inducing properties. Almost all of these eatables are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and substances that are known to help with circulation issues. Other food options that you can consider during pregnancy include avocados, watermelon, oranges, and dark chocolate. Having all these substances not only benefits your health but is beneficial for the baby’s health as well.

5. Avoid Prolonged Sitting Or Standing

Standing or sitting in the same position for long periods puts more pressure on the legs, which can lead to circulatory issues and even vein-related problems such as spider veins, varicose veins, and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This is why experts recommend pregnant women to move around every now and then; that keeps blood flowing in their legs. While sitting, keep your back and shoulders straight, use a footstool to keep your legs elevated to prevent blood pooling in the lower extremities, and use a pregnancy pillow to support your lower back. Try wearing compression stockings during the daytime to support your legs in maintaining optimal blood flow.

The Long and Short of It

Pregnancy is just like a rollercoaster ride, characterized by numerous uncertainties. While leg cramps, hair loss, and swelling issues are on everyone’s precaution list, poor circulation often falls short of getting due attention. By comprehending the above-given tips, you can ensure getting a healthy bloodstream for yourself during pregnancy. For your compression stockings needs, you can trust our brand—SNUG360. We have an extensive range of compression stockings for pregnant women that offer benefits like improved circulation, prevention of blood clots, and more.