Question:   How can I avoid getting swollen feet, swollen ankles, or varicose veins during travel?

Answer:   Sitting anywhere for long periods of time can make your feet and ankles swell and your legs cramp.  When you're driving, be sure to take breaks at least every hour and a half to stretch and walk around. If there's an empty seat next to you on a plane, train, or bus, put your feet up. When flying, take off your shoes and elevate your legs by resting your feet on your carry-on luggage under the seat in front of you. Since your feet will probably swell, wear comfortable shoes with expandable elastic panels or adjustable straps. Keep your blood circulating by strolling the aisle every hour and doing some simple stretches every half hour. If you're sitting or standing, stretch your leg, heel first, and gently flex your foot to stretch your calf muscles. When you're sitting, rotate your ankles and wiggle your toes.

Pregnancy puts a strain on your circulation, which can leave you susceptible to thrombosis (the formation of blood clots) and varicose veins. There's a concern that flying during pregnancy may increase your risk even more. Wearing maternity support panty hose, which compress the veins to keep your blood flowing, can help relieve the swelling and aching in your legs. Tip: Put on support panty hose while you're still lying down before you get out of bed in the morning, and keep them on all day. If you have varicose veins already, you should wear support hose throughout your pregnancy, not just while traveling!

As noted in our Terms of Use,  the information found on our Web site, including that found in "Ask the Experts," is provided as a general educational aid to our users and is not a substitute for medical or other professional advice and services from a qualified healthcare provider familiar with your unique situation. We recommend that you seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition and before starting any new treatment.

SOURCE: Expert: Ann Linden, Certified Nurse-Midwife, www.babycenter.com

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Recent studies have shown DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis), or blood clots, can be reduced by wearing support stockings, please click Here to review further.

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