PHOTOS – WELL-BEING: 3 anti-heavy leg postures to boost blood circulation during pregnancy – Gala

During the last trimester of pregnancy, problems of venous insufficiency concern almost all women. It manifests by feelings of heavy legs, edema of the legs or varicose veins. But this phenomenon is not inevitable. Indeed, a few simple rules can be put in place to prevent or relieve these problems.

Why and how. In fact, this phenomenon is “almost” normal. We explain to you : at the end of the pregnancy, the uterus, then very voluminous, will compress the inferior vena cava, and even more when the pregnant woman is lying on her back. This large vein, located in the abdomen, is the one that brings blood from the pelvis and legs back to the heart. Its compression hinders venous return and blood pressure increases in the veins and venules of the legs. And as if that weren’t enough, the hormones of pregnancy tend to decrease the elasticity (the “tone”) of the veins, and these then become even more dilated when the blood pressure increases. The problem is that if it increases beyond a certain threshold, liquid (lymph) passes through their walls and accumulates in the surrounding tissues: this is edema of the ankles and feet.

To relieve sensations, certain oral or topical products are ideal, provided that you seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist before applying or ingesting anything! Today, we offer 3 prenatal yoga postures to boost blood circulation and regain a feeling of lightness in the legs. To your mats !

1. Heavy legs: the half-butterfly posture and hip circles

Manual : Sit with your left leg straight. Place the right heel towards the inside of the left thigh. Place your hands on your baby (or on your stomach if you’re not pregnant). Make circles with the hips for 10 breaths in one direction then in the other.

2. Heavy legs: the pframe of the pyramid with support

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Manual : Standing, move the right leg back, leaving at least one pelvis width between the two legs. Stretch the legs against a chair or a wall. Stretch the spine and continue for 5 breaths on each side.

3. Heavy legs: inversion butterfly pose

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Manual : Lie on your back through the side. Place your feet on the seat of a chair. Open the knees outward. Connect the heels. Place your hands on your baby (or on your belly if you’re not pregnant) for 10 breaths. If you want to go further in practice, it’s on yoginmama.podia.com (29.99€/month (without commitment) or 300€/year).

Also discover our selection of anti-heavy legs products in the attached slideshow prepared by Isabelle Lafond.

Photo credits: Lucrezia Carnelos