July, August, September and even October, four months of an Indian summer that seems like an eternity this year for my legs. Like any other person, when the temperature goes over 30°C, I dream about sea and fresh air. But since my last stay in the South of France, I did not realise what a good idea it was to spend my time there.

Until now, I’ve been quite lucky with “only” pains and swollen ankles after travelling for long hours on the plane. Once, I flew from NYC to Miami during winter time. A few hours later, I could not wear my shoes anymore! Fortunately I avoided getting off the plane with bare feet. I had actually brought a pair of flip-flops with me just because I was expecting warm weather on our landing. God, it was only a 3-hour flight. Should I have to wear those sexy support stockings under my trousers?

Now that I am pregnant, the varicose veins are more prominent and painful. Wearing support stockings is indeed helpful and recommended. But it is SO difficult to slip them on without losing balance. Even if I used medical gloves, I managed to make a hole in the gloves AND in the tights after only 2 uses…Very rock n’ roll. I just can’t wear them on a regular basis during summer time with dresses, skirts and open shoes!!! When the weather is bad, I just slip a nice pair of leggings on top of the maternity support and I don’t look like a depressive sausage anymore.
So what is the alternative to unsexy and uncomfortable support stockings? The vein specialist may suggest taking pills…No way during pregnancy. Or drinking herbal teas or red fruits juices, thanks to their draining properties. It is quite difficult to assess the effectiveness of such beverages, unless you drink them very regularly. The issue, when you are pregnant, is that you keep on going to the loo and don’t need extra help there – Correct?

You can also find in chemists beauty products, containing decongestant ingredients such as grape seeds or Ginkgo Biloba, to relieve and refresh your legs. I strongly prefer using a spray for legs, with a nice smell of menthol or lemon. I don’t feel at ease using massaging gel and touching my varicose vein, or being touched where it hurts. That is why I’ve never tried lymphatic drainage. Have you?

Water can be your heavy legs’ best friend or enemy. You must for instance avoid Jacuzzi, hammam, warm wax epilation. If you are brave enough, a cold shower can be really helpful to stimulate the blood circulation. Otherwise, go to the swimming-pool once a week or spend hours in water when you are on the beach for vacation. It really worked for me!

Do you have any other tips to help relieve heavy legs?