Varicose veins are veins that have become swollen. The veins in the legs are most commonly affected. You can also get varicose veins in the vulva (vaginal opening). They usually get better after the birth.
If you have varicose veins
You should:
- try to avoid standing for long periods of time
- try not to sit with your legs crossed
- try not to put on too much weight as this increases the pressure
- sit with your legs up as often as you can, to ease the discomfort
- try support tights, which may also help to support your leg muscles: you can buy them at most pharmacies
- try sleeping with your legs higher than the rest of your body: use pillows under your ankles or put books under the foot of your bed
- do foot exercises and other antenatal exercises, such as walking and swimming, which will all help your circulation
Try these foot exercises:
- bend and stretch your foot vigorously up and down 30 times
- rotate your foot eight times one way and eight times the other
- repeat with the other foot
Find out more about preventing varicose veins.
