For varicose veins in pregnancy

Varicose veins are common in pregnancy because the growing baby presses on the pelvic veins, resulting in back pressure that builds down the veins of the legs.

Varicose veins can be uncomfortable but aren’t harmful. While they’re most common in leg veins you can also get them in the vaginal opening (vulva), although these usually get better after the birth, and in the rectum (haemorrhoids).

If you have developed varicose veins, you should:

■ Avoid standing for long periods of time

■ Try not to sit with your legs crossed

■ Keep your weight down, as this relieves pressure on the leg veins

■ Sit with your legs lifted as often as you practically can to ease the discomfort

■ Try compression tights, which you can buy at most pharmacies. They won’t prevent varicose veins but can ease the symptoms

■ 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 to put it on a tilt

■ Practise foot and other antenatal exercises, such as walking and swimming. This kind of activity will help your circulation.