What to expect from antenatal care for varicose veins

Pregnancy can make leg or vulval veins more prominent as the growing uterus and hormonal changes affect blood flow. Your clinician may ask where the veins are, whether they ache or itch, and whether one leg has changed suddenly. They may examine the skin and swelling and check your general circulation. Most pregnancy-related varicose veins are managed with comfort measures, while unusual one-sided symptoms need a different assessment.

Keep gently active as advised, avoid standing still for long periods, and rest with your legs supported when comfortable. Ask whether compression stockings are suitable and how they should fit; do not buy a tight garment without guidance. Wear supportive footwear and tell your maternity team if skin becomes sore, breaks down or bleeds. The wider appointment structure is outlined in [Antenatal Care Package](/treatments/pregnancy-and-birth-care/antenatal-care-package/).

Seek urgent assessment if one leg becomes suddenly more swollen, painful, warm or red, or if you develop unexplained chest pain, sudden breathlessness or coughing blood. Contact your maternity service for bleeding from a vein that does not stop with firm pressure, or for an ulcerated or infected area of skin.

Ask which activities are suitable, whether compression is appropriate, how to manage vulval veins, and which changes should be reported the same day. Ask how symptoms may be reviewed after birth.