Pregnancy creates a number of profound physiological changes and stresses on a woman’s body. The additional weight and fluid retention can weaken the veins in the leg, limiting their ability to bring blood back up to the heart. This can lead to swelling, spider veins, or even varicose veins.

An excellent preventatitve step would be graduated compression hosiery. By gently squeezing the legs with more pressure at the ankle and less at the top of the leg, graduated compression hose can alleviate the symptoms of tired and achy legs associated with maternity.