Varicose veins on legs...are leggings too tight?

[LoveSnoozeButton]

I got bad varicose veins at the back of my knees and clusters of spider veins on my thighs and calves during my first pregnancy. They faded a bit afterwards but not completely. I'm now 13 weeks pregnant and every few days there seems to be new clusters and purple patches. I'm freaking out because I haven't even put on weight yet....what am I going to be like by December??

Basically I'm wondering about how to make sure they don't get worse. I'm trying to walk for at least 40 min 5 times a week and I keep my feet elevated in the evenings when I can. I'm also trying to sleep on my left side. Is this enough? How much exercise will help the circulation? Also, I've read that you should avoid tight clothes...I'm staying out of my skinny jeans as much as possible but what about leggings and tights? Are they considered too tight? They are pretty much all I wore with dresses during the last pregnancy as they were so comfortable....

[Bluebird126]

Hi
This is a big fear of mine, as my mum has terrible varicose veins from her pregnancies and I have the beginnings I think.

Definitely sleep on left side - a pregnancy pillow like Sleep Genie will help stop you from rolling onto the right, which you do not want to do as there's a major blood vessel (artery?).

Wear maternity support tights, I have the knee highs and you can get them without feet so wear with sandals. These are good for periods when you'll be on your feet a lot.

Don't cross legs.

Avoid standing for long periods.

Don't have the bath too hot.

If anybody knows anything else I'd love to hear too!