Anyone had a varicose vein down there??

[jammydodger]

I've got awful varicose veins on my right leg (3rd pregnany, seem to get worse each time)but also going higher this time round ...really sore whenever I stand for a while, very unsightly (not that I'm looking) and I'm a bit concerned if it can be dangerous in labour particularly as I tore badly in previous two pregnancies: what if the vein tears open during labour? (sorry, bit grim). Lots of blood I imagine.

Has anyone had this, any advice or experiences?
TIA

Yes - I had this when pg with #2, and have it again, 20 weeks pg with #3. Like you say, have varicose veins on one leg, but also higher up. Was examined last time by mw and diagnosed with 'vulval varicose veins' (great!) Feels like a heavy weight between your legs, v. painful when you stand up for long periods, relieved slightly by ice packs. It didn't interfere with the birth of ds, and mw's etc certainly didn't seem concerned about it - its just a case of managing the discomfort during the pregnancy I guess. Try to rest while you can, experiment with ice pack/hot water bottle, and try not to worry about it, you won't notice it during the birth I'd say. Sorry you're in pain - you have my sympathies...

Have had the same thing for all 3 pgnancies so well done for escaping the first 2! IME it won't affect labour in the slightest so don't worry. Even with tears nothing ruptured. And it goes away again within a couple of weeks after birth. Same as happynappies - my sympathies because it was pretty much the worst part of pregnancy.

Oh thanks for the replies, it's good to know it didn't interfere with labour, that was what I was worried about.
Just a real pain isn't it!