From back pain to heartburn to insomnia, the physical discomforts associated with pregnancy plague many expectant women. Because pregnant women experience increased blood volume and weight gain, they're prone to developing varicose and spider veins. Fortunately, there's a simple, inexpensive, easy solution to pregnancy varicose veins: Maternity stockings.

What are they?

This type of supportive legwear squeezes the leg veins and helps blood flow more easily in the lower extremities. As a result, pregnant women are less likely to develop bulging masses of swollen veins known as varicose veins. The legs are not the only place these itchy, painful bulges occur. For example, when the veins in the rectal area bulge and swell, they're known as hemorrhoids.

Some pregnant women are at increased risk for developing varicose problems, especially women who are overweight or obese, who are carrying a multiple pregnancy, or who have family members who suffer from varicose veins.

What brand should I choose?

There are many brands of maternity compression socks for pregnant women, even those who want to look fashionable in their maternity clothes. There are several popular retailers that make patterned, colored maternity compression stockings that are perfect for wearing with skirts or professional attire.

Where do I get them?

Drugstores, pharmacies, and medical supply stores all carry stockings that pregnant women can use. Maternity support hose comes in different levels of tightness, or compression. The higher the level of compression, the more the stockings squeeze your leg veins. Depending on your risk factors and history of varicose veins, your health care provider may suggest supportive legwear that requires a prescription.